A Comment From Lillian

Dear TC and EB, Thought you might find this interesting--I wanted to forward the Rant about MySpace to my granddaughter as I know she signed up for it (she is 28 and very computer savvy) and thought she might find it interesting.  However, when I clicked on Send, AVAST gave me 3 options which I didn't really like, much less understand, so I chose "Don't Send". Then the black symbol appeared from AVAST, so I clicked on "Don't Send" again.  Think I'd better do a Scan!!  I'm sure you'll know why this happened, but thought I would just pass it onto you.  Thanks as always.  Lillian


Hi Lillian. Well that goes to show you why we never recommend scanning your email with any anti-virus (and yes we know we're going to get inundated with email now). It just is not necessary regardless of what so-called experts say. We won't go into "why" here, you can read "why" by visiting this page. The most likely reason you received a "warning" is because the Web page contains JavaScript (Oh No!) which is not at all dangerous but any script can trigger an alert when sent via email. We hope you will read the page linked above and learn all the reasons why you should turn off "email scanning" in your anti-virus program - AVAST and all others. It's really not necessary - and yes, we're prepared for the flood of email that normally follows this recommendation. Nevertheless, we stand by that statement. Thanks for writing! TC & EB

A Comment From Kathy
I would love for your stationery to work with Incredimail. I would be making cloudeight my homepage. Thank you. Kathy

Hi Kathy, I have a feeling you'll be waiting a long, long time for that. Rather than go into the reasons "why" we'll never make our stationery compatible with Incredimail, we'll let you read "why" by visiting this page. Maybe after reading this information you won't be so inclined to use "Incredimail" at all. We're not sure why you think you cannot use our Start Page as your home page, but the email program you use has nothing to do with what page you use as your browser's home page. We've tested our home page with Internet Explorer 6 and 7, Mozilla, Netscape, Firefox and Opera, and it works well in all of them. We hope you will take some time and learn more about the email program you've chosen. Once you have the facts you can make an informed decision on whether to expose yourself to that kind of tracking and opening your computer that much to a Web server.

This Week's Top Questions and Answers

Joey Needs More Speed
I just love your newsletters and the great information and freeware.  I used Zappit for the first time (thanks for that), and was hoping it would help speed up my computer.  Lately everything is taking forever to load.  I have no unnecessary programs running at start-up. Only SpySweeper, firewall and antivirus.  Still it's all running like molasses on a cold day.  Do you know (obviously you do) of anything else I can try?  I would appreciate any info you can give me.  Thanks again for the wonderful newsletter.

Answer
I wish we could live up to your high expectations and give you one single tip that would have your computer running like brand new, but, alas, we're not able to do that.

Before we give you some ideas and our thoughts about your problem. We're aware that SpySweeper's latest version requires at least 256MB of RAM. If you don't have at least 256MB of RAM, that could be the cause of your problem. If this is the case and you don't have at least 256MB of RAM go to www.webroot.com and download SpySweeper 4.5. You will continue to receive updated definitions with this version and it does run on less than 256MB of RAM.

Next: What anti-virus are you running? You don't mention it, but we can tell you that if you're using Norton or McAfee, there's the first place to look for your computer's poor performance. Recently (as all of you know by now) we bought two new computers. TC being bright and thoughtful, formatted the new Dell (which came with McAfee pre-installed) and proceeded to clean install Windows XP -then reinstall the drivers and was up and running. EB, for reason being characteristically recalcitrant, fended off TC's advice to format and clean install Windows. EB left McAfee on --- for one week. EB's computer was taking forever to boot up and was slower than a Siberian Tree Sloth slinking through a sea of half-frozen mud. EB finally overcame the stubborn resistance to TC's advice and formatted and cleaned installed Windows. What a difference a format makes. EB's computer was running as fast as it could run (which is pretty darn fast too!). Keep in mind these are two identical Dell computers; same components, same everything. So check your AV - if it's Norton or McAfee consider switching to AVAST or one of the other free ones we recommend. Your wallet will thank you, your computer will thank you, and we will thank you.

And, a second thought - (Assuming you have at least 256 MB of RAM) Have you kept your SpySweeper up-to-date? Do you have another anti-spyware installed (as we recommend you should always have two - no one anti-spyware is going to grab everything). We'd recommend that you verify that SpySweeper is current and do a full scan. If it finds anything, let it remove what it finds. Also, if you don't have a second anti-spyware installed, install Spybot Search & Destroy (free for personal use from www.safernetworking.org ). Scan you computer with Spybot and let it remove what it finds. Spyware and adware are by far, the biggest cause of computer slowdowns and eventual computer failure.

Also, how much RAM do you have? How old is your computer? If your computer came with let's say 256MB of RAM and it was running well when you got it, think of how much software you've installed since you first fired it up. If you're like most folks, you've put many new programs on it since the day you got it. While 256MB of RAM might have been OK then, it might not be OK now that you've installed more programs. Consider investing in more RAM for you computer We recommend that you install as much as your computer's motherboard will accommodate. One of the best places to buy RAM is called Crucial.com www.crucial.com . Notice we didn't say "cheapest" we said best. Not that Crucial doesn't have good prices it's just that you might find RAM cheaper somewhere else. (We do not receive any commission or remuneration from Crucial - we just happen to like their service and we think you will too.) But you'll find Crucial supplies you with great instructions on exactly how to install RAM (which is very easy so don't go paying the "Geek Squad" $50.00 to do it!). Not only does Crucial ship your RAM to you quickly, the include easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to install the RAM, and they provide an easy way to determine exactly which type of RAM you need and will even tell you how much RAM your computer can handle. All motherboards have a limit on how much RAM you can install. Most modern motherboards will accommodate two to four GB of RAM. You probably don't need two, three or four GB of RAM, but you will really notice a difference if you increase your RAM to 1 GB. And it's not as expensive as you might think. Especially when you install it yourself - and don't shrug and say you can't do it. You can do it. Opening up a computer is not hard - there's no lizards or other biting things inside - we promise!

Finally, if you've been running the same installation Windows XP for more than three years, it might be time for the ultimate user experience - formatting your hard drive and reinstalling Windows XP. Yes, it's big deal because you have to back up all your information - otherwise you're going to lose it. But, nothing runs better than a new computer (especially one that has been formatted and Windows clean installed). If you've been running the same installation of Windows XP for three years or more, it might be time for the big deal. We've covered "reinstalling Windows XP" before, so if you're interested in this option please visit this page.

Speaking of formatting and reinstalling Windows: here's a little tidbit which sort of follows the timeline and evolution of Windows. When we had Windows 95 installed, we figured on formatting every three months (really). Because after three months of use, Windows 95 would either start running poorly or not at all. Windows 98 was better (especially Windows 98 SE). We figured on a format every six months. Windows ME was a waste of time and money. It was, if anything, worse than Windows 98. Windows XP brought huge changes with it. EB formatted once in 4 years. TC formatted about six times in four years, but that's because he's the guinea pig for InfoAve - he installs all the software that gets tested for InfoAve - and sometimes he's just too lazy to install it on the test machine so he puts it on his main machine - which sometimes results in catastrophe. With Windows XP you can figure on about 3 years + of good service before formatting and reinstalling Windows might become the only way to get your computer out of the molasses-mode and back into the lightning mode.

Lynn Wants To Know Why Websites Say Her Cookies Are Not Turned On
I'm wondering why some websites are telling me that my cookies are not turned on when they ARE. I can't get on Michigan Live or E-Bay because they both tell me the same thing. Do you know what could be causing this? Thank you, Lynn

Answer
Show your cookies a picture of a scantily-clad glass of milk - that should turn them on. No seriously, we're thinking what is happening to you is that you have some sort of Internet security program, anti-spyware program, or firewall program which is configured to block cookies.

Let's face it: the Internet security, firewall and anti-spyware software business is a highly competitive one with each company trying to grab its share of the big pie. When you're competing with Symantec (Norton), McAfee and Microsoft, you've got some real competition. Norton/McAfee think that cookies are enigmatic, despicable demon devices that skulk around and infect your computer with all sorts of stealthy naughty things. This is simply not true despite what some so-called "computer experts" tell you. And speaking of computer experts, they tell you all the dastardly deeds cookies can perform because the "computer expert" business is highly competitive too. Since the general consensus among these mostly self-proclaimed computer experts is that cookies are made from a recipe devised by the devil himself, they clamor on about how bad they are. Yawn! One of the tips/tricks today is called "Good Cookie/Bad Cookie" and it was written by us. Are we computer experts? Hmmm, I don't know, we've never proclaimed ourselves to be - but we've survived a lot of years and learned a lot of things - even though we don't have a lot (we don't have any <grin>) initials after our names. What we do know we pass on to you. When we don't know something we research it well and learn. But, cookies? We know them very well!

Anyway, getting back to the topic at hand, since McAfee and Norton have a gazillion dollars to spend on advertising so the other companies, even the smallest of them, have to show they're "as good" or they cannot survive very long. So, given the fact that 22% of the computers which are connected to the Internet have no spyware on them at all (but 78% do) - these companies follow the lead of Norton/McAfee and so now all Anti-spyware program (even those that we endorse and recommend) identify "tracking cookies" - and lump them with spyware/malware/badware. Are they correct? Absolutely not. But when you're in a competitive business you have to do as the leaders do and the leaders do lump "tracking cookies" with spyware/adware/badware.  So, now we have a confusing mess. Most people are confused enough about adware/spyware/viruses/Trojans/worms/keyloggers/hijackers without having to understand why cookies CANNOT be spyware/adware/badware. And it doesn't help much when the Web is replete with self-proclaimed computer experts ranting and raving about the dangers and nefariousness of cookies. But they're wrong. Cookies are not spyware/adware/badware or even "tracking-ware". Believe us or not; it's true.

So, we'd suggest that you start looking at programs you've installed which are in the "Internet Security", "Firewall", or "Anti-Spyware" category and take a good look at the user-configurable settings. Many of these types of programs are set by default to block cookies. And tell the program - "Hey! I know more than you! I want my cookies!" And, when you're successful at controlling the program (or programs you've installed) instead of letting them control you, you'll be wiser and happier. And, you won't have any problems logging on to E-Bay or Michigan Live. (Go Bucks! - I'm from Ohio you know :-) )

And, I've still never met a cookie I didn't like, but I still like Oreos™ and chocolate chip the best - even though I can't eat them anymore :-( .

Leila Has An MIA (System Tools in Accessories folder)
Love your newsletter.  The  systems tools sub folder has disappeared from my ACCESSORIES folder in the all programs menu, and everything that it contained therein. Help!

Answer
Thanks, Leila. Here's something you can try first, before trying solution #2:

Solution #1

1. In Control Panel, start Add or Remove Programs.
2. In the left pane, click Add/Remove Windows Components.
3. In the Components box, click Accessories and Utilities, and then click Details.
4. Click to clear the Accessories check box, click OK, and then click Next.
5. Click Finish.
To add Accessories again, follow these steps:
1. In Control Panel, start Add or Remove Programs.
2. In the left pane, click Add/Remove Windows Components.
3. In the Components box, click Accessories and Utilities, and then click Details.
4. Click to select the Accessories check box, click OK, and then click Next.
5. Click Finish.

Solution #2

Download and run this little utility by  Ramesh Srinivasan (© 2005 Ramesh Srinivasan). If the above instructions fail this should fix your Accessories folder in a jiffy.

Barbara Discovers Why FunWebProducts are No Fun At All
I suddenly have something on my computer that I don't know where it came from.  It's in the toolbar of the Internet Explorer.  Cursor Mania and Smiley Central.  I suspicion that they are spam related.  I think I read that it is not good to have smiley central.  Help me.  I don't know how to get rid of it. Thanks for your site.  I've be receiving your letter from  the very beginning and I love it. I read it as soon as it comes, save every issue and refer back to the former letters from time to time.

This Week's Rant

The Zango Tango

Most of us would say that in the real world the old adage: "What goes around, comes around" is, for the most part true. But, on the Internet, that old and trusted adage is as outdated as a Commodore 64 (never mind!). How about "as outdated as a monochrome monitor" (remember those)?

Recently, Hotbar merged with PUSware/adware giant, 180solutions and became "Zango". (This just goes to prove another old adage: "Birds of a feather, flock together".) So before we really get rolling here, let's get it straight that this concatenation is: Hotbar+180solutions=Zango. "Zango" sounds innocent enough. Kind of hip - no doubt geared to the younger crowd.

And speaking of birds of a feather, it looks like these two birds were really happy to be flocking together. According to this June 7, 2006 press release both companies were ecstatic:

"...Hotbar and 180solutions today announced an agreement to merge, effective immediately. The merged company will be known as Zango...."

"...This merger will benefit each of the constituents in the Zango Content Economy vision," said Keith Smith, CEO of the newly formed Zango. "The vision is to deliver consumers free, online entertainment experiences while automating and monetizing the ecosystem of content creators, publisher and webmaster entrepreneurs and advertisers. This merger is a significant milestone in those efforts...."

"....We have built an extensive user base and effective advertising opportunities through a wide variety of Internet services," said Oren Dobronsky, co-founder and CEO of Hotbar. "The scale of this merger makes possible an array of opportunities to fulfill consumer and advertising demand for the products of the new Zango....." (You can read more of this jubilation here.)

Hmmm...

But some of the content on the Zango site is certainly not fit for children. When you think of all the youngsters that have  installed Hotbar and now, therefore, have easy access to Zango.com and its YAK browser (we'll get to that later) it should give you shudders. Please read the rest of this eye-opening rant by visiting this page.

Our Freeware Pick Of The Week

StartupMonitor
One of the biggest causes of system sluggishness is too many programs starting up with Windows. Many programs which have no reason to start up with Windows seem to think you're going to forget about them if they don't add themselves to your Windows Startups. And if you don't watch it, soon you'll be loading everything but Mt. Rushmore on your computer when it boots up. This causes longer boot-up times and slows down your computer. None of us want that. StartupMonitor will help you catch programs in the act of adding themselves to your Windows Startup menu. Catch the little things before they become big things and your computer will run much better much longer!

Here's what the developer has to say about Startup Monitor: "...StartupMonitor is a small utility that runs transparently (it doesn't even use a tray icon) and notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup. It prevents annoying programs from registering themselves behind your back. StartupMonitor does not require Startup Control Panel, but it complements it nicely. When you choose not to allow a program to register itself, the program's entry becomes disabled in Startup Control Panel, so you can go back and enable it later if necessary. StartupMonitor watches the Start Menu's Startup folders and the Run entries in the registry. StartupMonitor works on any version of Windows from the last ten years. ...

A little program that does what it says and watches your back for you. It's simple, free, and runs on all versions of Windows. Here's your chance to grab some really nice freeware with really good purpose. Visit this page to read more about and/or to download our Freeware Program of The Week "StartupMonitor".