Antivirus software: a review

ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Almost every computer comes with initial “free” antivirus software be it Norton, McAfee or otherwise. Most computers come with a trial version of an antivirus software already installed, but also often come with a disc to install off of as well. Usually these will do for their short trial periods, but once the trials run out they companies that created the software will require payment for their programs. Usually it is a monthly or annual payment. However, there are free options, some even better than the versions that have to be subscribed to.

Now, before going into some of the free options, please remember NEVER to have more than ONE antivirus software installed on a computer at a time. Before installing new antivirus software, make sure to uninstall the older one first. To do this on a Windows computer simply hit the “Windows” key on the keyboard and then in the search-bar type in"uninstall". Under the “Control Panel” options, select “Uninstall a program”. Then on the list simply select the program you wish to erase and on the top bar click “Uninstall”. After this is done, feel free to install whichever antivirus software is most fitting.--submitted by Treena

#1: Avast Antivirus Software, it can be obtained at www.avast.com. It is simple and easy to use for the average user. It is mostly automated, but leaves most current files on the computer alone except during the occasional scans that can be easily regulated by the user of not only what should and should not be deleted, but also what should and should not be scanned.

#2: Panda Cloud Antivirus Software, it can be obtained at http://www.pandasecurity.com/usa/homeusers/solutions/free-antivirus/. Panda is another very easy to use interface system and it is all automated, this is good for most people. The biggest drawback is to anyone who may have any “iffy” files on their computer, these may be auto quarantined. It would not be a problem for most users, however it can be a bit of a pain for anyone who actually writes programs or deals with any kind of server.

#3 Comodo Antivirus Software, it can be obtained at https://antivirus.comodo.com/new.php. As far as antivirus software goes, it is a bit of a loud mouth, which is good for some people, but many are apathetic to the idea of a software that likes to bother them. The interface is also set up for more advanced computer users. Comodo is not recommended for the casual facebook browser and email checker.

#4 Avira Antivirus Software, it can be obtained at https://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus. To be honest, Avira hasn’t gone through a lot of real world testing as of yet, but AV-Test regards it as having strong protection for computers. It also has a great customization and child safety features included within its settings.

#5 AVG Antivirus Software, it can be obtained at http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage. While it is a popular antivirus system and it is free, this particular antivirus software and it has an average to moderate protection rate against malware and adware. It would probably suffice for most users for averag

WV Wills Week--Library resources

Wills, Trusts, and Advance Directives

The Reference Department at the Martinsburg Public Library has resources that can help you make choices about wills, trusts, advance directives, and end-of-life decisions.

Since we never know when an accident or a serious illness might leave us incapable of making our own decisions, making the choice to have these documents in place can save the persons whom you love and for whom you care a lot of stress during trying times.

Having  a will versus dying “intestate” (without a will) means a lesser chance that there will be a conflict between family members and survivors of the deceased, since the will sets forth clearly the manner in which property and assets should be divided following your death.  To be legal, a will should not be witnessed by persons who will benefit from its provisions (including a spouse) and it should have all signatures, including those of the testator (maker) and all witnesses, attested to by a notary public.  A trust is another option, which provides for control of property or assets over an extended period of time while transferring ownership through the terms of the document. 

Other documents, known as advance directives, let your family and doctor know your decisions for health care if you become unable to make those decisions for yourself. The state of West Virginia recognizes two types of written advance directives, which are a Living Will and a Medical Power of Attorney.

The library has books providing further details about these documents and copies of all of these types of forms which you can use to complete these important decisions that will make a difference to the people you love.

Some important titles of interest on the legal bookshelf in the Reference Department include: 

Estate Planning in West Virginia: Real Answers to Real Questions

Estate Planning Basics

Nolo’s Simple Will Book

Prepare Your Own Will

Plan Your Estate: Protect Your Loved Ones, Property & Finances

Composting with Melanie Files

Bibliography:

628.162 Alle.L    
Allen, Laura
The water-wise home: how to conserve, capture, and reuse water in your home and landscape.(2015)
631.875 P7241 
Pleasant, Barbara
The complete compost gardening guide.(2008)
631.875 Pear.P
Pears, Pauline
The Garden Organic guide to making compost: recycling household and garden waste. (2009)
635.0484 Mart. D
Martin, Deborah
Rodale's basic organic gardening.(2014)
635.048975 Davi.S
Davies, Stephanie
Composting inside and out: to fit our space & lifestyle.
640 Hoff. N
Hoffman, Nancy
The self-sufficient home: how to provide for your family and prepare for the unexpected.(2014)
J631.8 Lay.R
Lay, Richard
A green kid's guide to organic fertilizers.(2013)
J631.875 Lay.R
A green kid's guide to composting.(2013)
YA--On Order
Hanson-Harding, Brian
Composting: turn food waste into rich soil.(2014)

Peanuts films at Martinsburg Library

Library Exhibits during the month of October

Library Exhibits during the month of October

October 2 is the 65^th anniversary of the 1950 debut of the Peanuts comic strip.  This comic strip by Charles Schulz featured Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, and Charlie Brown’s dog, Snoopy.   The library will celebrate with an exhibit of Peanuts collectibles and memorabilia in one of the display cases in the front foyer of the library.  “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” the first full-length animated motion picture from 1969 featuring these loveable characters, will be shown in the Young Adult section at the Martinsburg library on Saturdays Oct. 3 and 24 from 12:00 to 1:30pm and during a Peanuts Film Festival in the Children’s Department on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11am to 3pm.  Additionally, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will be shown after the Children’s story time on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10:30am.

An exhibit previewing the Trails and Trees Studio Tour of artist studios in Berkeley County on the weekend of November 7 & 8 will be featured in the other front foyer case. The Trails and Trees Studio Tour is an opportunity to leisurely roam the scenic back roads of historic Berkeley County WV and visit the studios of the talented artisans that call it home. The Tour is free and you travel at your own pace from studio to studio to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and a chance to chat with the artists and learn about their special talents and skills.

 Apple Harvest Festival programs and memorabilia will be on display in the round carousel case on the main floor of the library. This year’s celebration on the weekend of October 15-18 marks the 36^th annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in Martinsburg. The Apple Harvest festival had origins in apple carnivals which were held in Martinsburg from 1909 to 1913 and the first “official” Apple Harvest Festivals which were held from 1935 to 1940. The festival was revived again in 1980 and has run up to the present year.

A selection of scary books will be featured in the Popcorn machine space to put you into the “spirit” for the autumnal harvest and Hallowe’en ghost stories.

October 1 is the birthday of Firepup (who teaches children about fire and burn prevention and life safety awareness) associated with the National Fire Safety Council, so one of the table display cases will have an exhibit about fire safety in our homes.