anti

Killer Download: Top antivirus programs for Windows

A few years ago, it seemed like we would hear about a new virus threatening to hijack computers around the globe every week. Though it may feel like we're out of the woods these days, it is probably only because many users and companies are now much more aware of potential threats than they used to be. Even computer manufacturers have gotten the message and take more precautions by including some form of pre-installed protection. But when the limitations on these demos run out, it has been my experience that many people just hope for the best because of how little we hear about new threats. Of course, these are the same people who later call me up asking why their computers no longer work.

Even though we don't hear about as many threats in the news, there are just as many viruses out in the wild and some viruses have become even more destructive. At work, your company probably has an antivirus system that protects you from most new strains and an IT department that keeps it updated. At home you are the IT department, and if you want to keep your files safe, you have to remain vigilant.… Read more

Is there an antimalware Holy Grail?

Excluding Firefox and its 400 million downloads and 120 million regular users, the days of a killer free application dominating hearts and minds are deader than Pets.com. Yet a single malware destroyer is what we're all hoping for, especially since malware and virus threats are as chameleonic as their intentions are devious.

Three antimalware applications have made it to the top of my list: Avira Antivir, AVG Anti-Spyware, and A-Squared Free.

Panasonic lowers 1080p plasma bar

Despite the fact that the benefits of 1080p native resolution are difficult to discern at the 50-inch screen size, let alone 42 inches, Panasonic has to keep up with the LCD competition if it wants to maintain spec-sheet parity in the eyes of comparison shoppers. That's probably the main reason why the plasma powerhouse announced two new, lower-priced 1080p models today at CEDIA in Denver: the 42-inch TH-42PZ77 ($1799) and the 50-inch TH-50PZ77 ($2799).

These sets trim $200 off the list prices of the formerly least-expensive 1080p Panasonic plasmas, the excellent 42-inch TH-42PZ700U and the ever-popular TH-50PZ700U, making them the most affordable 1080p plasmas on the market, and strongly price-competitive with similarly sized 1080p LCDs. Here are some more items from the press release:

Panasonic TH-PZ77 series key features

1080p native resolution Two HDMI inputs Antiglare screen coating SD memory card slot September release date… Read more

The secret of AVG

There's no doubt that Grisoft's AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 offers a high level of protection for a reasonably low price. What isn't so well-known is that the program will actually work beyond the 30-day trial limit.

We think.

Hip to be Squared

There's nothing more frustrating than an anti-malware program installing its own spyware on your machine. Fortunately, malware remover A-Squared 3 has figured out a way to protect your computer without the doublespeak.

Wizard of WordPress, part two: When open source fails

In part two of my interview with Matt Mullenweg (see also part one) of WordPress and Automattic, we discussed the release of WordPress 2.2, including its new widgets and Ajax-enhanced interface.

I asked Mullenweg what his favorite widgets were and although he said he "doesn't like most widgets," he did call out some of the blogosphere utilities like Sphere (review) and Technorati.

No conversation with Mullenweg would be complete without a discussion of the WordPress antispam utility, Akismet -- a service inspired by the young developer's mother. I also find it interesting that while Mullenweg … Read more

An expensive way to thwart spies

As we've seen with such diabolical (though tasteful) products as the "GSM Table Lamp," one can never be too careful these days when it comes to surveillance issues, even in the home. Or perhaps especially in the home.

That's why items such as the "Tape Recorder Blocker" exist. The newest counter-surveillance offering from U.K.-based Spycatcher blocks digital eavesdropping "by emitting a sub-audible tone which cannot be detected by the human ear but will drown out any recordings when played back." Kind of a canine-frequency anti-spying device, we suppose.

We were … Read more

Protect your delicate skin from those mean, nasty cell phone rays

Anti-aging products are everywhere. Most of them merit nary the blink of an eye on Crave, as we choose to focus on personal technology, not personal vanity. Sometimes, however, the two intersect. We recently read on Textually that the French cosmetic company Clarins has launched a new product specifically geared toward protecting one's skin from the effects of cell phone radiation. Really? I knew cell phones gave you brain tumors and killed sperm, but apparently now they can give you wrinkles, too. In other words, your Prada phone might be killing that youthful glow! Quel horreur!

But never fear. … Read more

How to deter theft with a head of lettuce

Remember in Jurassic Park when that nerdy bad guy played by Wayne Knight hid those stolen dinosaur embryos by stashing them in a shaving cream can? Well, this is kind of the same idea, except we hope you won't hide stolen dinosaur embryos in this. Gizmodo has alerted us to an innovative anti-theft solution that allows you to hide your valuables in what appears to be a head of lettuce. You then would presumably stash the "lettuce" in your refrigerator where it would look like just another veggie, and hope that if a burglar comes to your … Read more

Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Mac for $29.99 after a $10 savings and a $30 mail-in rebate

CompUSA.com has the Norton AntiVirus 10.0 for Mac for $29.99, after a $10 savings and a $30 mail-in rebate >> Regular price is $69.99 >> Offer ends 2/3/2007 >> Click here for deal