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Best Free Software (SyncToy 2.0) Limewire. Your #1 Computer Threat? Best FREE Computer Catalog and Website Norton Internet Security 2009 Still #1 Contacting pcAmerica
Best Free Software (SyncToy 2.0)
I have a list of several really good free software programs which I will share in future newsletters.
SyncToy 2.0 is my absolute favorite FREE software program. It comes directly from Microsoft.
SyncToy helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.
With SyncToy, you can synchronize all of your documents, spreadsheets, photos, business data (such as Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express data), and music with another computer on your network. You can also synchronize your files with an external USB hard drive or a USB flash drive.
SyncToy automatically copies the latest versions of your files from one location to another. For example, let’s say you have 120 word processing documents, spreadsheets and photos on your computer. When you use SyncToy, all of these files will automatically be copied from your source computer to your destination (another computer, external USB hard drive, or flash drive). Only those files that have changes will be copied.
SyncToy offers several synchronization options. Normally, you will want to copy only those files that have changed from your source computer to the destination. You can set SyncToy so that it will copy files from either direction to the other giving priority to the latest file. You can set SyncToy to delete files that are no longer on the source computer.
SyncToy is fairly easy to use. You can preview what is going to be copied before you actually do the copying.
For more advanced computer users, you can set up a SyncToy command file that can automatically do a synchronization at a scheduled time of day (using the Windows Scheduler).
I use SyncToy with every computer and laptop that I own. I synchronize all of my files between my two desktops and my two laptops. I use SyncToy with all the clients that I work with.
It’s FREE and it is my #1 favorite FREE software program.
Now here’s the CONS. If you are a below average computer user (that is, computers are not your thing), it may be difficult to set up and choose the proper files that you need to sync. If you fit into this category, I suggest that you find someone who can help you set up your synchronization.
Once your synchronization is set, you just press the SyncToy icon on your desktop, optionally PREVIEW your synchronization, then RUN your synchronization. Once it is set, it is easy to use.
To read more about SyncToy and download it, go to the Microsoft site at:
Limewire. Your #1 Security Threat?
Have you all heard of Limewire?
If you don’t want to read this entire article, here’s my advice. If it is on your computer or any computer in your business, remove it.
If you’re under 25, you’re probably using Limewire. If you have kids over 7, they’re probably using Limewire. If you have a retail store with access to the internet, your employees are likely to install Limewire on your business computers.
Limewire is an easy to install FREE software program that allows users to download millions of music files, plus photos, videos, documents, and software programs.
Although using Limewire is legal, it is illegal to download copyrighted materials that you have not paid for. It may also not be the smartest idea to allow or encourage your children or employees to download illegal music. In addition, you can download photos and videos that may not be materials that you would want children or employees to be looking at.
The amount of FREE material on Limewire is mind boggling. You can download Beyonce’s latest music, every Beatles tune, along with every piece of music ever recorded by the Boston Philharmonic. Any child or employee can download pictures and videos that would embarrass the majority of readers. You can download propaganda, instructions for making a bomb, and get thousands of dollars worth of FREE software.
I am not here to lecture you about stealing music or looking at dirty pictures. I do want to warn you about the security risks related to having Limewire installed on your computer.
By itself, Limewire cannot cause a problem on your computer. You can safely download it to your computer. Downloaded .mp3 files (music files) are fairly safe on Limewire. It may be illegal, but your music downloads will not add a virus or spyware to your computer. Above all, before you use Limewire, you need to make sure that you have up to date security software (such as Norton Internet Security or an equivalent).
Here are the problems with Limewire. First, you need to be a fairly knowledgeable computer user to keep your computer safe. A novice with little experience can easily get into trouble using Limewire.
Limewire works by sharing music and other files on millions of computers. Millions of computer owners willingly share their music, photos, videos, and software on their Limewire enabled computers. When you first install Limewire, you are given the option of sharing files with others. These files are normally stored in a certain shared directory of your choice. Choose the wrong directory or click the wrong options, and you can be sharing your private information with millions of other people.
As a Limewire user, you must make sure that your business data and other private data are not shared with others. A novice using Limewire is likely not to understand the options.
When you download a file from Limewire, you need to make sure that you are downloading a safe file. For example, music files are called .mp3 files. If you download a song by the Beatles, it may be called LetItBe.mp3. Sometimes, people may try to fool you and you click on LetItBe.exe or LetItBe.mp3.exe instead. A novice who downloads and clicks on LetItBe.mp3.exe will find that they have now been fooled and have downloaded a bad virus or spyware program.
Limewire has plenty of links to click on that can harm your computer. It is not a program that a novice should be using.
How much damage can a “bad” download cause you? 90% of the “bad” programs will be stopped by your internet security software. The 10% that get through could damage your computer to the point where you can no longer use it. You may need to reinstall Windows. Your computer may be taken over by someone in a foreign country.
My advice is stay away from Limewire. If you must use it, make sure that you know what you are doing. Don’t allow your children or employees to use Limewire. If you feel the urge to use Limewire, use it on a separate computer. You can buy a pretty nice new computer for under $400. Just make sure you know how to reinstall Windows. Most new computers allow you to reinstall your computer to its original state fairly easily.
Best FREE Computer Catalog and Website
By the way, neither I nor pcAmerica have any association with MicroCenter.com nor have we received any payments for writing about them. I personally used Micro Center to repair my laptop. They did a good job.
This is a great website and catalog for comparing prices, buying and finding all sorts of computers, parts, and accessories. The best part of MicroCenter.com is their FREE monthly flyer that you can sign up for and have delivered to your home or business.
The monthly 20 page catalog contains photos, descriptions and prices for everything you can think of related to computers. Micro Center sells new or refurbished computers and laptops (HP, Apple, Toshiba, Sony, Acer, Gateway and others). The catalog contains $7.99 4 GB USB flash drives, all types of blank CD’s and DVD’s, hard drives, memory, software, graphic cards, printers, hard to find and easy to find cables, digital cameras, mice, power protection devices, and all else computers.
I have to admit, I have never made a purchase from Micro Center (other than having my laptop repaired). However, I do look forward to receiving my catalog monthly and looking at all the computer goodies packed into their 20 oversized pages.
As a computer enthusiast, I miss all the computer catalogs and magazines that I used to receive in the mail each and every day. Most of the magazines have ceased publication. Most of the computer catalog companies sell over the internet and have ceased or limited their catalog publications. Micro Center is one of the remaining complete catalogs that you can actually hold in your hands and read in … well, let’s just say your favorite place to read this type of publication.
To visit Micro Center, go to:
You can subscribe to the FREE Micro Center Catalog at (submit your mailing address towards the bottom of the page):
http://f.microcentermail.com/asbs/servlet/SS?F=2790842
Micro Center currently has 21 stores within the United States. I visited one of their stores. It was a supermarket of joy for any computer enthusiast and far superior to the now defunct CompUSA chain of stores.
Norton Internet Security 2009 Still #1
Every computer needs a Firewall, AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software.
My best recommendation for those who need to purchase a new software package is Norton Internet Security 2009. The list price for Norton is $69.95 which can be used on up to three computers. Staples and other stores frequently give Norton away for free. You pay $59.95 after a $10 instant rebate. You get a $40 mail in rebate and another $20 upgrade rebate. To get that extra $20 upgrade rebate, you need to show proof of a serial number from a previous version of Norton or any other competitive package. You can download a free copy of a competitive package or send in the first page of the old manual, use that serial number and qualify for the $20 upgrade rebate.
I frequently buy copies of Norton Internet Security 2009 from Staples when the special is being offered. I always get my rebates and always wind up paying $0 for the product. If you don’t like sending in your rebate requests, Norton Internet Security 2009 is frequently sold at various stores and mail order companies such as Buy.com for $39.95 or less.
Why is Norton Internet Security 2009 the best?
If you read the magazine reviews, read the user comments, and read the test results by organizations that rate security products, Norton leads all of the competitors. In past years, I have given you the links to the internet sites that review the best packages. I’m avoiding that this year. I install Norton Internet Security 2009 in every computer that I work with.
I heard from an expert that Norton Internet Security 2009 stinks.
That’s the problem with computer experts. We all have our opinions. The important point to understand is that every computer should be protected with some type of Internet Security software. If you want my recommendation, it is Norton Internet Security 2009. It is the best. However, if you are using another competitive package or have a favorite computer expert that you listen to, then go with it.
Norton has not always been my favorite. I previously recommended other brands. Many computer experts have really soured on Norton. However, the 2008 and 2009 versions of Norton have really excelled in quality. Both use far fewer computer resources than previous versions. Both are much faster than previous versions.
In my opinion and according to those experts who test these products, it is the best.
Should I Pay or Should I Use the FREE Stuff?
There is a great popular and FREE alternative to Norton. It’s called AVG (from a company called AVG Technologies, formerly Grisoft).
This FREE alternative works very well and is a great alternative for those of you who don’t want to spend a penny. AVG includes AntiVirus and AntiSpyware. It does not include a Firewall. Most people can get by with the FREE Firewall protection that comes with Windows or the Firewall protection included on your router.
Here’s the scoop on AVG. From my extensive reading and comparison of software, I would say that AVG is 90% as good as Norton. If you practice SAFE web surfing, and don’t open up emails from unknown people, and use the internet less than an hour a day, AVG is just fine. Personally, I am not happy with 90% and prefer going with Norton.
I should mention that the FREE AVG cannot be used in a business establishment. The FREE version is for personal non-business use. Should you use the FREE AVG at your retail store or business, you would be violating the license agreement (the thing that you click on before you can actually get to load the program but never read).
Don’t forget, Norton is FREE (or close to FREE) if you purchase it on sale and/or when rebates are being offered.
Here’s the link for AVG:
I’m Using Something Else. Should I Switch To Norton?
I would, but I am not going to recommend it. Switching from another product is not always easy. You need to completely uninstall your other product prior to installing Norton. Sometimes, this can be a big headache.
If you are already using something else, I don’t want to be the person that gets you to switch.
You Must Keep Up To Date.
No matter what product you are using, you need to always keep up to date. If you are using Norton 2008, you should upgrade to 2009. In the case of Norton, the upgrade is FREE. Most companies including Norton charge a yearly fee to keep their software up to date. If you are within that year, updating to a new version is normally FREE.
So, once Norton is installed, I don’t have to worry?
Unfortunately, you always need to be careful. Even with the best installed program, it’s possible to be infected. In the case of Norton, I have seen a couple of machines that have been infected with a virus. This normally occurs when the users are fooled into clicking something they should not have clicked on. Norton picked up the Viruses, but required an expert to help to remove them.
Always make sure that Windows is up to date and your antivirus is up to date. You can listen to my advice and use Norton Internet Security 2009, or listen to someone else, but do be protected.
Contacting pcAmerica
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C.E.O. David J. Gosman (djg@pcamerica.com) President Richard F. Rotbard (rotbard@pcamerica.com) Newsletter Editor Howard Y. Gosman (hgosman@optonline.net)
Your PC America Account Managers:
Ken May X226 (kensmay@pcamerica.com) Martin Sheridan X227 (msheridan@pcamerica.com) Ralph Frascone X279 (rfrascone@pcamerica.com) Robert Purdy X280 (rpurdy@pcamerica.com) Ryan Christman X225 (ryan@pcamerica.com) Sam Kahan X223 (skahan@pcamerica.com) Tony Scarpa X224 (tscarpa@pcamerica.com)
For more information on Cash Register Express, Asset Management Software, Portable and Wireless Point of Sale, barcode readers, cash drawers and receipt printers, call PC America at 1-800-PC-AMERICA or 1-800-722-6374 or 1-845-920-0800. You may also purchase directly on the internet at www.pcamerica.com or email PC America at newsletter@pcamerica.com.
You are receiving this email because you either own Cash Register Express or you have contacted PC America and requested information about Cash Register Express. If you wish to be removed from our email newsletter list, please email your removal request to newsletter@pcamerica.com or write to PC America, One Blue Hill Plaza, Second Floor, Box 1546, Pearl River NY 10965. |
I
have lots of favorite computer websites. I have to say, that 
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haven’t talked about AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software in a while. I’m
going to give you the facts of my updated recommendations.
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