Sunday, 8 February 2009

How To Choose The Correct Web Hosting Service

Choosing the right web server will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make with your online business. Why? Because the web server you choose will literally make or break your online business.

Now, let's discuss two types of servers, Virtual web hosting and Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last several years Virtual Web Hosting has been the only way to go when choosing a web server. One of the reasons that Virtual Web Hosting became so popular was because they supported the necessary files and allowed you to have more freedom than other conventional web host services. But now you can have more freedom than ever before with Virtual Private Servers. Virtual Private Servers should not be confused with Virtual Hosts, since they are completely different.

Before I go any further I must explain what the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand. In this article I will also go over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of servers, to help you decide which is right for you and your business. Let's get started with Virtual Hosting.

Virtual Hosting Accounts

Virtual Hosting is also known as shared web hosting, where you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. Virtual Hosting has been extremely popular in the past for its fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly for having a very reasonable price. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to have advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual, small business, or even a beginner.

One of the disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users. The server is configured and controlled by an administrator, not you. So basically you have no control, because you have to contact the administrator every time you want to adjust or change your configuration settings. Even if you managed to reach the administrator, they may not fulfill your request. It's up to them to help you or not to help you. They are the administrator. If you were the administrator you wouldn't have these limitations and would have immediate and total control of your servers.

Virtual Private Servers

Virtual Private Servers are usually the best choice these days and for a very good reason. Before I get into the advantages of a Virtual Private Server, let me explain what it is. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other web hosting customers, while maintaining your flexibility and freedom.

The true advantage of Virtual Private Servers is that they allow you to have complete control. You have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. You have access to the virtual root, Telnet, web configuration files, and full CGI-BIN access. Don't forget to mention that you also have access to your password, aliases file, and send mail configuration file. For these reasons you can see that a Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size businesses that have increasingly complex needs, but want a server that is reliable and easy to use.

One disadvantage with Virtual Private Servers is that you need to have some program knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, most businesses that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals making them very easy to configure and control no matter what your program level is. We use HostE because their support staff always answers our questions within a few hours.

Which one is right for you? Well, that all depends on you and the size of your network.

If you have, or plan on having, just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and economical way for you to go. A Virtual Host can cost anywhere around $10 a month for an account, rather than $35 for a Virtual Private Server.

If you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites, and you have some technical skills, then a Virtual Private Server is perfect for you. You can host many web sites on a Virtual Private Server account, instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which will cost you more money per month.

When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your needs and that it supports the essential software for a prosperous online business. We personally give a 5-STAR rating to HostE because of their low prices, reliability, and excellent 24/7 customer support staff. They really care and really can help you solve your server problems.

Data Recovery Services, Web Hosting, Back Up Solutions

The worlds most poppular antivirus software just got a lot better

Found the below article from Hardware Geeks - I have been carefully watching the re emergence of Symantec's Norton products into the fore as the best in class security software it was long ago.

I also received a test copy and was equally blown away - but I loved this post so much it seemed best to just included it in it's entirety:

-------

Last week I received an email from Symantec's PR Firm, telling me about the new Norton Internet Security 2009. Being fed up with Symantec and their bloated ways over the past couple of years, I normally would have just hit delete.

But before I could hit delete something caught my eye. "Fastest install — Norton Internet Security 2009 installs in only 52 seconds" I immediately said BULL SHIT, who the heck does Symantec think they are trying to fool, no way in HELL does Norton Internet Security 2009 install in under 52 seconds no way in hell does it install in under 20 minutes. I called a few people up and we laughed at that claim.

So after I was done laughing I decided I needed to put it to the test, and make Symantec look like a big liar, so I requested a copy of Norton Internet Security 2009, and over the weekend while I waited for it I joked with a few guys who I know that are network admins and they laughed at the claim too. One of them even said "It will probably ruin your systemin under 52 seconds they mean".

But as the saying goes, he who laughs last laughs the hardest. I hear Symantec laughing really hard right now. I am embarrassed to report that Norton Internet Security 2009 installed on my system in less than 1 minute, in fact if my stop watch was correct it installed in less than 50 seconds. So Symantec I take back all the crap I have said about you guys over the past few years.

It installed so fast that I thought I might of not installed it correctly, so I installed it on a second machine and again it installed in under a minute.

So yes, Symantec you are correct when you say it will install in 52 seconds, but the outrageous and so far true claims do not end there. They also claim it uses less than 7MB of memory.

I again found that hard to believe when previous versions of Norton were known for using as much memory as your system could spare. But Norton literally is only using right now on my system 4 MB of memory, and get this not even 1% of the CPU.

I am simply blown away; in fact I am in love with Norton now and probably will recommend it to everyone and their mama, after years of recommending the free version of AVG which is bloated to hell and the free version of avast which confuses the crap out of a lot of novice users, I guess I will start throwing in a recomendation for Norton now. There is a saying, you pay for quality. Well when it came to AV Software that saying in my opinion did not apply until now.

I just ran a virus quick scan and it took 45 seconds, windows one care takes nearly 2 hours to do a quick scan on my system, and I like that the virus definitions are updated every 30 seconds or so automatically so you have the latest up to the minute protection.

Get Norton Now and ensure your surfing safely!

Here are some screen shots from the installation of Norton Internet Security 2009.

Norton Screen 1Screen 2

Screen 3

Screen 4

Screen 5

Norton Internet Security 2009

It installed so fast that my fingers weren't fast enough to catch a few of the screens. The longest part of the installation was activating it and that just took 5 seconds.

See the original post here

http://www.hardwaregeeks.com/index.php/gadgetblog/comments/symantec_norton_internet_security_2009_to_install_in_under_1_minute/

Saturday, 7 February 2009

Anti-virus Programs: The Best One is Free

If you're like most people, you might be getting a little tired of having to pay more and more

for a good anti-virus program. The prices for the most popular name brand products have

continued to rise along with everything else. This has forced a lot of people to shop around and research some of the free anti-virus products available on the internet. Some of the

name brand products have a lot of features and use a lot of computer resources. (Sometimes these programs are referred to as being "Bloated" because they have so many features and are running so many different programs in the background all the time). This can actually result in your computer running slower. But, most of the time, I just want my anti-virus program to do one thing. Detect and get rid of viruses and other assorted bad guys.

While there is no perfect anti-virus program, some are better than others.

The program that I recommend is called "AVG Free edition". It was created by a company

called Grisoft. It is, in my opinion, the best free anti-virus software on the market. You can

download a copy at the Grisoft website or at

AVG does the one thing it was designed to do. Detect and get rid of viruses and other bad guys. (I like that)! It runs clean on your system and does not slow down your computer(it isn't

bloated). I like that too! You get automatic updates with AVG.

The program has a user friendly setup and interface. You can select when you want to check

for updates and install them.

I have used this program for several years now and it has always done the job for me. It has even detected and gotten rid of some things that the popular brand names didn't even find.

You can have more than one anti-virus program on your computer at the same time. Just be sure to disable one of them while you're using the other so that they don't interfere with each other. For example, when I first came across AVG, and I wanted to see if it was a good program to use, I would disable whatever anti-virus program I was using at the time and try AVG for a while. After a while, when I saw how great it worked, I uninstalled the other program from my system. Now, AVG is the only one I use and the only one I recommend.

So, if you're tired of paying for anti-virus protection, give AVG Free edition a try. I think you'll like it a lot.

Charles Garnett is an A+ Certified computer repair technician and the author of "7 Simple and

Easy things You can do to Keep Your Computer running fast, clean, and efficient-All The Time. And it Won't Cost You a Single Dime!"

Visit his website at

Free Registry Cleaner and Fix To Make Your PC Faster

If you are experiencing a little speed problem with your Personal Computer, then you need to get a free registry cleaner and fix for a better PC operation. You should certainly get one if you want to get the most out of your precious machine. Getting one would surely improve your Pc's performance enough to let you escape those unwanted lags and hangs. These are effects of a registry that's not performing at peak condition.

You might want to know the basics of how things work. Your PC is basically composed of hardware and software. The software part is what you need to deal with here. Your software makes your hardware do stuff. Without the necessary software, your PC is just a very expensive paperweight.

The programs installed in your Personal Computer do what they are supposed to do. These programs may enable you to create beautiful office presentations or may allow you to edit your home movies and post them on Youtube. You can even then download these special videos and transfer them to your cellphone.

Each of these functions adds something to your computer. This "something" is what is known as a registry key. These are needed by your PC to correctly run the programs you install. Each program attaches its very own keys to your system; they are contained in your computer's registry.

Your registry is the computer's way of keeping track of all individual programs' activities. These registry keys make the programs do what they are intended to do. Every program you have has embedded its own registry keys and because of this huge number, it is becoming a problem.

When these registry instructions or registry keys accumulate, like they always do, your PC stalls. This is the time you need a free registry cleaner and fix. Your computer is aging and its function is no longer as crisp as the day you first took it out of the box. A free registry cleaner and fix will allow you to re-experience that brand new pc speed once more.

A free registry cleaner and fix is the best solution to your problem of a very slow personal computer. Your problem will be solved and the best thing, it's free. You only need to download it, install the software and then execute the program. These are easy steps in regaining your PC's former speed.

If you want to download the best free registry cleaner and fix, then go to my blog and download it now.

PC registry in a mess? Clean it up with the best registry cleaners. Read these top registry cleaner reviews to find out more.

Friday, 6 February 2009

Spyware Removal Australia

Causing loss to business and PCs alike, the spy ware problem is growing worse and reaching higher levels of infection each day. Several pop ups, unwanted browser home pages, others controlling your computer out of your knowledge and having access to your personal information are just a few of the ways a spy ware can opt for to cause harm to your computer.

Today, spy ware removal has been made extremely simpler. Thanks to computer support Australia resources offering 24x7 help for all computer enthusiasts. They help you identify and remove nasty spy ware files, malicious applications and software from your PC with no computer experience needed.

You will probably be surprised at what these applications will track on your system. With the help of computer help Australia resources, you can now free your PC from spy ware's grip.

After identifying and removing any spy ware from your PC, your computer support worker ensures to take necessary measures to keep your machine spy ware free. However, you should also be cautious enough to protect yourself and your computer from spy ware. For example: Never download stuff from unrecognized websites or never open any email from unknown source. Also, you are advised to not to click on any attractive or strange looking pop-up windows.

Spy ware support Australia exists because there is a sheer money motive behind it. This is because there is so blasted much of it. Whereas a virus is generally written by someone for no real reason other than to do it, spy ware is simply designed for cash flow. Not all of it is written well, but plenty out there are.

When you avail spy ware removal services for your computer, you might try asking the advice of the support worker on what kind of anti-spy ware software programs you should use. These computer support technicians are knowledgeable enough to answer most questions involving your computer needs.

Taking care of your PC is significant to maintain its performance level. This involves software for the spy ware removal as well as protection against malware. Don't assume that your PC can take care of itself. You are the master who ought to help it and prevent critical situations.

Aadya Johnson is an Online Technical Support Executive for iYogi who provides detailed information on Computer Support Australia , PC Repair Services, computer optimization, Online Technical Support Australia , Australia Computer Repair, online data backup, virus removal, Australia 24/7 Support etc

Don't be a victim of Cybercrime .

When you access the Internet through the world wide web it is extremely important that you safe guard your personal information.

There are literally thousands of people around the world that make a living exploiting the security loop holes by accessing your personal identity, passwords and bank accounts.

There are many more daily who are the victims of these crimes. You have a responsibility as a user of the Internet to take certain precautions to protect yourself from online cybercrime.

Internet users who access bank accounts, e-currency accounts or any source of personal information online, should be aware of the following methods used by criminals to convince you to reveal your confidential information.

Here are some simple steps to help keep your information secure

1. Avoid being a victim of fradulent email requests for personal information

This method is called "Phishing" and is a popular way for criminals who are acting as legitimate businesses to steal your personal information. This is usually accomplished by sending you an email with a hyperlink to a fraudulent website made to look like the real one. Once you have entered your information the perpetrator will have access to your account, many times unknown to you.

One way to avoid falling victim to this sort of scam is to never provide any personal details in response to an email. Legitimate businesses will never ask you for your password by email. Be aware of suspicious emails from unknown individuals. Delete before opening anything that you think might be harmful.

2. Make sure you visit your bank, e-currency or financial website via your Internet browser with the correct website address.

3. You should take care to never follow any suspicious hyperlink, url, or open an unknown senders attachment.

If you inadvertently reply to a "Phishing" email or respond to what you think could be a fraudulent website, contact your associated financial institution immediately for advice. Do not delay in seeking help. Check your account for any unusual activity.

Ways to protect your computer

1. It is important to use only a trusted and secure computer to access your Internet banking account.

2. Using publicly shared computers, such as those at Internet cafes, is strongly discouraged.

3. It is recommended that you keep your computer up to date with current anti-virus protection, firewall and the latest patches.

4. Remember that after you install virus protection it is necessary to update the software so the protection remains current.

5. Avoid using the "remember my user name and password" feature when accessing sensitive financial information.

6. Make sure not to store your passwords and account information on your computer.

7. Use a different password for your bank than you would for your email address.

8. Do not use easy to guess passwords, or passwords that closely relate to you. Your birthdate, name or favorite pet make poor passwords.

9. Create passwords that have both numbers and letters.

10. If you use a wireless network it is important that you never leave your computer unattended.

11. Take extra precautions around wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspots that provide free Internet connections. Coffee shops, Internet cafes, airports and libraries can pose significant security threats. Avoid conducting sensitive business in a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Sniffing and Evil Twinning are two methods devious criminals are using to steal confidential data. Sniffing is the act of using a program to search for certain information like passwords and credit card numbers over a Wi-Fi network. Evil twinning mirrors the setting of a Wi-Fi hotspot. When the unsuspecting person uses the evil twinning hotspot the hijacker uses sniffer technology to access anything the victim might be sending.

12. When accessing bank accounts online, confirm that your data is encrypted between the bank and your computer by looking for the padlock symbol on the bottom right hand corner of the browser window.

13. Close your Internet browser after logging out at the end of each online banking session.

14. Beware of any windows that "pop-up" during an online banking session.

Most financial institutions have detailed information on their websites on how their customers can protect themselves from Online fraud attempts. Visit their website or contact them via email or telephone for information on how you can protect yourself from online criminals.

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Computer virus, Spyware and Adware - What Is The Difference?

Computer virus, spyware and adware share some similarity. All three are extremely irritant for surfers and other computer users. Let's distinguish the three.

Spyware is software that does not purposely damage your hard disk. They make pathways in which someone else then the owner of the computer can be in touch with the computer. More often than not spyware record the diverse types of sites you go to. Afterward online marketers use these records to send you spam mails and pop-ups.

This is why computer users find spyware very irritating. They are more disturbing than adware. Spyware have their own unconnected executable software programs which let them look at applications that you are using. They also record your keystrokes after they scan the files on your hard disk.

Next the spyware sends the information that it had collected to the spyware programmer, often it is an online advertiser. The advertiser will then use this collected information for marketing and advertising purposes. In some cases the advertiser sells the information to companies that are looking for leads.

In contrast to spyware, adware is a more rightful form of free to download software. Just like spyware, adware contains software advertising programs. The difference is that adware installed itself on the computer after you have download software into your computer and spyware installed itself without any action of you.

There are also forms of adware that download marketing and advertising programs as a particular application is being utilized. It is very regrettable that the majority of the adware programs take the structure of spywares and that is track and report information from your computer to the programmer.

When Windows application takes too much time to load and unwanted pop-ads are coming up in front of your screen, it's in 9 of the 10 cases a sign that your computer is infected with spyware.

Compared to spyware and adware viruses are super bad. A virus is a destructive form of software and is only create and design with the purpose to destroy whatever it comes in contact with. The nasty thing about viruses is that they replicate their self and this way they destroy as many elements of the computer's operating system as possible.

These days, numerous anti-virus software programs also provide adware and spyware scanning and elimination functions. There are also some programs that are specialized in destroying adware and spyware programs. Both, Anti-virus software and anti-spyware/adware are dedicated to search your computer and identify any spyware and virus installed on your system.

They then get rid of it as well as their elements positioned in the system registry amongst other spaces in your computer. It is thus important to often update your spyware or virus scanner to make sure that your computer is protected against the millions of adware, spyware and viruses on the internet.

Don't let the ads that claim that the download does not contain adware or spyware fool you. Learn how you can protect yourself against these spyware and adware. Be sure that your computer is protected with high quality antivirus and spyware/adware programs.

That's why finding an anti adware and anti spyware program for your use must be a well researched project. You'll need to take the time to fully learn about the product and you also must be alert for scam programs. But don't worry! We have done the hard work for you.

We reviewed 15 registry programs - only 2 met our criteria- Ease of use, Improvement in PC Performance, Speed of Scan and Customer Support.

To read more about our review we invite you to visit our site:

Author: Lesley Febis. Article may reproduced on websites iif credit is given to the author and a link to: