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

Google Changes!

What's with the change?

Anyone who’s been on Google.com or any of their related websites recently know about their “big” change. It’s the devastating change that apparently avid internet users everywhere seem to be debating about. I have even heard several interesting and hilarious metaphoric comparisons on the internet to this vast metamorphosis ranging all the way from Bieber cutting his hair to Yoko Ono’s apparent “invasion” of the Beatles.

Yes. Google, the billion-dollar Company and search engine for millions, has changed their logo.

Though not everyone will remember, but Google has had some weird and wacky logos before the company took off. For example, before Google actually became “Google” it was actually a back rub research program that later became the high tech company and search engine we know and love today.

Yes, the above image really was their logo before the company actually became google. The next image was the logo that started it all.

For all the nonbelievers, you can google search it. The above image really is the original logo for when the company actually took on the name “Google.” No, we are not sure what they were thinking either. The general embodiment of the excesses and explanations the now ridiculously successful company has given over the years can be basically summed up into the phrase “Oh the nineties. LOL”

The logos just slowly evolved from there. My three-year-old self has fond memories of when the G in google was green back in 1997. Just look at that archaic Baskerville Bold.

It did not last very long however. Seriously, what was up with the exclamation point? Someone must have been excited during that company meeting.

Those were the days when google still posted random clip art pictures on their main page and it was considered innovative.

Let us take a moment of silence for days of past of elegant type and slow progression from the lies of imaginary shading. 

Some Quick Computer Commands

Just a simple guide for some quick commands.

Generic Hot Keys

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Quick Printing: “Ctrl” + “P”

Copy: “Ctrl” + “C”

Cut: “Ctrl” + “X”

Paste: “Ctrl” + “V”

Undo:  “Ctrl” + “Z”

Open: “Ctrl” + “O”

Select All: “Ctrl” + “A”

System Menu: “Alt” + “Ctrl”

Move Forwards One Item: “Tab”

Move Backwards One Item: “Shift” + “Tab”

Hold “Shift” + “Right” or “Left” arrows to highlight one character or more in either specified direction.

Hold “Shift” + “Up” or “Down” arrows to highlight entire rows in either specified direction.

Hold “Ctrl” + “Right” or “Left” arrows to move quickly between words.

Hold “Ctrl” + “Up” or “Down” arrows to move to the beginning of the last or next paragraph.

Hold “Ctrl” to be able to highlight many individual things at once.

Hitting the “SPACE BAR” on any internet page is a quick way to scroll down without having to navigate with the mouse.

Chrome Hot Keys

New Window: “Ctrl” + “N”

Reload Page: “F5”

View History: “Ctrl” + “H”

View Downloads: “Ctrl” + “J”

Stop Page Loading: “Esc”

Find In Page Search Box: “Ctrl” + “F”

Make Text Larger: “Ctrl” + “+”

Make Text Smaller “Ctrl” + “-“

Windows 10--the wait is over!

Updates are almost here!

      The Windows 10 update is almost here. It will be released to the public July 29. This update will be revered by some and dreaded by others, depending on how attached the person is to their old processor. Many who have updated to Windows 8 are crossing their fingers in hope that the new update remembers how to computer. Sure, app interfacing can be nice, but it’s a hassle with a mouse.

       Many Grumpy impersonators (like me) have found their way to the desktop app and parked themselves there grumbling to avoid half-finished apps that already have superior versions on desktop mode. Adding to that, the app functions also heat up the computer much faster than the desktop interface as well. While its new interface boasts about quickly moving between programs with ease, this function does no good when keeping those programs open could potentially fry the hard drive. These are just a few of the problems that users hope will be rectified with the new update as they advertise that Windows 10 as combining the strengths of Windows 8 with Windows 7. (Windows Insider)

      Many of the changes that will come with the new update are not entirely clear. Microsoft has released their new help program “Cortana2” which appears to be Microsoft’s late response to Siri. They also talk about “snapping” apps into place, supposedly to make it easier to multitask and see multiple programs at a time. It looks like Microsoft is trying to take a step back and remember that Windows 10 will be used mainly on desktops and laptops without losing its app-like functionality; basically the functionality of Windows 7 with some of the pretty, modern abilities of Windows 8.

Side note: to all gamers, Xbox is coming to Windows. 

Submitted by Katrina Stracke

In defense of the "antisocial"

In defense of the "antisocial"

Some find social media addiction a problem in modern society, especially among young adults and teens.  People are spending less time talking to people face to face and more time behind their screens. However, consider this: a person suddenly thrown into a room with a bunch of strangers who know nothing about each other. Everything is suddenly a competition and everyone judges you on first appearances. 

There is very little sympathy and the occupants are more often considered guilty until proven innocent. Most people have found themselves in situations like this be it school, work or even for some at home. This is especially true for those who are introverts, anti-social or shy.  In tough and judgmental environments, it is easy to feel unwanted or that you don't belong.

This may be why so many  turn to another outlet: the internet. It connects people from all interests, social classes, races, genders, religions, countries and cultures. 

We live in a time that you can talk to people from anywhere in the world. There are countless websites dedicated to specific interests no matter how obscure or strange. 

If a person doesn't have to be limited to the social circle they  encounter in their daily lives, why constrict them? 

Instead of having to meld themselves to have others  accept them, they can more easily find others of similar interests who accept them as they are. 

This does not mean one should never participate in social events locally. It’s healthy to get away from one’s devices on occasion, but that doesn’t mean that online friendships are any less socially active. Like most things in life, the key for a healthy life both online and off is balance.

                                                                                          submitted by Katrina Straecke

NOTE: If there is worry about the effect of the computer screen light on one’s eyes, purchase a pair of gunner glasses to protect them. They work similarly to sunglasses, but uniquely for the light from computer screens rather than the light rays of the sun. 

Death of Internet Explorer

Death of Internet Explorer

Whether it was awaited, anticipated or dreaded, Internet Explorer has finally met its end. The program will not be featured on most versions of Windows 10. In fact, even though the browser is still around it has officially been declared dead recently. Microsoft has wiped their hands clean of the twenty-year-old program that was once the height of all browsers, until its dethroning by Chrome in 2012.

They have decided to start fresh with a new program, advertised as being lighter, faster and more extension friendly: codename Spartan.

Explorer enthusiasts will finally have to move on from their ‘safe’ program if they have plans of using the upcoming upgrade to Windows 10. Even those who stubbornly hold on to the program that schools and government facilities hold so tightly too will be using a program that is no longer widely maintained so they will be putting themselves at risk of glitches, hackers and general degradation of the program.

This is hardly a shock however when even “The Economist” can claim that based on their research people who use Chrome or Firefox make better workers and change jobs less often than people who use Internet Explorer or Safari. They suspect that people who take the time to upgrade to the browser of their choice instead of the default browser on the computer are more likely to take the time and make informed decisions both at home and at the workplace, but that is just speculation.

~Treena

Bib: "Robot Recruiters." The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 06 Apr. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.

and the website link is: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21575820-how-software-helps-firms-hire-workers-more-efficiently-robot-recruiters

Customers in the computer room

Are you that customer?

I take a deep breath coffee in hand; it was all going to be okay. Sure, I could not sleep the night before and then my alarm clock decided it did not want to go off that morning. Then of course, there was traffic because I was running late, but it would all be okay. I made it. I will get through work and it will all be fine.

Then That Guy shows up. Everyone knows That Guy, the one who shows up with a cellphone on his shoulder who cannot keep his voice down to a non-earsplitting level. That guy who wears shoes so shiny that mirror can see its own reflection and never pays the parking meter.

It would be fine. Just breathe. Maybe he wouldn’t be that bad… or maybe I was dreaming.

That Guy did not possess a library card, much too bothered just to get one. Instead having to put him on manually, he snips at the very fact I have to see an ID. Then when I give him his computer number he snatches his ID back so quickly that he practically burned my fingers with the friction. Then when he gets to the computer, I somehow messed up because logging in is not quick enough for him. When it finally comes on, something is still my fault because he cannot find the ‘Continue’ button on the top right corner of the ‘Terms and Services’ page.

After finally getting on the computer after it finished starting up, he’s on his phone talking so loudly as he surfs the web that everyone in the room is sneaking glances his way wondering if he’ll take the hint and quiet down. He doesn’t.

I say something the first time; he waves me off as a substitute to a meaningful apology.  I confront him a second time, now he’s on the verge of cussing at me with a deep inset glare in my general direction. A third and final time with a warning about our policies, he finally puts the phone away with a deep scowl on his face. He would literally be growling at me if he weren’t afraid of being kicked out.

That Guy finishes off by going to websites that are most definitely against our terms and services of the computer room and then screams at me when I kick him off the computer.

Girls can be That Guy too.

Please don’t be that guy. 

The Hour Session Policy

The Hour Session Policy in the main computer lab

Since first starting work here, I have heard a few complaints about the Hour session policy. Especially since the computers are set to delete every change made to them after each session. No one likes to lose their work and that would be understandable, if there was not a flashing yellow button warning them when the computer was nearing the end of its session. 

The hour sessions are set to make sure that no one person stays on the computers too long when there are others waiting. It is hardly fair that one person can sit in for hours and hours, never giving anyone else a chance to get on. Not everyone has a schedule suited for coming early in the morning or late at night during the quiet hours to ensure themselves access to an open computer.

However, the most complaints come from the fact that the computer is cleared off after each session ends meaning anything that was being worked on directly on the computer is deleted. First, one should always save work to multiple places for safety reasons, because of situations just like these. Computers are imperfect so always have a backup. Second, if you do not know the computer policies and workings, please ask. There is always someone at the desk who can explain, plus multiple signs up around the computer room with explanations and warnings.

There are several options for alternative places to save work done in the library besides the computer. First off, there are flash-drives or USBs. These are probably the best option because they require no internet service to use. Then there are email services. With an account, most email services allow for document attachment, these can be saved as drafts or sent to yourself. Lastly, there are Internet drives; these are meant to perform similarly to flash drives except all the storage in online as soft storage. Another difference is most online drives allow the user to work straight with their own software instead of a separate program if they so choose and most of these programs automatically save as it is being edited or added to. This reduces the fear of losing work from not saving in time should anything go wrong.

Some popular online drives are Dropbox, Google drive, Drive HQ, Open drive and Conclusions.

~Treena

Workforce computers

Do you know someone who needs to use a computer to search for jobs?   To create a resume?  To complete an online job application?  Tell them about the WorkForce computers at the Martinsburg Public Library.

The Workforce computers were given to the library by WorkForce West Virginia a few years ago to expand their services by offering public-access computers to different locations in communities throughout the state. Funding was secured through a BroadbandUSA grant as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

These computers are made available to the public solely for the purposes of job-searching and related activities.  Users are granted a longer work session on these computers than on the public-access Internet computers in the computer lab to permit users to complete their tasks.  Users must show a library card or a photo ID like a driver’s license to register to use the WorkForce computers.

The WorkForce computers are located in the reference department on the top floor of the Martinsburg Public Library.  Library personnel are available to facilitate usage and to provide assistance. Announcements of local job listings, open positions at local companies, and community job fairs and opportunities are posted on a bulletin board in the library’s WorkForce computer center.

How to Type!

Ever since I started helping people with computers, both in Martinsburg and Rockville, I have had the question, “Treena, how do you type so quickly?”

In all honesty, I don’t think I type quickly at all with a 50 words a minute average that is slowed from being unused to the computer lab keyboards. This is especially in comparison to my grandmother who was a professional secretary once upon a time and could type an average of 65 words a minute on an old stiff typewriter with high keys and somehow keep a perfect manicure apparently.

While I can’t teach you to be the “Do it all” perfectionist my grandmother is, I can give a few tricks of the trade to increase typing speed.

First, the pointer fingers are positioned in resting position at “F” and “J”

Second, the thumbs should be above the “space bar”, but normally only the thumb of the dominant hand is used.

Third, between words, fingers should hover above the keys instead of resting on them; this will decrease mistakes from “heavy handedness.”

Lastly, if imputing in an abundance of numbers, make sure the numb lock is ON for the right hand number pad. It’s significantly quicker to type into than the row of numbers at the top. 

What's new--View from the computer lab

            View from the Computer Lab

An average day at the computer lab is on its best days is a flurry of questions and answers with a few dead zone rest periods in between where all goes silent.  There are others where there are no breaks and the only dead zone is about twenty minutes before the lab closes meaning you have about ten minutes before all of the stragglers try to jump on for last minute printing.

My previous job was at a college library in Maryland similarly answering technical questions and keeping an eye on the computers. In comparison, the systems are a bit older and the computers need a bit more love to function properly. I also manage about half of the computers I used to for twice the amount of time sessions, but also running the print jobs, Wi-Fi connections and just general maintenance it’s easy to keep busy.

What I found I like absolutely best about working in the Martinsburg library computer lab however, is the appreciation and look of happiness on people’s face as they’re able to accomplish something they otherwise could not, be it getting on social network just to relax and give their mental state a breather to completing a job application or tax forms that are a necessity. 

What’s considered so little and a right to young adults who have grown up with technological access and take that privilege for granted, is a gift to people who haven’t the same advantages in life.

~ Treena