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Free-Software ALERT

A new software contrivance was discussed at the Build-or-Buy SIG Wed. Jan 22.  Previously, when free software was offered, one was frequently referred directly to the programmer's website.  In more recent times, one would notice that the desired software was accompanied by boxes to select additional software to download and install.  At least you had a chance not to download the add-ons.  Then came the "installers".  Here you couldn’t directly access the desired software, but had to be subjected to advertisements and also other software you were virtually trapped into downloading in order to get to the free software that you wanted.  CNET is infamous for this.  Some of this unwanted software is almost as bad as viruses, Trojans, and worms.  The most common "additives" include taskbars, driver updates, and performance improvers.  It can be extremely pervasive.  Joe Whinery, a Co-Chair of the Build or Buy SIG, along with Gill Boyd, discussed a process to counter this:

  1. Always check the download order to uncheck any unwanted software.  Look for "boxes".
  2. To install, select Custom instead of "Default" or "Automatic" or "Recommended" when downloading, so you can select what is to be        downloaded.   Read each screen of the install operation.  Look for a "Decline" option (which may appear to be grayed out, but is functional).  Decline these options.       
  3. When the download is complete, Install, but DO NOT RUN the downloaded software, instead:
    1. Go to Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs (Programs and Features in Win7 and 8). 
    2. Then SORT by date.
    3. Examine the listing for the software that you WANTED.  If there is anything else with the same date/time, that you did not intentionally install, delete it.

Then you can safely run your desired program.  This may seem like a chore but it is much easier than trying to undo something that infiltrated your machine.

Accessing your email on your Kindle

If you are having trouble accessing your email from a Kindle device, Bill Reed has this suggestion... At the very end of the setup process, it asks if you want to require sign-in and it asks for a password.  I tried all the usual procedures, but it still didn't like me.  So, I tried deleting the sign in requirement and password -- It now works perfectly!

A member writes: How do I ensure that HAL-PC stays as my home page?

To set up a home page so every time you open Internet Explorer you go straight to the site you use most:

  1. Make sure you've closed all open tabs, then open Internet Explorer for the desktop.
  2. Tap or click Tools, and then tap or click Internet options.
  3. Under the General tab, enter the web address of your new home page, and then tap or click Apply.

You'll need to restart both Internet Explorer and Internet Explorer for the desktop to see your new home page. You can change your home page at any time, or set up multiple home pages that will open in separate tabs.

Firefox offers more options. For information, read here.

A member writes us: Previous alerts about Java script may have been misleading. A better idea would be to update Java to the latest version and keep it updated.

Why?  Many banks and brokerage firms depend on Java for entry to their site.  Removing Java denies access to their site.

I learned this lesson when I removed Java per the warnings and I could no longer access such sites.  Reinstalling the latest Java version cured the problem.

HAL-PC Tech support responds:

Having Java on a PC is just dangerous. I know that some sites require Java, so people need to use one browser with Java to do what they need, then browse the web (and do emails) using another browser with Java DISABLED. That way they will be more secure.

Below is a testing site for Java with news of the latest vulnerabilities JUST discovered with the newest Java out. Java Security: A recent history https://javatester.org/index.htm "March 8, 2013: For those of you keeping score at home, there are now 12 unpatched bugs in the latest and greatest version of Java (v7 update 17) which was released on March 4th. An even dozen... " How to be as safe as possible with Java - By Michael Horowitz https://blogs.computerworld.com/cybercrime-and-hacking/21626/how-be-safe-possible-java

Disabling Java in your browser

To disable Java in your browser, read here.