Ask Leo!: 2009 Newsletters

Leo's Answers #205 - November 17, 2009

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

Do you have a question for me? Don't hit reply! Head instead for the Ask Leo! home page and search the site first - seriously, around half the questions people ask are already answered there. You can also browse the archives, past newsletters and more. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for then by all means ask your question here (it's the fastest way).

*** New Articles

Does forwarding email introduce risk?

I have several mail accounts. One is on an exchange server and usually accessed with Outlook, which works poorly and is not accessible from outside a certain protected network. I therefore asked for my email to this exchange account to be automatically forwarded to my mail account on Google. The exchange server administrator agreed, but now he is whining that this is a security risk. How on Earth can simply forwarding mail messages be a security risk??

Ah, those whiny administrators. Why can't they just get out of the way and let us do our work, right?

Having worked in a corporate environment in the past, I do understand your frustration. Not all of the decisions or rules make sense.

The problem is I can also understand your administrator's position.

It all boils down to the definition of "security risk".

Continue reading: Does forwarding email introduce risk?
http://ask-leo.com/C3924

* * *

How do I change my browser home page back to what I want?

I upgraded Internet Explorer to Version 8, and I've always had MSN as my homepage. Now, suddenly, the MSN homepage has changed to something called "Preview MSN". It has a white background. I hate it. Can I change it back, and if so, how do I do it?

It's actually fairly annoying, but many software installation programs these days will offer to change your browser's home page "for you" to whatever they think it should be. Sometimes they don't even ask and just do it, which to me is simply unacceptable.

Since I create and use my own custom browser home page, it's more than a little annoying when it gets changed out from underneath me.

So yes, let me show you how to reset it, and throw out a tip or two to avoid it being changed again "for you" in the future.

Continue reading: How do I change my browser home page back to what I want?
http://ask-leo.com/C3923

* * *

What do I do when my backup drive fills up?

I have what I thought was a fairly big (230GB) extra hard drive fitted to my PC which I use for backup purposes. The drive is slowly filling up with all these Incremental backups (58GB free space) left! Can I get rid of any of these old backups? If so, how do I choose?

No matter what tool you use, a properly configured backup is likely to simply collect more and more data in the form of backups as time goes on. If you're backing up to an external drive eventually it will fill up, no matter how big it is.

What to do, meaning what to remove, depends on the type of backup you're doing, what you expect to be able to use your backups for and what other storage options you might want to use.

Continue reading: What do I do when my backup drive fills up?
http://ask-leo.com/C3922

* * *

How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?

I've read your articles about how a secure home wireless network is important. But lets say I'm in a cafe, and I'm connected to their public wireless, is all my privacy compromised? I have a firewall and I suppose that will block any attacks into my laptop, but what about the information I send out such as online banking and the like on that public wireless?

You are absolutely right to be concerned.

There are steps that you need to take to ensure both your security and your privacy.

Continue reading: How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?
http://ask-leo.com/C3269

* * *

If all I do is web browsing, email and video, do I still need to back up?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think I need to back-up because all I use my machine for is internet browsing, e-mail, YouTube videos, and a foreign language subscription online. I have the hard copy of Windows XP if I need to reformat and reinstall. I purposely use and run it leanly so I don't have to back-up.

You need to back up.

Your approach is a fine one, and you likely don't absolutely need to back up everything that I might otherwise suggest, but I still think you need to back up.

In fact, I hear often from people in your position who are very sorry that they did not.

Continue reading: If all I do is web browsing, email and video, do I still need to back up?
http://ask-leo.com/C3921

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*** Comments

A sampling of some of the comments that have been posted recently on Ask Leo!

* * *

How do I close my Windows Live Hotmail account?

Kathy writes:

I just got an email from the "Windows Live Hotmail Team" last Friday stating that they were shutting down some accounts and mine was on that list. Now my friends are getting an email saying to please send $1500 right away to my sick cousin in England...I don't have any relatives in England...I have always trusted Hotmail but not anymore, nor ever again. My advice: STOP USING HOTMAIL IMMEDIATELY!

This has nothing to do with Hotmail. You simply fell for a phishing scam: Is Windows Live Hotmail about to close my account?

-Leo

How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?

isthisthingon writes:

Personally, I think the writer was the one downloading the kiddie porn and is trying to wiggle out by playing dumb. I simply can't believe anybody would just let a herd of teenagers stampede into his or her place of business and use the computer. I don't even let my son's friends use our computer let alone a bunch of kids I don't know. It's meshuga.

A lot of people seem to be falling into your camp, and suspicious of the person asking the question. Obviously I don't know for certain, but I can say this: there are most definitely a lot of people out there who have about this person's level of computer sophistication and knowledge - i.e. nearly none. I hear from them all the time. I think it's at least plausible that this person is exactly as represented.

-Leo

Is changing my password enough?

Tony M. writes:

This may be the most valuable information regarding personal cyber security that I have ever seen. All the anti-virus programs and firewalls in the world will do little good if you're blabbing your "secret" information to the world via social networking sites.

This is precisely how Sarah Palin's e-mail account was hacked. A malicious individual, seeing publicly-available details about her, was successfully able to provide the correct answers to the security questions Mrs. Palin used for one of her e-mail accounts. Through this vulnerability, the hacker obtained access to the governor's personal e-mail.

Thank you, Leo, for such thorough coverage of this personal security problem.

*** Leo Recommends

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As of yesterday, I own 69 internet domains. I've registered them all through SimpleURL, a service of Simple Online Solutions.

It's easy to get wrapped up around pricing when looking to register a domain. SimpleURL's prices are quite inexpensive, but certainly not the absolute lowest that you'll find around. You might be able to save a buck or two by going elsewhere.

But in my experience - it'll cost ya.

Continue reading: SimpleURL - Inexpensive Domain Registration ... with Service
http://ask-leo.com/C3926

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

*** Popular Articles

I get a fairly steady stream of questions asking if some file or folder can be deleted safely, in order to free up the disk space that it's using. The blanket answer can only be "I have no idea" - but if important, there's an approach to try.

Is it safe to delete this file?

My C: and D: drives have many gigabytes of .DAT files under "Documents and Settings". I'm trying to free up space on the C: drive. Can I delete any of these files? I really don't know what they are, how they got there, or why they occupy so much space on my computer!

I don't know.

Honestly, I have no idea either as to what they are, how they got there, or why they occupy so much space. That's the problem with ".dat" files - there's no way to know what they are without more information.

But I do have some ideas on how to determine if deleting them is ok, and ways to do it safely. And those ideas apply to any file type, not just ".dat".

Continue reading...
Is it safe to delete this file?
http://ask-leo.com/C2841

*** Thoughts and Comments

And thus we mark the completion of year 4 of the Ask Leo! newsletter. Who'd a thunk it?

A big THANK YOU for subscribing. I really appreciate it, and hope you continue to find value in my ramblings.

And speaking of newsletters, coming up in January / February 2010 the newsletter will be on hiatus for three or four weeks. Something about my 30th wedding anniversary, a trip, and Travels With Leo.

I'll have more to say as the date gets closer.

And yes, I own 69 internet domains. That may seem like a lot, but honestly, I'm a lightweight in some circles.

'till next time...

Leo A. Notenboom

Bless you for the help!
- Ed

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Do you have a question? A comment, perhaps? Visit http://ask-leo.com/ask to submit your questions.

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Copyright © 2009,
Leo A. Notenboom
&
Puget Sound Software, LLC.

Leo's Answers #204 - November 10, 2009

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** New Articles

What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?

Hey Leo, I just bought a new laptop and I was very disappointed when I found out that my computer didn't have any drivers or cd-roms. As a consumer, can I demand to the manufacturer to send me a copy of the cd-roms system back up? I read about the c:\I386 but I feel like I should have a copy of the system without having to make a copy myself ... am I correct on this?

The only right you have as a consumer is the right to take your business elsewhere if you don't like the practices or service of the vendor you're using. The vendors are actually under no obligation to give you CDs in addition to what's pre-installed on your system, as long as they didn't somewhere state that they would. As we've seen in recent years, they often don't, presumably as some kind of cost cutting measure.

That being said, there's at least one potential confusion in your question that I want to clear up, and before you walk away from your vendor some alternatives that I'd encourage you to pursue.

Continue reading: What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?
http://ask-leo.com/C3917

* * *

How can I sign a digital document without needing to print it?

I am often asked to return a signed and dated copy of a pdf contract. The only way I know to do this is to print it on paper, sign and date it and then re-scan it. Is there some way do this (to create a replica of my signature, the current date, and sometimes a printed version of my name) that doesn't require a scanner and printer and avoids the use of paper?

It's possible, though sometimes it's not as easy as we might like.

But aside from the technical aspects of what you're attempting, the more practical aspect is simply this: it might not be valid to do so.

And honestly, when it is valid, it kinda scares me.

Continue reading: How can I sign a digital document without needing to print it?
http://ask-leo.com/C3914

* * *

Is changing my password enough?

I regularly hear from people who've had their email or other online account compromised, who somehow are able to recover access to it and change their password, only to have the account stolen almost immediately again.

The problem is actually quite simple, though the solution is a bit of work.

First, you have to realize that while someone else has access to your account they have access to everything related to that account.

Second, you have to realize that because of that, changing your password just isn't enough.

Continue reading: Is changing my password enough?
http://ask-leo.com/C3913

* * *

How many copies are made when I email a picture?

When I insert pictures into an email from my hard drive and then send that email, are those pictures saved to my hard drive again? And when I receive a reply with the same pictures inserted, are the pictures now on my hard drive three times?

Quite possibly. Plus one, even.

It's going to depend on your email program, and what options you may have selected, and how the picture was inserted into the email.

Let's run down the variations.

Continue reading: How many copies are made when I email a picture?
http://ask-leo.com/C3910

* * *

Why is Outlook Express sending multiple copies of my email?

There is something strange going on with my Outlook Express version 6. When I send an Email with an attachment it's sent something like 40 times! Of course, while sending that mail I notice on my screen nothing at all about this curious fact. It seems to me - but I certainly do not know why or how - that probably my Outlook Express duplicates that mail and delivers it 40 times! I checked my configuration but I see nothing strange with that. Can you tell me what is the problem and how to solve this?

I did a little research, and I'm finding a couple of common causes.

The good news here is that either should be easy to fix.

Continue reading: Why is Outlook Express sending multiple copies of my email?
http://ask-leo.com/C3909

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*** Comments

A sampling of some of the comments that have been posted recently on Ask Leo!

* * *

Is keeping an image backup of my cleanly installed machine a good idea?

Al Lowe writes:

I follow a similar plan, but add one more: I use a one-line DOS command to update a straight file for file backup on an external hard drive of everything! That way, when I mess up just a simple file or three, I can go get it directly from the similar file structure on the external drive without messing with a restore program.

This command in a batch file will copy only those files that have changed since the last time the batch file ran. It takes a while the first time, of course, but after that, it takes just minutes. It's all in one line, of course:

xcopy C:\ "Q:\Backups\Laptop" /D/S/R/Y/H/I/C/EXCLUDE:C:\batch\NObackup.lst > "C:\Backup.lst"

You can omit the EXCLUDE command, but I don't bother backing up temp dirs, etc.

And you can then look in C:\Backup.lst to see every file that got copied.

If you wonder what all those parameters mean, open a DOS prompt and type xcopy /? and it will explain them and many more.

I've been using this approach for 20 years. It's simple, effective, and fast.

This is similar to a technique I use to backup some of my machines. The limitation is that this will not backup your operating system. If you suffer a complete system meltdown your data will have been saved, but you'll still be faced with a complete reinstall of the operating system and all applications. (A price I'm willing to pay, but only for, as I said, some of my machines.)

-Leo

Why is my "generic volume in use" when removing my external hard drive?

Ian writes:

Hi Leo,

As a tip, I created a folder called "My Downloaded Applications" and inside placed two subfolders called "Bought" and "Freeware" respectively. It now contains every bought or free application or codec Install File I've ever downloaded, including current updates to software originally supplied on disks. I copy this folder to all my machines and when reformatting, it's one of the first folders to be transferred to the clean copy of Windows. Then, once Windows is installed and running, everything else needed to bring that machine up to the same state of functionality as my others is all available from that one convenient folder and nothing vital gets overlooked. Another tip is to download any information webpages that accompanied the application downloads and save them together in individual subfolders so you've got all the install notes and caveats to hand too.

How do I transfer my data if I do a clean install of Windows 7?

Mark writes:

I made 2 backups (1 image and 1 manual file copy including the entire documents and settings folder), but after installing win7 it was all still there under windows.old. Don't take this as an excuse not to back-up as anything can happen when installing an OS. Use the not hard to find Easy Transfer migwiz.exe from your win7 DVD to back-up your settings and migration will be much easier.

Yes, windows.old is what's left behind if you elect not to reformat your hard disk at installation time. I prefer to use the OS installation as an opportunity to really clean up and remove everything that I'm no longer using and anything that isn't needed for the new system.

-Leo

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AWeber is an Email Service Provider (ESP) that provides bulk and sequence emailing services. The most common example might be periodic newsletters: for example I use AWeber to send out my newsletter every week to over ~~25,000~~ 87,000 subscribers.

Not to sound too "marketing-ish", but AWeber leads the industry in an incredibly important measurement: deliverability.

Continue reading...
AWeber Email Service Provider for email newsletters and more
http://ask-leo.com/C3407

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

*** Popular Articles

If one is good, two must be better, right? Not always...

Can I run more than one anti-virus program? Anti-spyware program? Firewall? Should I?

With regards to firewalls, anti-virus programs and anti-spyware programs; can I have more than one of each of these programs installed in my computer? For example, I run ZoneAlarm; does that mean I should I turn off Windows firewall?

I've touched on this before but only addressed anti-spyware programs. The question is more common and more general than that, so in this article I'll tackle all of the big three: firewall, anti-spyware, and anti-virus.

Naturally, the answer on running more than one each of those three categories is different, and varies depending on exactly what you're doing.

Continue reading...
Can I run more than one anti-virus program? Anti-spyware program? Firewall? Should I?
http://ask-leo.com/C2833

*** Thoughts and Comments

My Windows 7 saga continues to be a relatively good one. It's been nearly two weeks and I'm still quite happy. The majority of things I care about all just work.

Not that there haven't been hiccups. I mentioned my printer driver issue last week. This week I encountered at least one crash in a video editing applications (haven't tracked that down yet), my favorite FTP software doesn't quite work (working with the vendor on that one), and - perhaps the silliest - the HP16C calculator emulator that I just love appears to work, but the display remains blank. Apparently it's emulating a broken LCD.

It's way too soon for me to just blanket endorse Windows 7. There's still too much to learn about it, and it needs to build up a track record before I'd feel confident actually recommending it. Many people ask "do I have to upgrade?" and of course the answer is no. If you're happy doing what you're doing with what you have, then keep on doing so.

I have built up enough confidence to say this though: if you're on XP, and you plan to upgrade - just skip Vista completely. There's no need. Windows 7 is probably a safer upgrade overall.

'till next time...

Leo A. Notenboom

Your comments are always so helpful...
- Alta

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- Our Sponsor
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- Leo Recommends
- Popular Articles
- Leo's Thoughts
- Administration

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What I'm Reading

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
by Stephen M.R. Covey

•

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Do you have a question? A comment, perhaps? Visit http://ask-leo.com/ask to submit your questions.

Leo's Answers Newsletter is a weekly publication of Ask Leo! and Leo A. Notenboom. It's also available as an RSS feed at this URL: http://ask-leo.com/newsletter.xml.

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Copyright © 2009,
Leo A. Notenboom
&
Puget Sound Software, LLC.

Leo's Answers #203 - November 3, 2009

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** New Articles

My Windows Live Hotmail account won't close, what do I do?

I am trying to close this account that I have, but I can't, I don't know why? it says always that I have to close my Windows Live account before I can close Hotmail, and how do I do that? I never joined!

Actually, you did.

There's a common misconception around Hotmail and Windows Live that can lead to this scenario. I'll try to clear that up.

But I have to add: there's something about this all that I really don't understand.

Continue reading: My Windows Live Hotmail account won't close, what do I do?
http://ask-leo.com/C3918

* * *

How do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64?

How do you tell if an operating system is a 64-bit or 32-bit?

I'm going to expand that to include both hardware and software.

In other words, how to tell if you have a 32 bit or 64 bit capable system, and then whether or not you have a 32 bit or 64 bit operating system running.

Continue reading: How do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64?
http://ask-leo.com/C3916

* * *

How do I get rid of boot choices in Windows 7?

I have downloaded the retail version of Windows 7 on my "C" drive, but I am unable to remove the boot choice which previously allowed me to either open the RC Windows 7 on another internal HD, or open the Windows Vista OS on my "C" drive. I did format the other HD, which I now use for backups only. The "Startup and Recovery" pop-up window referred to in your last newsletter, which I looked up, does not provide an option to carry out the "edit". Apart from the other details as per your illustration the "edit" option is simply not shown. Please enlighten me how to otherwise remove this 2nd boot choice.

Yep, things changed (back in Vista, I believe).

The good news is that it's still pretty easy to modify your boot choices.

You just need to drop to the Windows Command prompt - as administrator, of course.

Continue reading: How do I get rid of boot choices in Windows 7?
http://ask-leo.com/C3915

* * *

Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?

I did not realize Windows Mail is not included in Windows 7 Professional. Is there a way to add Windows mail?

It's true - Outlook Express was replaced by Windows Mail in Windows Vista, but with the release of Windows 7 even that has disappeared, along with Windows Messenger and a few other items.

To be honest, that's good news for those of us who never used these tools.

But for those who did, it means an extra step or three.

Continue reading: Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?
http://ask-leo.com/C3912

* * *

Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?

I have gotten to like Ubuntu even though I realize the learning curve is going to be rather long. One of the things I do is help poor people acquire computers and Ubuntu is perfect if all they need is an office program, internet browsing and email .

I have started to learn wine but I think a VM might be a good idea as well. I am limited to 4 gigs but I don't game so speed is not that important.

My question is if I run XP PRO on a VM inside of my Linux box will I still retain the advantage of virus resistance? And will I be able to save data on the drive when using the VM. Also would using Win98 be just as well as some of the older people I help have games that they are convinced will only run on 98 even when I show them the compatibility mode.

Yes and no.

Virtual machines, or VMs for short, are one of the coolest technologies I've seen come along for some time. They're still pretty geeky, but as you can tell - I'm impressed.

Before relying on VMs for security purposes, though, we need to understand exactly what they are, and of course, what they are not.

Continue reading: Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?
http://ask-leo.com/C3911

* * *

If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 running Media Center 2005 (XP Pro.) There is a process that I can initiate during system boot that allows me to take the computer back to its original factory settings/state. If I remove the original hard drive and install a new larger drive on this machine then install Windows 7 on the new drive, will I still be able to use this factory settings option if I switch back to the old hard drive or will the BIOS be changed in a way that will make this impossible? I have a USB hard drive case I have used in the past for this drive and would like to use it for back up files but would also like to be able to switch back to XP with it if I don't like 7.

If you replace the hard drive, you will lose that factory reset ability, yes.

But, in all honesty, from what you describe it's not that horrible a thing.

Let's review how the factory settings reset works, why it'll go away, and what you should be doing instead anyway so that you'd never to rely on it anyway.

Continue reading: If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?
http://ask-leo.com/C3908

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*** Comments

A sampling of some of the comments that have been posted recently on Ask Leo!

* * *

Last week's article How should I protect myself when other people use my computer? detailing a shop owner's plight after allowing random people including neighborhood kids to use his computer, only to have the FBI come calling to find child pornography elicited a number of great comments. This comment came via the ask a question form, and I wanted to share it here, as it seemed particularly relevant.

A comment, Leo, to you and to your readers regarding the shop owner who allowed outsiders to use his computer, only to have the FBI come calling.

I spent 35 years in federal law enforcement, retiring recently from the Department of Justice as a federal prosecutor. Never, Never, allow the use of your computers by someone you don't completely and implicitly trust.

Example: John Doe uses your computer and, unknown to you, accesses a child pornography website based in a foreign country. Ten months later, authorities in that foreign country raid the website, seizing with proper court authority the servers. They then trace every single access to that illegal website, and follow the traces back through server after server, and user after user, until finally they trace a connection to your computer's IP address (again all with proper court authority). That's when the FBI (or ICE or Secret Service) knock on your door.

You're asked about your computer and access, and you're asked to voluntarily consent to a search of your computer. Since you have never used the computer for any illegal purpose and have no real suspicion that anyone else has, you agree. They take a look, find the illegal kiddie porn in some hidden file or slack space, and take the computer as contraband (which it now is).

Here's part of the rub: you're not going to see that computer again, or if you do it will be long after a complete criminal investigation and trial has concluded - and by then it will be hopelessly outdated. Here's the worst part: you're going to spend a lot of sleepless nights wondering what your exposure is, if any.

I've directed many of these investigations over the years, and it's not difficult to separate the guilty from the innocent in situations such as these - but that doesn't ease the worry of your shopkeeper reader. All this could be avoided by simply saying "No" when asked for access to your computer - and physically protecting the computer from any outside access.

It's a scary world out there, and you should no more allow access to your computer than hand someone your credit card.

- Bernie Van Wormer

Thank you for some great insight.

-Leo

*** Leo Recommends

Thunderbird
A Free, Open Source, and Powerful Email Client

Mozilla's Thunderbird is my choice for email. I use it all day every day, and I can heartily recommend it as an often more powerful and capable replacement for mail programs like Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail and many other desktop email applications.

The feature list is long, but I want to call out some of my favorite features and some of the things that personally draw me to Thunderbird and cause me to make it my recommendation for almost anyone using a desktop email program.

Continue reading...
Thunderbird - A Free, Open Source, and Powerful Email Client
http://ask-leo.com/C3451

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

*** Popular Articles

It's frustrating when people blame the technology, when what's at fault is not the technology at all, but how it's being used.

Will BitTorrent harm my computer?

Will using BitTorrent harm my computer, and if so and under what conditions will it?

BitTorrent itself is highly unlikely to harm your computer.

However what you download using BitTorrent - well, that's a different story. Some caution is called for.

And I know some of you are asking ... "what's a BitTorrent?"

Continue reading...
Will BitTorrent harm my computer?
http://ask-leo.com/C2825

*** Thoughts and Comments

My laptop has been running Windows 7 for about 5 days now, and I do have to say I'm fairly impressed. Not necessarily with the features, bells and whistles, but rather the "it works" factor.

Following my own advice I did a clean install. I'm running 64-bit Windows 7 Pro, and so far I've not had a single incompatibility. As is my approach, after I got the basics installed (Thunderbird, GVIM text editor, TopStyle HTML editor, FireFox,...) I've continued to add software as I've encountered a need and so far everything I've cared about has worked pretty much as expected.

Last night my internet connection dropped for a few minutes while I was working. I let the network troubleshooter work for a while, and sure enough - it indicated exactly what was wrong, and even though I wasn't expecting it (typically it's my access point that causes problems), it was right on the money. I was fairly impressed.

About the only place I ran into trouble? Windows 7 couldn't find a driver for my printer. Printers do seem to continue to be the Achilles heel. I haven't taken the time to track it down yet, since PDFCreator works just great, but I'm hoping there's a simple solution out there.

And of course, if you're switching from XP there are definitely things you'll need to get used to, just as the Vista switch would have required, but so far I have to say that it's been a smooth transition.

'till next time...

Leo A. Notenboom

It took me all of 20 seconds to remedy the problem in the manner that you suggest.
- Marvin

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•

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Copyright © 2009,
Leo A. Notenboom
&
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Leo's Answers #202 - October 27, 2009

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** New Articles

How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?

I have a computer in my place of business where I allowed many people to access and use my computer to send and receive emails, allowing some of them to apply for their own emails with Yahoo.

One day about nine months ago, I was visited by the two FBI Agents. When they came in my business one of them asked me if I was the owner; I replied yes, I owned the business. Then he asked if I had a computer, I said yes at the back of the building.

I know that what I am about to tell you, I had been wrong for letting others use my computer, however being new to computers, I had no idea of the dangers of that.

...

There's much more to this question ... or rather this story.

I'm presenting it as a cautionary tale.

Continue reading: How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?
http://ask-leo.com/C3906

* * *

How do I transfer my data if I do a clean install of Windows 7?

If I install Windows 7 on my old XP as a clean installation, is there a way to transfer my data without messing up the new installation?

Yes, there is. In fact, it's the only officially supported way to install Windows 7 on a machine that's running Windows XP.

It simply requires some preparation.

Continue reading: How do I transfer my data if I do a clean install of Windows 7?
http://ask-leo.com/C3905

* * *

Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?

Spyware is a modern scourge. It's certainly on the top 5 list of topics I deal with on a regular basis. Some forms actually live up to the name - "spy" ware - software that actually spy's on you, monitoring and recording what you do. Others are worse: acting almost like viruses, hijacking your web browser, popping up ads, or just generally wreaking havoc.

It isn't going to go away any time soon, and the reality is that it requires vigilance on your part to avoid spyware.

Besides taking normal precautions, you must regularly scan for spyware.

Continue reading: Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?
http://ask-leo.com/C2278

* * *

How do I uninstall Windows 7?

I use XP Pro and I installed the free Windows 7 on a separate partition. After a couple of days use, I didn't like Win 7 and wanted to get rid of it but there is no uninstall program. How does one gt rid of this program?

Well, that was fast.

Windows 7 has been out less than a few days, and we already have people who don't like it. Not surprising, actually, since this is clearly a matter of taste and personal preference, particularly for those who are coming from Windows XP.

I'm a little concerned about this "free" version you mention, since there really isn't one. I'll assume you're talking about the release candidate, a test version that will expire next year sometime.

But you're quite correct: there is no uninstall. Instead, you'll need to replace.

Continue reading: How do I uninstall Windows 7?
http://ask-leo.com/C3904

* * *

How do I move installed applications from Windows XP to Windows 7 when I don't have installation media?

At present I am using XP which I have backed up fully with Acronis. If I upgrade to Windows 7 or buy a new PC with Windows 7 will I be able to reinstall programs such as Office 2007 and Adobe PhotoShop CS3 from the Acronis back up as I no longer have the original discs.

No.

A backup is not a replacement for installation media.

And given the approach that Microsoft is taking to the Windows XP to Windows 7 migration path, that may put you in a difficult position.

Continue reading: How do I move installed applications from Windows XP to Windows 7 when I don't have installation media?
http://ask-leo.com/C3901

*** Our Sponsor

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*** Comments

A sampling of some of the comments that have been posted recently on Ask Leo!

* * *

What do I do with incremental backups when restoring?

Michael Horowitz writes:

@Shirley: Image backups are taken to protect against both hardware and software failures. If you are only concerned abut hardware failures then you only need the most recent few backups - how many is a matter of opinion.

However, if you are concerned with software problems too, then you want to have some backups that are very old because you never know when a software problem first occurred. They can easily go without being noticed for a long time, especially malicious software that is out to steal information from you.

How do I fix a cyclic redundancy check error when I try to copy a file?

Chuck Simpson writes:

Just wondering Leo, don't you think it is more advisable to just replace the drive, is total failure not eminant.? when it starts to spit out crc errors. My neighbor brought me a laptop that would not boot, I installed a new operating system on it and it was fine unstill I started installing programs and got crc errors. Check disk revealed a bad block chkdsk /r found dozens of orphaned files,is this not the pretence of doom for this drive? And lastly what article at the top of this page are you referring to that I should read or this post will be ignored, I clicked on "Read the article at the top of this Page" but fail to see the relevance, with all due respect. I gave them a two year old drive from one of my machines and in 3 weeks it failed on them. They must have dropped it or the dog knocked it off the table, so why not tell people that it could be the end of the line for their drive and casper it to a new drive and remain worry free for a few years.

Later
Chuck

The article at the top of the page is the article you're commenting on. People regularly post comments when it's clear that they haven't even bothered to read the article, hence my admonition that they do so.

As for advising them to discard a drive - it's a tough call. The fact is that a "rash of CRC errors" need not mean that the drive is about to fail completely. It could, of course, but it's also not guaranteed. Very often running a tool like SpinRite will both recover the data (something giving up will not do), and refresh the media such that the bad areas are either repaired (magnetic errors) or avoided (physical errors). Data recovery is, after all, an important consideration. With drives being as cheap as they are these days, it's hard not to argue for replacement if recovery isn't an issue, but even then it's not always a simple call.

-Leo

*** Leo Recommends

TrueCrypt
Free Open Source Industrial Strength Encryption

TrueCrypt comes up frequently in Ask Leo! answers. Many people are concerned about things like privacy, identity and data theft, particularly on computers or on portable devices where they might not always have total physical control of the media.

Someone might gain access to sensitive data stored on your computer.

Encrypting your data renders that access useless, even when your computer or your thumbdrive falls into the wrong hands.

And TrueCrypt makes it not only easy, but nearly un-crackable.

Continue reading...
TrueCrypt - Free Open Source Industrial Strength Encryption
http://ask-leo.com/C3444

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

*** Popular Articles

It's oh-so-tempting to just share a friend's internet connection without much thought. The problem is that unless you take precautions, you're trusting them completely, and that's not always wise.

How should I protect myself from other computers sharing my internet connection?

I share a house with a friend who has a broadband connection. I recently decided that I need my own internet access so added a wireless card to my laptop. I purchased good anti-virus protection, and the sort of thing I use the internet for is to look at academic sites, iTunes, a bit of shopping, that sort of thing. My concern is that my friend sometimes uses his connection to download pornography and surf some of the less reputable sites on the net. As a result has had some serious virus problems in the past which often accompany that kind of site. His virus protection is minimal and I'm worried about the possibility of my computer being infected through the wireless connection. So in a nut-shell can my computer be infected/be more likely to be infected through a wireless connection? If so, is there anything you can suggest given that I can't persuade my friend to beef up his anti-virus protection?

The short answer is that yes, you are at risk.

The bad news is that your friend is a part of the problem - he's one of the bad players on the internet.

The good news is that we know how to deal with that, because in reality, we deal with that every day.

Continue reading...
How should I protect myself from other computers sharing my internet connection?
http://ask-leo.com/C2819

*** Thoughts and Comments

Some of you may be old enough to remember the old Ketchup commercial that featured the song "Anticipation".

That's how I feel.

My new Dell XPS Studio laptop arrived on Friday.

Windows 7 did not.

So I've been looking at my new machine, eager to do things with it, but unable to - I want to do a completely clean install of Windows 7.

Oh, I've played a little. I installed Acronis and took an image of the 64 bit Windows Vista system that came preinstalled. I then also wiped it and installed 64 bit Ubuntu, just for grins.

But it's not the same.

Hopefully as I write this (on Monday) Windows 7 will arrive today. (Oh ... wait; shipment tracking says Wednesday! Sigh.)

And so, I wait.

"... Anticipation ..."

I'll keep you posted.

'till next time...

Leo A. Notenboom

Thanks for your oh so simple solution!
- Frank

Newsletter Contents

- New Articles
- Our Sponsor
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- Leo Recommends
- Popular Articles
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(Want out? Just follow the instructions to unsubscribe at the end of this and every issue.)

If you're having problems with the formatting of this newsletter in email it's always available on the web, here.

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What I'm Reading

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
by Stephen M.R. Covey

•

The Gibraltar Series
by Michael McCollum

I downloaded all three in this series - Gibraltar Earth, Gibraltar Sun and Gibraltar Stars - onto my Kindle for reading during a recent trip. I read all three in the space of a week; I couldn't put 'em down.

More of what I've been reading in
Leo's Reading List

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Leo's Answers #201 - October 20, 2009

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** New Articles

Can you have too much RAM? Is 64bit just a marketing ploy?

You recently answered a question about "Why does my computer crash after adding RAM?" That got me thinking about 64 bit systems which are being offered more and more by manufacturers. As I understand it, Vista 64 bit is supposed to accommodate quite a bit more RAM than 32 bit systems (ie: Vista Basic = 8GB, Home Premium = 16GB, Business/Enterprise/Ultimate = 128+GB according to Microsoft.) And I'm guessing that Windows 7 in 64 bit will probably follow suit.

So... if someone buys a new computer (either laptop or desktop) with a 64 bit system, will the comp have a motherboard/BIOS that will accommodate the larger RAM or is this another marketing ploy to get people to spend money for something that won't live up to its potential? From a practical standpoint, can one have too much RAM? In other words, based on existing games, software, programs, etc is there really a need for 16GB or (gulp!) 128GB RAM? If one does maximize RAM would that eliminate the need for a page file? And finally, some packaged versions of Vista came with both a 32 and 64 bit install disk. If someone decides to install the 64 bit system what negative effects, if any, could occur to graphics cards, optical drives, etc?

I certainly don't see any marketing ploys designed in here, but as with anything, a salesman can twist it in several different ways.

What we need to look at are the differences between hardware capabilities, software capabilities, and as you say, understanding just what's really needed.

Continue reading: Can you have too much RAM? Is 64bit just a marketing ploy?
http://ask-leo.com/C3895

* * *

The volume indicator has disappeared from my system tray, how do I get it back?

My sound icon has disappeared. How can I find where to make it show back up on my tray at the bottom of my computer screen?

Not to be confused with an on-screen volume indicator, what we're discussing here is a small icon that sits in the system tray, typically on the right hand side of the screen from which you can adjust the sound output volume.

The good news is that it's typically a simple system setting to display it or not.

Continue reading: The volume indicator has disappeared from my system tray, how do I get it back?
http://ask-leo.com/C3894

* * *

Is it safe to buy software on EBay?

I'd like to purchase another legal copy of Windows XP at a discount. Looking at EBay seems a good idea but how do I know if they are actual Genuine ones? Do I just have to take their word for it?

My question is...is it safe to purchase via Ebay and would you recommend it or not?

It is possible to safely purchase software on EBay. I've done it.

It's also possible to end up with unusable or illegal software, or simply get scammed out of your money.

In exchange for the money you're saving, you need to invest a little time.

Continue reading: Is it safe to buy software on EBay?
http://ask-leo.com/C3892

* * *

Why is my "generic volume in use" when removing my external hard drive?

I bought a new 1TB external hard drive the other day and installed it on my laptop right away, everything was working fine until I tried to safely remove it. Whenever I click safely remove it says "Windows cant stop your generic volume device because it is in use". I checked everything and I didn't have a single program running. I don't want to shut it off manually because I have hundreds of important files on it and I don't want to lose them. can you help?

Oh, just because you don't have a program running, doesn't mean that there aren't other programs running. Heck, that's all Windows itself is: a computer program.

What we have is a situation very much like How can I find out who is using a "file in use"? - except that we don't know the name of the file, or whatever else might be "in use".

I'll show you my technique, which looks very similar to the file in use scenario, as well as cover an easily overlooked common cause or two.

Continue reading: Why is my "generic volume in use" when removing my external hard drive?
http://ask-leo.com/C3890

* * *

How do I reformat and reinstall Windows?

In many of your answers you talk about "reformat and reinstalling Windows". What is that? How do I do that, exactly?

"Reformat and reinstall" is the computer's equivalent of erasing the chalkboard and starting over.

And I do want to emphasize the "erasing" part.

It's conceptually very easy, but also somewhat time consuming.

And if not done with the proper preparation, you could lose absolutely everything on your computer.

Continue reading: How do I reformat and reinstall Windows?
http://ask-leo.com/C3889

*** Our Sponsor

Advertisement. Ask Leo about advertising here.

*** Comments

A sampling of some of the comments that have been posted recently on Ask Leo!

* * *

If phishers had a clue...

Bill writes:

I find it hard to believe that most spam or phishing works but the social engineering can work well on people who would never open up spam or a money scam. A friend realized (right after she clicked) that the "package cannot be delivered" message was suspicious. She was waiting for a package that was a little slow.

My bank has a second page that will display a picture that you have chosen and text that you create, that you have to go through before signing in. My mother and siblings probably wouldn't guess the correct picture or the text that I attached with it. They are the only ones who would say "that makes sense".

It's actually scary how many people do purchase from or fall for spam/scam emails. Enough to make spamming a very lucrative, if illegal, business.

The "show me a picture I'll recognize" security measures are somewhat laughable as they can be hijacked, in a sense, by what's called a "man in the middle" attack.

-Leo

What's a safe web site?

Ken B writes:

I recommend Site Advisor as one step in checking out an unknown website. But, as you point out, the automated tools are not always accurate, so I always recommend reading the user comments as well. Often, SA gives a green status on a site which has dozens of "how can you call this green" comments. And, it is sometimes deluged with fake "this site is great" comments.

It even had our site "red" for a while, which actually turned out to be sort of legitimate. We had an ancient MS-DOS copy of PKWare's free unzip utility, which was apparently bundled with what today would be called "adware". Of course, that one "bad" download caused our entire site to be flagged red. I removed that file from our site, and used SA's "website owner comment" to note what happened. Unfortunately, it took several months before our site went green again.

I hadn't heard of "Web of Trust" before now. I'll keep an eye on it.
Thanks.

What Security Software do you Recommend?

Howiem writes:

After looking through all the comments, I was surprised that Sandboxie was only mentioned once. This program should be a must have for 1) protecting the operating system from web threats 2) testing new programs, which, if they do not work well, confines the problems to the sandbox, which can easily be deleted. 3) Especially good for online banking, since a separate sandbox can be set up for each bank. Conduct your transactions (don't visit other web sites in the same sandbox, log out, close the browser and delete the contents of the sandbox after each banking session.

I do plan to review Sandboxie in the future. I've heard good things.

-Leo

*** Leo Recommends

PDFCreator
Create PDFs from any application that can print.

About 6 months ago, perhaps more, I decided to go as paperless as I could. My prior recommendation of the ScanSnap document scanner was a big part of that and allowed me to empty three drawers of my four-drawer file cabinet, saving documents digitally instead.

Once you're in the habit of creating PDFs from paper documents, the ease with which PDFs can be used, saved and perhaps most importantly - backed up - becomes readily apparent.

As a result I've also cut down on the amount of actual printing I do by changing my default printer to the free PDF Creator virtual printer.

It's not at all uncommon to want to save something, say a sales receipt from an on-line purchase, by printing it. But it's rare that you actually need to save it on paper. Instead, I print to the PDF Creator printer which creates a PDF of the printed output that I save on my computer. If I need to actually print it to paper, either now or sometime in the future, I can simply load up that PDF in a viewer such as Acrobat or Foxit, and print to my real printer from there.

Continue reading...
PDFCreator - Create PDFs from any application that can print.
http://ask-leo.com/C3728

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

*** Popular Articles

The digital equivalent of snake oil, it seems not a day goes by when we don't see an ad or a promotion for some kind of software package that will magically make all your Windows problems disappear. As you might imagine, I'm skeptical.

Do "Fix All Your Windows Problems" utilities work?

I have a number of knotty problems with error messages at present and there are several programs on the net which "guarantee" to fix them. When the offered free scan is invited, they always come up with lots of faults which they will only fix if you subscribe. My usual reaction is that it's all a con to get subscribers but is this true in all cases or are there some programs which really are the cure-alls they claim to be?

I'm sure that there are good programs out there, but like you, I'm very skeptical. I definitely believe that "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is."

As a result, I've never actually purchased such a program - instead, I've either tackled my problems head-on, lived with them, or if things are bad enough and unsolvable I've reformatted and re-installed.

But there are some ways to at least stack the deck in your favor if you do want to try one or more of these types of tools.

Continue reading...
Do "Fix All Your Windows Problems" utilities work?
http://ask-leo.com/C2815

*** Thoughts and Comments

What happens in Albuquerque stays in Albuquerque.

Though I will say that my old MacBook Pro served me well on the road. I transferred my Thunderbird based email to it before I left, and ran Windows XP in a virtual machine when needed, and all went well.

But my replacement Dell laptop should arrive this week, with Windows 7 not far behind it.

Yes, I'll be installing Windows 7 on my new laptop as soon as I can. I don't have any special back channel to get it any earlier than anyone else. I do have it on pre-order, and I hope I'll get it by the end of the week so I can play over the weekend. Assuming the laptop goes well I expect to put it on my desktop machine as well.

And then the acid test: my wife's computer.

I'll keep you posted.

'till next time...

Leo A. Notenboom

Thank you very much for the step by step instructions ... Your directions are clear, detailed and easy.
- Oksana

Newsletter Contents

- New Articles
- Our Sponsor
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- Leo Recommends
- Popular Articles
- Leo's Thoughts
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(Want out? Just follow the instructions to unsubscribe at the end of this and every issue.)

If you're having problems with the formatting of this newsletter in email it's always available on the web, here.

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Share Me!

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What I'm Reading

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
by Stephen M.R. Covey

•

The Gibraltar Series
by Michael McCollum

More of what I've been reading in
Leo's Reading List

More Links

The Tip Jar

Buy Leo a Latte!
(or Buy Leo a Beer)

Administration

Do you have a question? A comment, perhaps? Visit http://ask-leo.com/ask to submit your questions.

Leo's Answers Newsletter is a weekly publication of Ask Leo! and Leo A. Notenboom. It's also available as an RSS feed at this URL: http://ask-leo.com/newsletter.xml.

I'd sure appreciate it if regular readers got a subscription of their own. You can sign up at http://newsletter.ask-leo.com.

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