If you have Windows XP or Vista and you're currently using Internet Explorer 6 or 7, you need to upgrade to 8 without delay.

There is a new vulnerability being exploited that only affects Internet Explorer 6 and 7. With support for those older versions coming to an end, it's important to upgrade to the latest version.

Internet Explorer 8 has many security improvements, including SmartScreen and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Filter.

Besides it's many security enhancements, Internet Explorer 8 is speedier than previous versions. Microsoft lists some of the improvements included in it's latest browser in Windows Internet Explorer 8: Get the facts.

Users of Windows 7 need not worry because Internet Explorer 8 is already installed in that operating system.

Download and install Internet Explorer 8 today.

Keeping track of software updates has become so much easier thanks to FileHippo.com Update Checker . This is a simple program that does it's job beautifully. It scans your computer, then presents a list of all the programs you have installed that have updated versions available for download.

After reading and accepting license agreement, choose which components to install. I recommend you un-check run at startup since there is no need to have this program constantly running in the background. If you'd like a desktop icon, leave it checked otherwise un-check it as well. Start Menu Shortcut should remain checked so that you can find the program via your start menu.

Click Next after choosing which components to install. Leave default location for installation (unless you prefer to install in a different location), then click Install. Once installation is complete, click Close.

When you run FileHippo.com Update Checker, the program begins by downloading the latest update list:

Then it will scan your PC:

and finally, it will list all the programs that currently have an update available to download (your list may differ depending on programs installed):

The only issue I had with FileHippo.com Update Checker was that it listed an update for Windows Live Messenger (which I do not have installed). I have (but don’t use) Windows Messenger which is part of Windows XP. If you get an update notice for Windows Live Messenger and do not use MSN Messenger or Live Messenger to chat, feel free to ignore that update notice.

Take a closer look at Firefox's features and you'll see many improvements and welcome new additions in this newest version.

The updated version can be easily installed by checking for updates via the Help menu:

If you currently don't use Firefox, download the latest version from Mozilla's Firefox Web page.

Adobe Reader & Acrobat:

Adobe Reader and Acrobat suffer from javaScript vulnerabilities that have been patched in version 9.1.1.

Download and install the Adobe Reader 9.1.1 Update as soon as possible.

If you have difficulties downloading from the website or want to install the update in Acrobat, run the update from within the program.

QuickTime:

Apple released a security update for QuickTime that fixes 10 vulnerabilities which can allow code execution. As usual when these types of vulnerabilities are patched it is recommended that you update the software as soon as possible.

Download the latest update via the Automatic Software Update Tool (in Windows) or by downloading from the QuickTime web page.

If you’d like to learn more about the vulnerabilities that are resolved by the update you can read: About the security content of QuickTime 7.6.2

Firefox:

Mozilla has updated Firefox to version 3.0.10. The new version fixes a stability issue and a security vulnerability.

Get the latest version of Firefox from the Mozilla web site or by checking for an update from within Firefox.

Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) is scheduled for May 5 and the final version of Widows 7 is expected to ship during late summer/early fall.

Users currently using Windows Vista will be able to purchase an upgrade version of Windows 7 and upgrade easily to the latest Operating System. Those of us using Windows XP will also be able to purchase upgrade versions of Windows 7 but will have to perform a clean installation (which removes all software and settings prior to installation). There are rumors that a settings transfer program will be provided to help backup settings and programs before performing the upgrade and if they prove to be true, it will make the upgrade process a bit less daunting.

Mozilla News:

Mozilla has recently updated Firefox to 3.0.10. As always, there are various bugs fixed and a security update included with the new version (get it while it's hot).

The next version of Firefox, dubbed Firefox 3.5 is expected to be released sometime during the summer and will have additional speed and security enhancements.

If you currently use Firefox, you'll want to update to version 3.0.8 (just released by Mozilla). This latest version fixes two critical security issues.

Mozilla continues to impress by issuing updates quickly whenever it becomes aware of vulnerabilities in it's browser.

In addition to the two security vulnerabilities, there were also a few bug fixed.

Installing:

1. The easiest way to update Firefox to the latest version is to check for updates via the Help menu:



2. You can download the newest version from the Mozilla Firefox website.

With either method listed above, Firefox will automatically be updated if already installed on your system (no need to uninstall the older version).

Yesterday, Microsoft released the final version of Internet Explorer 8. I previously described some notable IE 8 features in the beta version and want to urge those currently using older versions of Internet Explorer to take the plunge and upgrade to Internet Explorer 8.

Security and performance improvements in this latest version are vast when compared to older versions and the upgrade is simple as can be. Just download Internet Explorer 8 and run set-up. Your settings, favorites and cookies are easily transferred and the improvements are well worth the time it takes to download and install.

What to expect:

Installation begins by asking if you'd like to participate in the Customer Experience Improvement Program (I chose not to participate).

Choosing Next will bring to to the user license screen. Once you click Accept, you will be presented with a window asking if you'd like to install updates. The updates will automatically download while installing Internet Explorer 8 (I recommend you leave it check-marked) and click Next.

Your previous version of Internet Explorer will be removed (don't worry your settings, favorites and cookies are saved).

After finalizing installation, you will need to reboot.

Once you click re-start now and your PC re-starts, IE will download updates and check for malicious software. Then it will continue with installation and once finished, it will automatically re-boot your system.

The first time you open Internet Explorer after installation, you will be greeted with a welcome screen that will walk you through personalizing your settings.

In the following screen you will be asked if you'd like to turn on Suggested Sites (I chose No).

Next, you will choose if you'd like to use Express Setting or would like to customize your settings (I chose Custom Settings).

Note: If you choose Express Settings, the screens that follow will not be presented to you.

Choose if you'd like to continue using your default search provider or if you'd like to choose from a list of search providers (after set-up is complete).

You can also have your search provider updated (your search provider is not changed, only updated to use the latest technology).

You can then choose to use the current Accelerators provided with IE 8, add new ones or turn them off altogether.

Additionally, you can activate the Smart Screen Filter (recommended).

I chose not to keep IE 8 as my default browser because I use Firefox as my primary browser. If you want to have IE automatically open when clicking on a link (not another browser), you'll have to choose Yes. If you prefer to use a different browser, choose No.

Finally, you'll have to decide whether to allow the automatic updating of Compatibility View websites (I chose No because I prefer to keep my own compatibility view website list).

After performing the above steps, you'll be ready to surf the Internet using the new and much improved, Internet Explorer 8.

Visit the Internet Explorer Home Page to download or read more about it's latest features and improvements. Don't be afraid to try it. If you install it and later decide not to keep it, it can easily be uninstalled via Windows Add and Remove Programs (your previous version of Internet Explorer will be restored).

As I mentioned in my previous post Boost your PC's Performance, CCleaner is an excellent freeware tool. CCleaner keeps my PC optimized and clutter-free by removing unnecessary temporary internet files and keeps my privacy protected by helping me manage the Internet cookies and files I wish to keep.

The software includes:

• A File Cleaner to remove internet tracks, temporary files no longer needed, and slew of other files that can be safely removed (if unsure, view online help).
• A Registry Cleaner to remove obsolete, leftover registry entries.
• Tools to help you manage your Add/Remove list and Start-up programs.
• Many customizable Options so that you can make the best use of the software according to your personal needs.

When installing CCleaner, you can choose to add CCleaner to the Recycle Bin context menu (see screen shots):

The CCleaner interface is uncluttered and simple to navigate:

Clicking on the Cleaner button, presents you with a list of files that can be cleaned (deleted). Place a check mark on the files you want removed. Uncheck any you don't want CCleaner to clean. You can adjust your Windows cleaning by using the Windows tab and Applications tab (top of window, see screen shot for reference).

The Options button on the bottom left of the CCleaner window allows you to easily adjust the program Settings. You can also choose which Cookies to keep or delete, which files to Include or Exclude from the cleaning process, and edit additional Advanced settings (just click the corresponding buttons).

Via the Settings Menu you can choose to have CCleaner start with Windows (good choice for those who prefer to "set it and forget it"). If you choose to have CCleaner start with Windows, the program will automatically run and perform it's cleaning when your computer boots up or reboots. Additionally, you can choose between secure file deletion or regular file deletion. Secure file deletion will overwrite your deleted files (perfect for those of us who are security conscious).

With it's user-friendly interface and plethora of settings, CCleaner is a must have. The Standard Build includes the Yahoo Toolbar. If you prefer not to install the Toolbar, choose CCleaner-Slim (last one on the list). Despite the warning on the page, anyone can install the Slim Build, it's exactly the same as the Standard Build, minus the Yahoo Toolbar.

Recently my sister-in-law called me with the following problem: her daughter had a Word Document that she needed to work on for homework, but she could not get Microsoft Office to run because the version that came with her Dell PC was asking for a product key and she was having trouble locating it. I told her to try OpenOffice.org instead of rummaging through the house looking for the missing product key.

OpenOffice.org office suite is the freeware alternative to Microsoft Office. While Microsoft Office has many features tailored to business use, OpenOffice.org has all the features necessary for home users and can be used in an office environment as well. I have been using it exclusively for two years now and am very happy with it. Take it for a test-run and decide for yourself. The price (free) is hard to beat and the quality of the software is outstanding.

OpenOffice.org includes the following programs:

OpenOffice.org Launcher: Makes it easy to choose a new document type, but individual OpenOffice programs can be started without the use of the launcher.

Writer: Word Processor equivalent to Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect. It can open and edit Word Documents and Wordperfect Documents. It can also save in DOC (Microsoft Office) format but not in WPD (Corel WordPerfect) format.

Impress: Presentation program similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. It can open and view PowerPoint Presentations. Additionally, presentations can be saved as Flash (SWF) so that they can be viewed in any PC with Flash Player installed.

Calc: Spreadsheet program comparable to Microsoft Excel. Can open Excel Spreadsheets and is feature-rich.

Base: Database program equivalent to Microsoft Access.

Draw: Vector Graphics program similar to Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Publisher.

Math: Program for mathematical formula creation comparable to Microsoft Equation Editor.

OpenOffice.org is a very robust Office Suite with the ability to save documents as PDF with just one click:

The settings are extremely customizable and can be set to automatically save as Microsoft Word Document format (DOC) by going to Tools, Options from within any OpenOffice.org program. Click the plus sign next to: Load/Save, then choose General to edit the file format options (see screen shot below). Choose: Always save as Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP, then click OK.

If you install it and decide it's not for you, OpenOffice.org can be easily uninstalled via Add/Remove Programs. You have nothing to lose, try OpenOffice.org today.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware specializes in finding and eradicating malware. The program scans your computer for malware and if found, gives you the option to remove it. The free version, available for download from the Malwarebytes' website, has the following limitations: manual scanning, no scheduling or automatic updates (updates and scans must be done manually). It allows you to manually scan for and remove malware already present in your system but does not stop malware from being installed because it does not include the Realtime Protection Module. For most people the limitations in the free version pose no problems but if you prefer to have real-time protection, scheduled scanning and scheduled updating, the one time fee for the paid (registered) version is only $24.95.

Once the software is installed, you will have two methods of running a scan:

1. Opening the program (found in your start menu) will take you to the Scanner Tab where you will chose from either a quick scan or a full scan. I recommend a full scan for a first time scan. Once you are sure there is no hidden malware lurking about, you can choose to perform quick scans which are much faster.

   

   When the scan completes you will get a summary stating length of time for the scan and it's results:

   

2. Right-clicking any file will give you the option to scan it with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. A few seconds is all it takes to scan individual files in this manner.

   

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a great tool to add to your online protection arsenal. It does not interfere with your AntiVirus or Internet Security Suit (it will not cause conflicts with them) and is an excellent layer of protection to add to your computer. Run the software at least once a month or more often if you'd prefer. The quick scan takes only a few minutes and is time well spent for your peace of mind and safety online.

To read more about the software or download, visit the Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware website.