Anti-Virus

Is it always necessary to pay for your anti-virus? Will it protect you better then a free service? Well after McAfee's recent vulnerability issues, the answer is no. Free software such as Microsoft Security Essentials and Avira are equally as good. If you pair these with a program such as Malwarebytes, you should be just as secure as if you paid for all the bells and whistles.
As long as you browse smart, you should be good. Just don't go click happy on every ad and contest that pops up.
Don't connect a computer to the internet without some anti-virus installed.

More at CNET

Symantec: 51 Percent Of All Malware Ever Was Detected In 2009

Symantec: 51 Percent Of All Malware Ever Was Detected In 2009: "It is an absolute miracle that I have never had a virus, trojan, or other form of computer bug on this PC. I mean, if we're to believe Symantec, then fully 51 percent of the viruses, trojans, and every other form of computer malware ever was spotted in 2009. That means that from 2008 going back to when Symantic first started keeping track of such things, all of those years only make up 49 percent of the viruses and so forth, while 2009 on its own accounts for 51 percent. That's pure madness.



It's madness, but it's probably not too hard to believe when you try to break things down for even a moment.

These are some amazing statistics, but considering the new ways we've seen exploits take advantage of users its easy to see how its possible. This past year has given us a wider range of software being exploited and exploits taking into consideration a user's privilege to the local PC among other issues. Unfortunately we've not yet seen the light at the end of this tunnel, exploits are becoming more difficult to find as they modify themselves as they spread which makes them harder for anti-virus/anti-malware apps detect them. This is not an excuse for any computer user (Windows or Mac) to ignore the importance of running updated anti-virus/anti-malware detection software.

HTC Incredible phone on Verizon

Wow! Other phones have said they are going to rival the Iphone, but i think this phone might just do it!

New app lets you speak your texts!

For those of you who text/email and drive, take a look at the latest Voice recognition app for your mobile device. It might save you a ticket or even an accident.
I am current testing the Beta version of the Vlingo Software for my Droid and it works very well!

Microsoft Office Free?

Microsoft is planning to offer parts of its office suite for free. Currently you can get office 2010 beta free from Microsoft's website, until its full release later this year. Also available is browser based office software. This is meant to now compete with Google apps currently in place. They have the advantage in keeping compatibility and familiarity.
The next step is to put lite versions of word and excel onto all new computers, office starter. These will be limited uses applications. The hope is that users will upgrade to the full version. Anti-trust anyone? This starter pack will be used in place of the works suite which currently comes on windows pc's.

The iPad and Cloud

Bad news for those who hoped for streaming music on the iPad when it is released Saturday. Sources say that a streaming music service will not be available until the thrid quarter, despite apple buying cloud streaming system LaLa. This will also mean that the focus will be on other services like movies, tv shows, games and books. Talks with studios and labels are still ongoing in order to try to bring streaming music to market faster for the ipad. Restrictions will also be in place on movies due to rights restrictions.

As Rumors Grow of a Verizon iPhone, AT&T Steps Up Their Game

As many iPhone customers continue to criticize AT&T's cellular network regarding performance, The Wall Street Journal reports that AT&T's has recently been attempting to beef up its cellular network. As part of the report, the Journal notes that Apple and AT&T have worked closely on addressing the issues, with Apple even going so far as to tweaking how the iPhone connects to the network in order to reduce load and enhance performance.

Apple has attempted to lighten the load by rejiggered how the devices communicate with AT&T's towers. As a result, the phones now put less of a load on the network for such simple tasks as finding the closest tower or checking for available text messages. This will significantly improve the overall performance and reliability of the AT&T network and iPhone handsets.

"They're well past networking 101, 201 or 301," said Mr. Donovan. Apple, he said, is now "in a Master's class." (The wall Street Journal).

In addition, AT&T has been reportedly sending high-ranking company executives to Apple's campus to personally meet with Steve Jobs to assure him that network issues were being addressed and quickly enhanced before the launch of the iPad this weekend. According to the report, AT&T rolled out a "100-day plan" in mid-December to rapidly improve service in high-density markets such as New York City and San Fransisco, cities that have been the focus of customer complaints.

AT&T's "100-day plan" may be paying off as recent studies have show higher consumer satisfaction regarding the iPhones cellular network. It is also important to note that as rumors of a Verizon iPhone for Fall 2010 continue to circulate, and the iPad nears its launch this weekend, there are additional incentives for the carrier to invest in its infrastructure, and maintain its competitive advantage by being the only U.S. carrier to hold the iPhone.