Sunday, October 12, 2008

Modern CD burners test their boundaries

Hanover - Ten years ago, a computer with a built-in CD burner was a big deal. Owners could be sure to broader their circle of friends and music collection. A few technological leaps later meant it only took half an hour to burn a CD. Another few leaps have brought us to where we are now: an age where it only takes minutes to burn a CD. Multiformat disc burners for CDs and DVDs are standard issue, even in laptops, with the required software usually bundled in. "A burner and the necessary software are included with nearly every computer," says Jaroslav Smycek of the Lower Saxony Consumer's Central in Hanover. "Most people don't need to buy extra programs.

The average person planning to burn some discs should be fine with the pre-packed material."OEM versions of the software can copy CDs, burn music, archive photos and save personal data onto CD easily. But video storage can sometimes lead to problems.

But a lot of burning programs available for between 10 and 100 euros (14 to 140 dollars) can handle that kind of work. "These are all-around programs that usually fall into a completely different category than basic burning programs," says Martin Gollwitzer of the Munich-based Chip magazine. But there are drawbacks meaning the commercial software shouldn't necessarily be a customer's first choice. "The customer gets huge disc burning packages and never use many of the functions."It makes more sense for most people to stick with the basic burning software and buy a special program, if needed. Anyone who wants to edit video is better off with a video editing program, not with the accessories of some disc burning software."But even then, consumers don't necessarily need to buy expensive software.

"There's amazing freeware. It"s astounding what it can do."The freeware might not be able to compete with top-of-the-line software. "But the pre-installed OEM softwares can keep pace with and sometimes surpass the rest." Even market leader Nero finds itself outdone in some areas. "ImgBurn, RescueAgent or IsoBuster come out ahead of Nero, which is good, but expensive, in some areas," says Gollwitzer.

Jenny Menhart of Nero does not agree fully. "There are some features that freeware and the OEM versions just can't perform. Additionally, with purchased software, you can be sure that there will be support for problems and that everything is legally sound."On top of that, today's disc burning software does far more than just burn. "It secures data, it helps with manipulating audio and video, it restores data, it makes slide shows and lets you watch TV. The newest version of Nero has 21 applications."So, what are you allowed to burn? "As a general rule, you are allowed to copy for your own personal use, but not for commercial use," explains Thomas Lapp, a lawyer from Frankfurt am Main who specializes in information technology. "Anyone who wants to make a backup of their music or software is legally fine.

Even people who burn music for a partner or their parents are in the clear."But that's as far as those rights go. Burning copies for friends is not considered fair. "You cannot upload music to exchanges, not to mention selling burned CDs."There's another limitation. If you need to get around a copy protection to burn a copy, that's banned also. Smyzek says legal questions have been a problem for years. "No one knows for certain what 'personal use' means. It's especially dangerous with programs where you can get around a simple copy protection fairly easily, sometimes without the user even noticing."Technically, it's not a problem.

But legally it is. There is one upside: "A lot of music labels are doing away with copy protection because they realize they are driving away their customers."Nevertheless, CD and DVD burning is now commonplace, says Smycek. "Hardware and programs have matured. Blank discs have also gotten better."And what about the new Blu-ray format? 2There's already good software that's good at burning those new discs," says Gollwitzer. "

But, as a rule, we are at the stage with Blu-ray where we were a few years ago: stuff is happening, but none of it has matured. I would wait."Additionally, expensive blank Blu-ray discs for backups or transporting data might never take off. "You can get an 8 GB USB stick for 10 euros. Who's going to burn a disc?"

Thursday, August 28, 2008

AVGU Anti Virus & Anti Spyware 9

Publisher's description of AVGU Anti Virus & Anti Spyware

From Bokepma:

AVGU Anti Virus & Anti Spyware is free application to remove any virus and spyware on your PC. Remove any malicious program and virus suspected. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.


DOWN LOAD HERE


http://www.download.com/3001-2239_4-10854098.html?spi=d4295dfcbbf22c7922afd2f22cc96904

Norton AntiVirus 2008

Publisher's description of Norton AntiVirus

From Symantec:

Norton AntiVirus blocks viruses and spyware with advanced protection. It helps protect your entire computer by stopping viruses, spyware, and other security risks. Norton AntiVirus works in the background so you can surf the Internet, read the news, play games, and download software or music without disruption. It also scans and cleans all email and instant messaging (IM) attachments, preventing you from receiving viruses, or spreading them to others. With set-it and forget-it functionality, Norton AntiVirus checks for updates continuously and automatically blocks new and emerging threats from getting on your system. In addition to protection updates, Norton AntiVirus provides new product features as available throughout your service subscription. Version 2008 improves performance.

Note: The Download Now link will direct you to the developer's site where you'll be asked to provide your e-mail address to download a file.

Editor's review of Norton AntiVirus

  • 5.0 stars

  • "Norton remains strong"

Although Symantec provides users with a full-function 15-day trial of its Norton AntiVirus 2008 program, which is good, there are a few gotchas along the way.

One, to download, you must provide your name and e-mail address to Symantec. Two, you will be asked to load the Yahoo toolbar along with the demo Norton AntiVirus 2008 (we suggest you disable that). Three, you will be asked to provide name, address, and phone number before continuing (we found that by hitting Next three times, we were finally offered a Skip option).

Once installed, however, the protection provided by Norton is quite good, even excellent, removing viruses, spyware, and rootkits alike. We could do without the thick, oppressive interface, and wish there were more configuration options beyond enable or disable, and more documentation to explain these options. Finally, beware the premium services being offered in the technical support section; for example, having an expert remotely repair your computer could cost you $69.

There is an uninstall option within the Norton AntiVirus 2008 trial, although after our 15-day trial period ended, we needed to use the Norton Removal Tool to completely remove all traces. While companies often leave some data behind to prevent serial trial users, Norton leaves behind more registry changes and files than most.

DOWN LOAD HERE

http://response.nortonfromsymantec.com/servlet/campaignrespondent?_ID_=symantec.222&country_iso=US&lang_locale=eng&product=Norton%20Antivirus%202008&vendor=CNET&email=norton@nortonfromsymantec.com


Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5

Publisher's description of Webroot Spy Sweeper

From Webroot Software:

Webroot Spy Sweeper is a tool used to stay safe from spyware, adware, keyloggers, and Trojans, all of which can lead to identity theft and fraud. With Webroot Spy Sweeper installed on your PC, you can use the Internet without fear of infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper uses powerful Smart Shields that block threats before they can infect your computer and even scan incoming and outgoing emails for infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper quickly and effectively provides maximum protection with minimal interaction. With an easy-to-use console and customizable options, Webroot Spy Sweeper makes maximum protection a snap, plus Webroot offers FREE US-based phone and email support. You won't have to scan and restart your PC over and over with Webroot Spy Sweeper - one sweep and your PC is clean.

Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.


Editor's review of Webroot Spy Sweeper

  • 3.0 stars

  • "Sweep for threats"

This rock-solid antispyware tool gets an upgrade for Windows Vista compatibility, but with its spyware-removal limitation, the protection offered is only as good as the money you pay for it.

The interface is easy to understand, and the Home section should steer new users to the necessities: starting a scan, checking shield status, and updating definitions. As in older versions, the Quarantine section will let you restore any components accidentally altered after a system scan. The Sweep option includes a flexible scheduler, the ability to change the default scanning method level, and other options to customize the program. In addition to its real-time, browser, and ActiveX shields, the app offers several barriers to other threats such as Windows Messenger Service exploits, keyloggers, rogue start-up items, and pesky rootkits.

There were no problems running the app on Vista, but be sure to uninstall any other third-party antivirus apps to avoid conflicts. Unfortunately, Spy Sweeper maintains its detection-only trial limitation, making it impossible to test how well it actually removes malware. Anybody concerned with keeping malicious software and viruses off their computer shouldn't bother with the trial unless they're pretty sure they're going to buy the full version.


DOWN LOAD HERE


http://www.webroot.com//En_US/land-spysweeper-freescan.html?rc=4257&ac=ppdss08




Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus 5.5

Publisher's description of Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus

From Webroot Software:

Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus offers combined protection at a better value than other suites or multiple stand-alone products. It protects from the two most dangerous threats - viruses and spyware - plus Webroot offers FREE US-based phone and email support. With advanced detection and removal capabilities, even the most dangerous files are removed in a single sweep. You will not have to scan and restart your PC repeatedly with Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus - one sweep and your PC is clean. The easy-to-use console and customizable options makes maximum protection a snap. Additionally, Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus uses advanced smart shields that can detect, remove and block multiple forms of malware in real-time ensuring overall system performance.

Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.



Editor's review of Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus

This rock-solid antispyware tool gets an upgrade for Windows Vista compatibility, but with its spyware-removal limitation, the protection offered is only as good as the money you pay for it.

The interface is easy to understand, and the Home section should steer new users to the necessities: starting a scan, checking shield status, and updating definitions. As in older versions, the Quarantine section will let you restore any components accidentally altered after a system scan. The Sweep option includes a flexible scheduler, the ability to change the default scanning method level, and other options to customize the program. In addition to its real-time, browser, and ActiveX shields, the app offers several barriers to other threats such as Windows Messenger Service exploits, keyloggers, rogue start-up items, and pesky rootkits.

There were no problems running the app on Vista, but be sure to uninstall any other third-party antivirus apps to avoid conflicts. Unfortunately, Spy Sweeper maintains its detection-only trial limitation, making it impossible to test how well it actually removes malware. Anybody concerned with keeping malicious software and viruses off their computer shouldn't bother with the trial unless they're pretty sure they're going to buy the full version.

Most popular Antivirus Software downloads

  1. 1,906,681 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
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DOWN LOAD HERE

http://www.webroot.com/land/freescan_ssav.php?rc=5240&ac=ppdssav08

ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition 3.5

Publisher's description of ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition

From PC Tools:

ThreatFire is unlike traditional antivirus products that rely on old fashioned "signature" technology and require updating every time a new threat occurs. ThreatFire's patent-pending ActiveDefense technology provides powerful protection against zero-day and emerging threats. It constantly monitors for both known and unknown viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, buffer overflows, spyware, adware and other malware. It uses behavioral analysis to hunt down and paralyze threats that are too new or too clever to be recognized by traditional "signature-based" antivirus software. ThreatFire is the perfect complement to traditional antivirus programs.


Editor's review of ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition

  • 4.0 stars

  • "Real-time protection"

Editors note: This review was modified from the original to reflect changes in the publishers description of the product as a complementary rather than standalone package.

Called CyberHawk under its previous owners, PC Tools' ThreatFire is a useful program but only in limited situations. It offers real-time prevention of virus and malware infections by identifying suspicious behaviors ("zero-day" events) as they happen, before malicious code installs itself on your PC. However, ThreatFire does not offer an on-demand scan for viruses already on your computer, though it will perform an on-demand scan for other malware. The name says "antivirus", but if you're looking for an all-in-one on-demand bug killer we recommend looking for a product that includes both on-demand virus scanning and real-time protection.

ThreatFire does do some things very well. The software real-time protection didn't noticeably slow down our Windows Vista computer, and the customizable advanced settings were excellent. Users can pick and choose their preferred trusted processes and create rules for detection, such as scanning for SCR files created by an email client. You can also avail yourself of the scheduler, and create a system restore point before moving threats into quarantine.

However, once installed, ThreatFire is difficult to remove from your startup routine without uninstalling it. The absence of on-demand virus scanning means that this app is best used in conjunction with a program that offers on-demand virus detection and removal. While ThreatFire offers some compelling features, competing freeware security programs provide a more comprehensive combination of real-time and on-demand virus scanning.

DOWNLOAD HERE

http://www.threatfire.com/?utm_source=download.com&utm_medium=frontdoor

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5

Publisher's description of PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition

From PC Tools: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition protects you against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal details. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading viruses, worms and Trojans can result in infections within minutes. Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your e-mail contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and Websites or to send mass spam email. That's why PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition provides protection, with rapid database updates, IntelliGuard real-time file, Internet & e-mail protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free. Version 5 features new improved scan engine, smaller memory footprint, and much improved system

Most popular Antivirus Software downloads

  1. 1,906,681 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
  2. 456,253 downloads 2. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus
  3. 428,120 downloads 3. Avast Home Edition
  4. 45,323 downloads 4. Norton AntiVirus
  5. 35,204 downloads 5. AVG Anti-Virus
  6. See all Antivirus Software downloads
Download HERE

http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/?utm_source=download.com&utm_medium=product&utm_campaign=av

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0.138

Publisher's description of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

From AVG Technologies:

AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements. Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.

Version 8.0.138 is a maintenance release.


Editor's review of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

  • 5.0 stars

  • "Don't get burned"

This antivirus program offers rock-solid protection. AVG Free provides the bare necessities, including a real-time shield to prevent infections, anti-virus and anti-malware wrapped up in one engine, and a link scanner for Web surfing with care.

By default, the application is set to search for new virus definitions daily, but you always can use the scheduling tool to change this. Should a virus create serious system problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode. The program doesn't tax your system when scanning or when running in the background and always proved effective in our tests. The new interface is much easier to navigate than in previous version, with tabbed navigation on the left assisting users in drilling down to the tools they need.

Though the free version of this program will suffice for average folks, those who demand more control should certainly consider AVG Anti-Virus Professional.

Most popular Antivirus Software downloads

  1. 1,906,681 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
  2. 456,253 downloads 2. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus
  3. 428,120 downloads 3. Avast Home Edition
  4. 45,323 downloads 4. Norton AntiVirus
  5. 35,204 downloads 5. AVG Anti-Virus
  6. See all Antivirus Software downloads
Download Here

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html