Jim Sanderson is Digital Journal‘s expert tech advice columnist. He is the author of Lemon Aid: Personal Computers and president of Dominion Business Machines. Check each issue of Digital Journal to get advice from our PC doctor!
You can also watch Jim every week on David Onley’s television show HomePage, airing on CP24 and Canadian Learning Television.
Send your questions and comments to Jim at sanderson@digitaljournal.com
Q: Hi, Jim! A site called “coolsearch.com” has inserted itself as my home page and it’s really irritating. I tried Spybot but it didn’t remove it. What the heck is this thing and how do I get rid of it?
— Tom, Toronto
A: Sorry to hear about that, Tom. This irritating hijack is a prime example of the increasing variety of junkware we all have to deal with these days. No longer is it enough to count on your firewall and antivirus apps. New flavours of unwanted programs are appearing everywhere, including these nasty browser hijackers — variations of your computer’s BHO, or Browser Helper Object, a little piece of code that’s sometimes served up by legitimate Web pages to let you run them faster. Unfortunately, Coolsearch.com is not reliably removed by zappers like Ad-Aware or Spybot, both of which normally provide excellent protection against pop-ups and trackers. In this case, you need a specific remedy. Try CWSshredder, BHODemon, or BHO Cop. Download one of these, run it, and the nasty hijack should disappear. Be aware, however, that some browser hijacks might require a technician to be erased.
More info on spyware:
Using Norton Anti Spam 2005, you can filter unwanted email using automatic spam detection and manual message blocking. Also, check out spywareinfo.com
Q: Hi, Jim. I like to use music downloading sites and now I’m seeing ads and stories about people getting sued. What’s up with this? Is this really a danger and who’s going to sue me?
— RJ, Brampton
A: Last September, the Recording Industry of Association of America (RIAA) filed suits against almost 1,000 defendants in the U.S., many of whom settled out of court. Following this example, the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) launched similar actions earlier this year. But after a vigorous defense from some heavyweight Internet service providers, the CRIA lost its case. So, RJ, you can rest easy — for now. But the reproduction of copyrighted material is still viewed by many as an illegal act, and the prosecution of file-sharers is a cause the increasingly beleaguered recording industry will almost certainly pursue. The bottom line? Public, legal and corporate awareness of this issue will continue to rise, pushed by the efforts of copyright holders who want to protect their property. So even though you’re safe in Canada in the short term, the unauthorized downloading of copyrighted material — especially in large quantities — should be considered extremely risky as this legal battle continues to unfold.
More info on copyrights:
Download music from iTunes Music Store (now available in Canada) or Puretracks.com for safe and fast music downloads. Also, check out riaa.com, cria.ca and eff.org
Q: Hi, Jim:
I’m getting a DSL Internet account and my service provider has asked if I want a USB or an Ethernet modem. Is one better or faster than the other?
— L.K., Toronto
A: First, L.K., most high-speed ISPs offer modems that accommodate both standards, so ask about this because it means you won’t have to decide on your connection type before they send out your kit. Here are some considerations when they do: For a single workstation, there isn’t much difference between these standards. Both enable basic DSL or cable connections to run at about the same speed, and both port types are found in almost all recent PCs. Some older systems may need an extra Ethernet adapter at a cost of about $30. And some older operating systems (Win2K, Win95) don’t support USB. If you plan to connect more than one computer to your DSL or cable connection, Ethernet is recommended. It allows you to easily network several systems with an inexpensive router from companies like D-Link or SMC. Most of these products also provide firewall protection and printer sharing. While similar USB routers are available, the resulting network can degrade speed. Further, your computer’s USB ports may already be occupied by your printer, keyboard or mouse. USB is not a dedicated networking technology, even though it’s one of the best and most flexible connection types ever invented. If you have an open port and are not looking to network other systems to your modem in future, USB is easy to deploy. Otherwise, look to the more common and dedicated Ethernet, or 10/100, standard in your high-speed Internet modem.
More info on modems:
Check out cable-modems.org and usb.org
Q: Hi, Jim: I heard there’s a new technology for digital cameras that will be replacing the CCD standard. What is this and are these cameras on the market today?
— Oroth
A: Yes, Oroth, a new technology by SMaL Camera has entered the marketplace, though it remains to be seen how soon it will replace the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) standard that most digicams use today. CCD has been around since the 1960s, when it got its start at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs. SMaL, a recent brainchild of a group of PhDs at MIT, uses Autobrite technology that automatically adapts to higher or lower light levels, while using so little energy that SMaL video and still cameras can be as thin as a credit card. As you might imagine, this new technology is being watched carefully by makers of cell phones, PDAs and other small appliances. So if you’re thinking about a new digital camera — especially a really small one — check out SMaL before deciding what to buy.
More info on camera technology:
Check out the Canon EOS 20D if you’re looking for a pro digital SLR. Also, check out smalcamera.com
This article is part of Digital Journal’s national magazine edition. Pick up your copy of Digital Journal in bookstores across Canada. Or subscribe to Digital Journal now, and receive 8 issues for $19.95 + GST ($39.95 USD).
