Optimizing your System with Disk Cleanup

Windows has several built-in tools that can help keep your system running smoothly. One of these tools called Disk Cleanup can remove extraneous files quickly from your computer. To start Disk Cleanup, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start » Accessories » System Tools » Disk Cleanup. Or go to Start, then type in Disk Cleanup in the search bar.

2. In the Disk Cleanup window, select the Files to Delete. Click OK.

The program will ask if you want to permanently delete the files. Click OK to begin the process. Take caution when choosing what files to delete – you cannot recover the information once removed.

There are other features of Disk Cleanup such as removing programs and system restore. The Programs and Features option links to the Control Panel where you can unnecessary software. The System Restore and Shadow Copies option removes any extra backup copies to save only the most recent. For more information, go to Microsoft Support »

Reference:
Microsoft Support. Delete files using Disk Cleanup. http://bit.ly/4ge7Dl
Microsoft Support. Disk Cleanup for Windows XP. http://bit.ly/1qBdrW

How to: Install Add-ons to Internet Explorer

It’s easy to customize Internet Explorer by using Add-ons to enhance your browser’s functionality. Microsoft provides a library of options for IE from blogging to finance to shopping. To install an Add-on to Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Go to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Gallery and select an Add-on from the site.

2. Download the file and follow the on-screen instructions. Some Add-ons may require you to restart your browser after installation.

3. In IE, select Tools -> Manage Add-ons. This menu provides detailed information about each extension.If you need to disable an Add-on, click on the Name, then select the Disable button in the bottom right-side of the menu box.

The Manage Add-on menu also has some other useful functions. Accelerators are a new feature of IE that can give you quick access to common menu items by simply selecting a word on a web page.

The InPrivate Filtering option helps to regulate unauthorized tracking of your browsing activities. You can activate InPrivate Filtering using the Safety menu on the Command Bar.

For more information on Internet Explorer Add-ons, go to Microsoft Support »

Reference:

Internet Explorer Add-in Gallery
http://ieaddons.com/en/

Internet Explorer Add-ons FAQs
http://bit.ly/9szt9i

Internet Explorer 8 Features
http://bit.ly/1OrGFD

Tour of ESET CyberSecurity for Mac

One of the advantages of owning a Mac is not having to worry about malware as much as our PC counterparts. Since Mac has grown in popularity over the past few years, Macs are becoming a bigger target for cyber-threats. Just a couple of weeks ago, the “Boonan” trojan was discovered; it disguised itself as a Java applet and would hijack the user’s system account then take control of the machine. To combat this problem, there have been a very limited number of anti-virus options available for Mac, but now, ESET has launched a Mac version of their well-known ESET NOD32 software.

Cybersecurity for Mac looks and operates very similarly to the PC version of ESET’s product. The installation process is very easy with ESET’s wizard. If you purchase the boxed software, you simply load the CD and follow the instructions. For the downloaded version, you are required to pre-register. The program does require you enter an Activation Key or pre-set username or password before accessing the software.

ESET’s install wizard offers two options for setup: typical or custom. By default, typical is recommended for new users. There is also a feature to auto-detect potentially unwanted applications. Once installation is complete, and the system is rebooted, ESET is ready to start running.  The program interface provides the same functions as other versions of ESET: Scan, Update, Setup, Help and Protection Status. The first step is always to scan your computer for any existing malware. This process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the number of files stored on your system.

The Update menu tracks ESET’s software updates; it displays the signature database version and when the software license expires. Protection status follows software updates for your entire OS such as security patches. This menu also shows similar data as the Upadate screen for virus signature database version and license expiration.  For the Setup menu, ESET has a software disable function, and the Help & Support menu offers comprehensive information about navigating the program’s interface.

As the newest option for virus protection, ESET’s CyberSecurity is a good solution for Mac users. The unobtrusive interface is easy to maneuver, and works well with Mac OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard. For more information on system requirements, go to ESET CyberSecurity for Mac page »

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