Q+A: Do I Need A Buy An Official Skype Headset For Skype To Work ?

(Last Updated Nov 11, 2009 @ 5:56 pm EST)

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Well I have been getting a lot of e-mails asking me about this. So here is a Q+A to dispel this myth.

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Q: Do I need to buy an official Skype headset For Skype To Work ?

A: No, you do not require an official  Skype headset. But saying that there are better headset out there for Skype. I generally look for a headset that has the Skype logo on the box. But so far every headset I have purchased has worked even with out the logo.  An regardless of price as well my cheapest headset and this was not on sale cost me $16.12 USD with tax…

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If you disagree with this Q+A…Then by all means comment or e-mail me @ computer.savvy@hotmail.com

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Till My Next Post,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus (9.0.704) Official Grisoft Fixes & Improvements List From AVG FREE FORUM

Dear Readers,

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Here is The Official List Of Fixes and Improvements For AVG Free Anti-Virus version (9.0.704)

So here it is straight from AVG Free Forum: http://forums.avg.com/ca-en/avg-free-forum?sec=thread&act=show&id=25409

Program update AVG Free 9.0.704

Fixes & Improvements

Core: Detection of the next modification of Virut has been added.
Core: Fixed possible false alarm caused by improper parsing of html files.
Core: Fixed report of broken digital signature on correctly signed files.
Safe Search: Improved blocking of certain types of known malicious web sites.
Safe Search: Added support for Japanese version of Yahoo!
Update: Fixed problem with proxy detection from Opera 10 browser.

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Hope this answers all the questions I’ve been getting about what are the improvements made to the new AVG Free (9.0.704)

Till Next Time,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus (9.0.704) Available Via Automatic/Manual Update

Dear Readers,

Now You Can Follow The Computer Savvy Weblog Via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Computer_Savvy

Hey everyone…This new version of AVG Free Anti-Virus is still not available via www.download.com. This new version of AVG Free Anti-Virus is only available Via Automatic or Manual Update. But when the new version is available @ download.com. I’ll let you guys know………….

Important Notice: This version is only available via Automatic or Manual update at this time…I’ll keep you updated when that changes…

Till Then,

Remy “Se7en”

Blog Update #87 – This Week Is 100% User Generated Scam Database Updates Week

Dear Readers,

Now You Can Follow The Computer Savvy Weblog Via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Computer_Savvy

Ok, so its that time again 100% user generated scam database update. What that means is all your guys that sent me scam mails that have not been posted in the database will be added. So this week every one who did so should pat themselves on the back becuase with out your guys help a lot of these scam mail address would not be available. Also important to note is this week we will also be brining you as always a new “Scam Watch” and “WTF” episode.

Later Days,

Remy “Se7en”

PC Tools: Registry Mechanic (9.0.0.114) – Software Review

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AA. Cost: $39.95 USD (3 computers)

BB. Is it worth that cost ?: Yes, if you don’t already have a registry fixer/scanner. This program it is completely worth it. But if you have an older version of this program…..you don’t need the upgrade.

CC. Level of Knowledge needed to use software: Little or no knowledge needed to use safely

1. Ease of use – Very Easy – It has 6 main Icon Buttons -

1a. Interface - Very easy and simple to use. Everything is simple and pretty much a one button activation

2. Quality of scan – Super effective..not pron to as many false positives as older version of PC tools: Desktop Maestro…

2A. Speed of Scan – Super fast and accurate as well

3. Updating – Super Fast

4. Can you run other programs during the scan ? Yes

4a. Can you run programs during update ? Yes

5. Is there a progress bar? Yes

6. Can you leave it running and it will run with out issue ? Yes

7. Is there Adware or Spyware bundled with it ? No

8. Is it stable ? Yes very stable.

9. How long do scans take ? 5-30 min

Overall a 4 out of 5 – This is the full program with all possible buttons, not that you need all the buttons in the first place. There really should not be that much confusion as to what each button does.

Website Link: http://www.pctools.com/

Till My Next Post,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG 9.0.XXX Free Anti-Virus Is Making My Mozilla FireFox Stall/Hang Issue Expanded

Dear Readers,

(Last Updated Nov 7, 2009 @ 5:29 pm EST) Minor update…..Fixed Spelling and Grammar

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Ok this time, I went all out and this time I personally guarantee this post will not be a re-hash of old information found anywhere on the net. I have gone through AVG Free Anti-Virus 9.0.XXX with my team. This time with a fine tooth comb and have come up with some what of a compromise in regards to this issue.

Ok People, I did 3 tested in regards to this issue regarding Mozilla FireFox 3.0/3.5 stalling or hanging with AVG Free Installed and this is what I came up with. I personally was amazed by the results and by all means e-mail me or comment and yell at me. But did the test more then a few times and with more then a few computers. Enjoy or Don’t..BUT at least you are informed NOW…..

TEST 1 - The Non-Computer Re-start Test

Part 1 – Shut down AVG Free Via Task Manager (All instances of AVG and there are a few- I counted at least 6 instances of AVG Free Running different processes of course-

Part 2 – Then Run FireFox to see if it still hangs (Provided All Processes Are Ended)

Test Results for Positive Out Come #1A – With all instance of AVG Shut down – FireFox Ran Smoothly with little too no hanging

Test Results for Negative Out Come #1B – AVG Free Tray Icon will Shut down -But one or more AVG Free Process keep on re-starting or re-spawning

**Note On Test Results: I had both results..So I guess it is the luck of the draw. Other then that I can’t figure out why both results happened with the same parameters.

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TEST 2 - The Computer Re-start Test with AVG Start-up Process Disabled

Part 1 – Use Windows Defender “SOFTWARE EXPLORER” to disable the AVG Free start-up (The computer says in 99% of all cases that the AVG programs is necessary for you to keep it enabled and it is and could cause damage. If you are not careful…)

Part 2 – Re-start your computer -When computer reaches the desktop part of start-up. You should notice that the AVG Tray icon is gone  and then you know you have prevented AVG Free from running at start-up.

Test Results for Positive Out Come #1A – AVG Free Will be de-activated and can be re-activated with AVG Free Short cut (May take a few minutes to load) Provided you do not re-activate AVG Free till you are done surfing the net you should see no hang time or stalling. By far the best result I have come up with. Other then TEST 3 Complete removal of AVG Free…

Test Results for Negative Out Come #1B – AVG Free becomes corrupted, Blue Screen of Death, Black Screen Of Death Or Corrupted .DLL Files. This is by far the worst out come I have come up with.

**Note On Test Results: Again I had both results..THIS TEST…..PLEASE TAKE EXTREME CAUTION WITH, I DID WARNED YOU GUYS. Of the possible negative results….Other then that I can’t figure out why both results happened with the same parameters.

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TEST 3 - The AVG 100% Removal Test

Part 1 – Go to control Panel and completely remove AVG Free or use AVG Free Un-installer @ http://www.avg.com/download-tools (Regardless your gonna need a Registry Fixer/scanner I use PC Tools but that cost money. Other Members have used CCleaner if you want to go the free way….)

Part 2 – Re-start your computer -When your computer comes back and finished loading your desktop tray icons. You should not only see AVG tray icon gone but AVG Free Anti-Virus should be 100% gone from your computer. (If not run Registry Scanner/Fixer Again)

Test Results for Positive Out Come #1A – Now With AVG Free Anti-Virus 100% removed. Provided your Internet setting our in proper order your Firefox should be back up with little or no lag (Be forwarded Add-ons can cause the same issues with Firefox. so if you still have the same lag/hang issues. even after AVG Free is gone your gonna have to try de-activating your Firefox Add-ons.

Test Results for Negative Out Come #1B – Lag or Hang is still there…But AVG Free now has been removed as a suspect

**Note On Test Results: Now the negative result is not really that negative results this time around. Just more frustrating after going through removing AVG Free Anti-Virus and still the issue remains.

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**If you guys are still having issue please let me know via comment or e-mail me @ computer.savvy@hotmail.com

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Till My Next Post,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus Version (9.0.698) – Full Review

(Last Updated Nov 7, 2009 @ 3:59 pm EST) 

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Results breakdown:

Passed – Did well in all the tests

Acceptable – Could go ether way…but in most cases it passed

Failed – Did not work or only worked 1 out of 10 times…the tests were run

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1. Stability of Program -  Passed – There are still some issues of which still defy explanation. But AVG/Grisoft has made great strides

2. Number of times the program has been compromised by Hacker or Virus – Passed – AVG Free Anti-Virus has not had any direct attacks by ether hacker nor virus so (But way to early to tell)

3. Speed of Scan – Passed – Has made great improvements since 8.5.422.

4. Interface usability and ease of use test - Passed – Very Easy to use….But I do have issue with the hard to read version code on the lower right hand site (Not huge for average user)

5. Does AVG do automatic updates by itself with out issue – Passed- Yes, have not had issue yet

6. Residential shield test – Acceptable – Detection rate has Improved a great deal…But Avira and Avast still pick up the virus before infection occurs.

7. Internet Browser Cookie detection rate and removal test – Passed – AVG now detects 3 out of 5 Internet cookies with out needing to change you AVG Free settings.

8.  Spyware/Adware test – Failed – Seems to miss every types of Spyware or Adware I tested it with. Such as 180souloutions, weatherbug, Zango and many many more…

9. Root Kit virus detection Rate -Failed – This was very sad not even one detection. Even with a over 15 different Root Kit multiplier virus tested.

10. Vista / XP Virus detection rate test – VISTA Acceptable / XP Acceptable -  Both XP and Vista have the same detection rate now. But that is not saying much

11. Link Scanner/ Safe Search Test – Acceptable – Don’t hold your breath that this will help you in all circumstances. (They AVG has made great strides in terms of stability and accuracy of the link scanner and safe search. But I still personally find it slows down what ever browser you are using…)

12.  E-mail scanner test – Acceptable – I still feel the e-mail scanner is way more of a hassle, then being useful. But both Ghost and Ding Dong Danny 2 of my blog members expressed to me. That they would not feel safe without AVG Free Anti-Virus E-mail Scanner Active. So that pushed the E-mail scanner form the usual FAILED status to Acceptable Status…

**Like always the results speak for itself. But as always I leave the final test up to you guys….

Overall Rating: 5 Passed, 5 Acceptable, 2 Failed (Total # of tests done 13)

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Till My Next Post,

Remy “Se7en”

New Update For Mozilla FireFox (3.5.5) Is Available To Download

Dear Readers,

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It appears that there is a new Update for Mozilla FireFox (3.5.5) here is the list of some of the fixes and improvements…

Firefox 3.5.5 fixes the following issues:

• Fixed several stability issues.

Please see the complete list of changes in this version. You may also be interested in the Firefox 3.5.4 release notes for a list of changes in the previous version.

- For Full List Of Fixes and Improvements Or Just For The Direct Download Link For The  New Mozilla FireFox (3.5.5) : http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/3.5.5/releasenotes/

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Till My Next Post,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus (8.5.425) Official Grisoft Fixes & Improvements List From AVG FREE FORUM

Dear Readers,

Now You Can Follow The Computer Savvy Weblog Via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Computer_Savvy

Here is The Official List Of Fixes and Improvements For AVG Free Anti-Virus version (8.5.425)

So here it is straight from AVG Free Forum: http://forums.avg.com/ca-en/avg-free-forum?sec=thread&act=show&id=387

Program update AVG Free 8.5.425

Fixes & Improvements

- Core: Detection of the next modification of Virut has been added.

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Hope this answers all the questions I’ve been getting about what are the improvements made to the new AVG Free (8.5.425)

Till Next Time,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus (8.5.425) Available Via Automatic/Manual Update

Dear Readers,

Now You Can Follow The Computer Savvy Weblog Via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Computer_Savvy

Hey everyone…This new version of AVG Free Anti-Virus is still not available via www.download.com. This new version of AVG Free Anti-Virus is only available Via Automatic or Manual Update. But when the new version is available @ download.com. I’ll let you guys know………….

Important Notice: This version is only available via Automatic or Manual update at this time…I’ll keep you updated when that changes…

Till Then,

Remy “Se7en”