New Version Of VLC Media Player (1.1.8) Available To Download @ http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Dear Readers,

Well to my surprise, I found that there was yet another update to my favorite all around media player. For all of us who are keeping track this would be the (1.1.8) version of the mega popular VLC Media Player.

In The Mean Time Here Is The – VLC Media Player Download Link -

Till The Next Update,

Remy “Se7en”

New Spybot – Search & Destroy Definition Update Available (2011-03-30)

Dear Readers,

Hello and welcome to my post that will be continuing to following all of the Spybot – Search & Destroy weekly definition updates.

Here is the full list of updates:

2011-03-30

Malware

- Fake.Firefox

- Fake.MagicMemoryOptimizer

- Fraud.ESet

- Fraud.Sysguard

- Fraud.WindowsDiagnostic

- Fraud.WindowsRecovery

- Win32.Dostan

- Win32.FraudLoad.edt

- Win32.Renos

Trojan

- Bancos.px

- Bancos.Santander

- Datastealer.ago

- Win32.Autorun.dso

- Win32.Bifrost

- Win32.Muollo

- Win32.OnLineGames.gen

- Win32.ZBot

Total: 1988984 fingerprints in 682179 rules for 6188 products.

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To see the full list in it’s original glory. Please use the following link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html

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If you would like to download Spybot – Search & Destroy please use the following link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

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Till The Next Spybot Update,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus 2011 (10.0.1209) Official Change Log From The AVG Free Forum

Dear Readers,

Here Is The Official Change Log For AVG Free Anti-Virus 2011 (10.0.1209). Straight From The AVG Free Forum……

Program Update AVG 2011 Free 10.0.1209 ………………. March 29, 2011

Fixes & Improvements

- Setup: Implemented Link Scanner support for Mozilla Firefox 4.0, and higher versions.

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Till The Next Update,

Remy “Se7en”

New Version Of µTorrent (2.2.1) Available To Download @ http://www.utorrent.com

Dear Readers,

It appears that there is another new version of µTorrent peer 2 peer file sharing program. Now available to download @ http://www.utorrent.com/.

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**So Here Is The Download Link For µTorrent (2.2.1) Enjoy: http://www.utorrent.com/

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Till The Next Update,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Internet Security 2011 (10.0.1204) – Full Review

The Results Breakdown:

Passed – Did well in all of our tests

Acceptable – Could go ether way. But in most cases AVG passed

Failed – AVG did not work at all or only worked 1 out of 10 times we ran the test

Undetermined – Too soon to tell or lacking evidence to provide a solid answer

Not Tested – Has yet to be requested or there is some limitations to prevent accurate test results

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Price: $54.99 USD

A. Installation AVG – Acceptable – Slower then AVG claims and we have a number of e-mails about blue and black screens of death.

B. Un-installing AVG – Acceptable – Way slower then most other anti-virus programs.

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C. Stability Of Program – Acceptable – We have received a VERY LARGE NUMBER of e-mails about the lack of stability with AVG 2011 free and paid with both installation and long term use.

DISCLAIMER: No one thus far who works for the The Computer Savvy Weblog has had any issues with AVG 2011 Free or Paid. But we will let you know if that does occur.

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D. Speed of Scan – Passed – Very quick on most computers. Also now you can decide how much memory you want to take up during each system scan.

E. Has AVG Free Been Compromised By Hackers Or Virus – Acceptable – AVG Internet Security 2011 has not been compromised or disabled. But a few minor viruses were missed. That were then picked up after a full system scan.

F. Internet Browser Cookie Detection Rate And Removal Test – Acceptable - Getting better. But you are way better off with SUPERAntiSpyware or CCleaner to remove your Internet cookies.

G. Does AVG Free Do Automatic Updates By Itself Without Issue – Passed – Yes, no issues reported this time around

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00. One Click Fix – Passed – I really like this idea. But I am not a fan of the idea that if I want to de-activated a service. Such as the Link Scanner that AVG should still show it as not being fully protected.

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1. Anti-Virus Detection Rate Test -

1A. Windows XP - Passed –

1B. Windows Vista – Passed –

1C. Windows 7 – Passed –

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2. Anti-Spyware – Failed – AVG seems to miss common and not so common spyware. You are much better off with SUPERAntiSpyware or Spybot.

3. Anti-Spam - Acceptable - GMail has better spam mail protection for free. 

4. FireWall - Acceptable — There are way too many programs on the AVG Whitelist. I hardly even see a detection. There should be a promoted when installing or un-install a program not yet approved by you. And or when a program tries to connect to the Internet.

5. Link Scanner - Passed - Can be very very useful to some.

6. Safe Search - Passed - I love this option and it’s very very useful for all thous people. That want extra safe guards while surfing unknown sites.

7. AVG ToolBar - Failed - Not a fan of any toolbars. The AVG toolbar is way to hard to get rid of. It also seems to slow down most Internet browsers.

8. AVG SideBar Gadget – Passed – Love it and have it on both my Vista and Win 7 sidebars. But it is way to large.

9. Residential Shield Test – Acceptable – I find that AVIRA still seems to grab the virus way before AVG does.

10. E-Mail Scanner - Not Tested - I already have e-mail protection from another program. + I find it is overly way more difficult then it needs to be. 

11. Update Manager – Passed – AVG seems to update with no issues.

12. Online Shield - Undetermined – Still not really sure how really effective this option is.

13. Anti-Root Kit – Acceptable – I love the separate Root Kit scanning option. But it seems to be lacking in the detection aspect which is were it really counts. It works but does a really half ass-ed job. As compared to built in root kit scanner in both AVIRA or AVAST.

14. System Tools – Acceptable – Great idea but very poorly execution. Now the information is there but it is very very hard to decipher even for the more Computer Savvy of us.

15. PC Analyzer – Failed – If you don’t mind that you only can fix your errors for free once then great. But if you are like me and you probably feel this options is both somewhat misleading and out right bait to buy this extremely expensive add-on.

** On a side note I fully expected with the paid version of AVG Internet Security 2011. That the PC Analyzer would be an included as a usable option.

16. Identity Protection – Undetermined - I really love this whole Idea. But I am just really unsure how to test this feature properly. On the bright side of things Identify Protection seems to have plenty of informations to displays for you and overall seems very comprehensive. But I am just a little overwhelmed as how to use such information.

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Overall Rating: 9 Passed, 10 Acceptable, 3 Failed, 2 Undetermined, 1 Not Tested (Total # of tests done 25)

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My Final Verdict: I have lost my love for AVG it appears. There is also the fact that there are not many overwhelming differences. That I can see between AVG Internet Security 2011 and AVG Free Anti-Virus 2011 to get me to recommend the almost $60 USD price tag. But I still highly recommend it if you don’t already have another virus program or you have the older AVG paid program. I would highly recommend that you at least upgrade to the newer AVG 2011 (Regardless of what I said in the above review. You are indeed still better off with the AVG 2011 version. As compared to AVG 8.5 or 9.0 versions).

If you still want to try AVG Internet Security 2011. Then I highly recommend the trailware version of AVG Internet Security 2011 first. Before you decide you want to buy it out right. That way you will know what you are getting into and won’t have any mis-conceptions of what AVG Internet Security 2011 does and does not do.

**Lets hope that the next AVG product update improves on what could be very promising program moving forward.

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Here are 2 links to download the 30 day trailware  version of AVG Internet Security 2011:

1. http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-free-trial (AVG Main Site)

2. http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2011/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=rb_content;main

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My Overall Score: 2/5

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Kirbe

NPD Online Research Panel – Survey Site Review (March 2011)

Name: NPD Online Research Panel

Link: http://www.npdor.com/default.asp

Who Is Eligible To Participate: Canadian & US Residence Only

Type of Award Or Payment: Cash / Prizes /Sweepstakes Entries

Points or Cash Normally Earned Per Survey:  $0.00

Sign-Up Time: Fairly Short

How Many Survey Invitations Should You Expect Per Week: 0 – 5

How Long Does It Take To Collect A Reward Or Cash Out: A really long time

Do They Spam You: No

The Number of Survey I Have Received Over The Past 9 Years Since Joining Up: Lost count

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 – This survey company is great if you are really lucky. I have done a few very high paying  journal type surveys and they not only pay well. But they payout rather fast. But like I said you have to be really really lucky.

EXTRA INFO: NPD online research panel is the only survey site. That has proven itself to be honest in their sweepstakes contests. Both myself and many of my members and friends have won at one time or another.

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Remy “Se7en”

Blog Update #158 – This Week Guest Blogger “Andy Groaning” Writes A Windows 7 Feature On (CSW)

Dear Readers,

This week guest blogger “Andy Groaning” will be writing a Windows 7 feature for us. I’ve had the pleasure of both reading and approving it. It is very well done and very very informative. So till have a great week………………..

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-Between March 21st 2011 – March 27th 2011-

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog Review

- AVG Free Anti-Virus 2011 Version (10.0.1204) – Freeware Review

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog Feature

- Scam Watch: JustAnswer.com Is It A Scam ? Or Is It Just A Really Bad Investment ?

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog News Post

- AVG Free Anti-Virus (9.0.894) Official Grisoft Change Log From The AVG Free Forum

Till The Next Blog Update,

Remy “Se7en”

AVG Free Anti-Virus (9.0.894) Official Change Log From The AVG Free Forum

Ok, everyone I’m going to keep this really brief. I don’t know how in the HELL, I missed this update and change log. I really most be working too hard.

Well anyways I finally have it up for all to see. And it is nothing special. But for the love of G-d if you STILL are using 9.0.xxx (any version) please upgrade to something newer. Whether it be staying with AVG or moving onto another freeware anti-virus program such as AVIRA or AVAST. It need not matter but you will be doing both yourself and your PC a great service (by doing so and a great dis-service if you for go my advice).

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Here Is The Official Change Log For AVG Free Anti-Virus (9.0.894). Straight From The AVG Free Forum……

Program Update AVG Free 9.0.894 ………………. March 14, 2011

Fixes & Improvements

- AvgSys: Fixed issue with random CPU overload of avgtray.exe.

- New version of AVG Toolbar (6.11.25.1) was implemented.

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Till The Next Update,

Remy “Se7en”

EPD 34: Fan Mail Friday’s (03/25/2011)

Dear Computer Savvy Team,

I was wondering why you guys don’t use screen grabs or other images for your reviews and or features ?

CLR Man

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Reply:  Interesting Q CLR Man !!! That is a very good question. Honestly I’m not sure. But probably Remy would say that it has to due with space limitations (Since we are a free blog it would cost us money is we did screen grabs for each review or feature we did.)

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Return To The Main Features Page

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Till Next Friday,

Danny

Smart Defrag (2.0) – Freeware Review

Program Name: Smart Defrag

AA. Cost: Free

BB. Is It Worth That Cost ?: Yes, for sure 100%

1. Ease Of Use – Just click and go. I would personally advise if you do use this program. To try to use the analyze option first before full defrag. So you know how long it may take to run full scan.

1a. Interface - A very snazzy black on grey look with 2 main buttons – DEFRAG and ANALYZE (Both offer yet more options via a drop down menu). But there are also tabs  State (C:),  Automatic Defrag,  Boot Time Defrag and Reports.

2. Quality Of Scan – Excellent

2A. Speed of Scan – Pretty Quick, I find it on par with Auslogig disk defrag

3. Updating – Have not had to update it yet

4. Can You Run Other Programs During A Scan ? Yes

4a. Can You Run Programs During Update ? Not sure, Have not had to update it yet. But all signs point to yes there should be no issue.

5. Is There A Progress Bar? Yes a progress bar

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

7. Is There Adware Or Spyware Bundled With It ? Nope, not that I see

8. Is It Stable ? Yes, very much so

10. How Long Do Scans Take ? The first time you run it could take awhile. After that cut the time at least in half.

Overall I give Smart Defrag (2.0)  a – 4.5 out of 5 – Smart Deafrg this time around smashes its competition Auslogic disk defrag free with great ease. I highly recommend Smart Defrag to anyone who is sick and tired of the disk defragger built into Windows. And that goes double for Vista users. Smart Defrag is very light on resources safe to use as often as you want and very detailed in the reports it creates.

Smart defrag also allows for very accurate drive readings (Such as 0.15 % drive fragmentation) . Instead of getting stuck with whole number read outs (Such as 1.0% drive fragmentation) that is provided be its competition Auslogic disk defrag.

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Link to Download Smart Defrag (2.0): http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html or http://download.cnet.com/Smart-Defrag/3000-2094_4-10759533.html?tag=rb_content;main

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Till The Next Review,

Remy “Se7en”