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Gnewbie Gnook

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DVR To PC Transfer

Is there a way to download a recorded program from a DVR to a PC or laptop which would then possibly be burned on to a DVD for permanent storage? –Ben
The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) has replaced the VCR as the de facto standard for most households that want to record television programming.
The range of […]

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Are CD To MP3 Ripping Services Worth It?

I have a mountain of music CDs that I want to have transferred to my iTunes, but I don’t have the time to get it all in. Are there services out there that will do this for me? - Rob
The explosion in popularity of portable music players such as the iPod has created a new […]

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The Signs Of Cyber Bullying

How can I tell if my child is being subjected to cyber bullying? - Laura
The recent events of the teen that committed suicide in Missouri as a result of being tormented through a MySpace page illuminates the phenomenon that has been labeled “cyber bullying.”
As it turns out, a neighbor and associated school mates posed as […]

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Cheap Online Meetings

On occasion, I have the need to hold online meetings with folks from around the country, but most of the companies that offer the service charge more than its worth for my needs. Are there any cost effective online meeting tools for those of us that only need it 3 or 4 times a year? […]

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Can YouTube Videos Give My Computer Cooties?

Q: Can I get a virus from watching a YouTube video?- Cassandra
A: The methods used by the various malicious elements that are lurking on the Internet continue to evolve and some security experts are warning that the next target will be to exploit online video (not just YouTube videos).
As of this writing, there is no […]

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File Sharing Consequences

Q: In light of the recent $220,000 judgment against the woman in Minnesota who was using a music sharing program, I want to make sure that no one in my household is engaging in this type of activity. How do I check my computer to make sure that none of this type of activity is […]

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File Extensions And Guilt By Association

Q: When I try to open a file that is sent to me via email, sometimes it tells me that there isn’t a program associated with the attachment. Why can’t I open these files?- Susan
A: The various types of data that a computer can work with ranges from documents, spreadsheets, databases, video, pictures, and […]

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The Dangers Of File Sharing

Q: My son is going to his first year at a major university and is an avid file swapping user. How concerned should I be about him getting into trouble at school if he continues using these questionable services?- Julian
A: File sharing networks that allow users to share songs, video, software or any kind of […]

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Is My PC Ready For School?

Q: My daughter is about to go to her first year of college and I want to make sure my two-year-old laptop is good enough for her to use. She wants me to buy a new one, but I think the old one will do fine. How do I know?- Rachel
A:The technological consideration for students […]

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Leave My PC Running Or Turn It Off?

Q: I’ve asked many people whether I should leave my computer running or turn it off every night and everyone has a different opinion. What do you suggest? - Sandy
A: The reason that most folks have a different opinion is usually because everyone has a different reason for either leaving the computer on or turning […]

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What Are Del.icio.us And Digg Links For?

Q: What are the “Del.icio.us” and “Digg” links that I see on your and other Web sites for? - Jennifer
A: The Internet, often referred to as the “Information Superhighway” is bulging with information that grows exponentially every day.
How can anyone possibly digest all of this new information without feeling like they’re drinking from a fire […]

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Are Strangers Using My Wireless Network?

Q: Is there a way to tell if someone is using my wireless network without my knowledge? - Carey
A: The popularity of wireless networks in homes and businesses is due, in large part, to the ease in setting them up. Most folks can pull a wireless router of the box, plug it in and get […]

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What’s A World Phone?

Q: Do I really need to buy a world phone if I am going overseas? - Jillian
A: Cellular phone networks, plans and options are confusing enough if you are shopping for a phone here in the United States, but add the European standards to the mix and it can become mind-numbing.
This confusion combined with the […]

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Securely Erasing Personal Data

Q: Where can I dispose of old computers that have data on the hard drive that I do not want out in the “general public?” - Dorothea
A: When it comes to disposing of an old computer, your choices are to sell, donate or recycle it. (Never throw an old computer in a dumpster as it […]

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Why Do I Still Get Infected?

Q: If I installed anti-virus and anti-spyware software, have kept Windows updated and have a firewall, why am I still getting infections? - William
A: There are two aspects of this problem that no amount of security software can overcome: reverse engineering and social engineering.
Security software often gives users a false sense that they are protected […]

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Wi-Fi Hotspot Detectors

Q: I travel a great deal and want to know which hotspot detectors are worth considering. - Antonio
A: The wonderful world of wireless Internet has made it possible for us to connect via “hotspots” from the far corners of the world. Hotspots are publicly accessible Internet connections that anyone with a wireless device can connect […]

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How Do I Protect My Data If My Laptop Gets Stolen?

Q: What can I do to protect my critical data in case my laptop gets stolen? - Iris
A: As with most technology, mobile computing is a double-edged sword. It provides us great flexibility and productivity at the same time it creates massive exposure to our private or business data.
Stolen laptops are a fact of life, […]

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Will AOL Work With Vista?

Q: I have a new Vista computer with AOL and have had nothing but problems with AOL since I got it. The people that I bought the computer from say they can’t help me because it is an AOL problem. AOL says that their software is compatible with Vista, so it isn’t their problem. AAAARGH! […]

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Zombie Or Spoof?

Q: I got an e-mail today from an Army spam blocker that (a message) with my email address was blocked as spam. I normally leave our computer on all the time with McAfee Security Center… Is this spam problem because someone somewhere else is using my e-mail address to send spam or because someone has […]

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Dismissal Procedures

Q: I am a small business owner that is overwhelmed by technology, but a recent incident with a former employee made me realize I may need some help. What do I need to be concerned about when I let an employee go so I know that they can’t get back into our company computers? - […]