Compushooter

Meet the New Firefox 4 ( Firefox Overhaul)

New Tab Location screenshot

Firefox 4 Beta 1 adds an improved Add-Ons Manager, WebM and HD Video support and fixes for flaws in some Web standards that tighten up security. This beta also provides WebSockets, which allows developers to build real-time online interactions; Stylin’ Pages with support for new CSS3 features; HTML5 support, including a new HTML5 parser; and a Web Console that provides analysis tool for modern sites. With Firefox 4 add-ons can be installed without restarting the browser, and can be developed more easily using the new JetPack SDK and js-ctypes. The Indexed DB allows developers to store application data locally, making cloud applications work more quickly and reliably, even when not connected to a network. In addition, Firefox provides uninterrupted browsing for Windows, Linux and now Mac when there is a crash in the Adobe Flash, Apple Quicktime or Microsoft Silverlight plugins.

New Add-Ons Manager

An easier way to manage your add-ons and discover new options for personalizing your browsing.

WebM and HD Video

As pioneers of HTML5 video standards, Firefox also supports the WebM format so you can watch open HD quality video.

Protecting Your Privacy

Firefox puts your privacy first, fixing flaws in some web standards that allow bad guys to snoop around and expose your browser history.

Should I leave my computer on all the time, or turn it off?

This debate comes up often. Sparks continue to fly on both sides of the issue (especially if you don’t have a surge protector!)

I guess I’ll give you the thoughts from both camps and let you decide.

Leave it on:
The electronic components within the computer tend to last longer if they aren’t constantly cooling off and warming back up. Additionally, you don’t get any kind of initial “spike” in power when your machine is first turned on. Finally, it’s much more convenient to just plop down in front of your computer and start working than to sit through a lengthy boot-up.

Turn it off:
Your hard drive may last longer, especially if your computer doesn’t put the drive on “standby” after a certain amount of idle time. The constant spinning of your hard drive motor can wear out the internal bearings. I personally don’t think this a big deal. Newer hard drives will probably be in good service longer than the computer they live in.

Another “turn it off” argument is that you’ll save on your electric bill. Depending on your machine, it uses the same power as one or more 100 watt light bulbs.

Finally, you’re going to pull more dust into your computer if it’s running all the time. More dust = more heat. More heat = short lived computers, unless you clean it out regularly.

Those are the main reasons both ways. My opinion? I let it run during the day when I’m using it and shut it off at night.

I don’t think it’s good for the computer to have someone poking at the power switch constantly. If you’re going to use it in the morning and then again in the afternoon, leave it run till you’re finished for the day.

I used to leave mine run 24/7, but a few things have changed my mind.

For one, all modern processors need a cooling fan and heatsink to keep it from burning itself into a silicon cinder. These fans are not totally reliable.

If I’m using the computer and am getting signs that I have a CPU that’s overheating (your computer will act *really* strange, some will play a little tune through the internal speaker), I can shut things down and get it fixed. If it happens in the middle of the night, I’ll have a roasted CPU in the morning.

So, my advice is to run it when you need it, and when you’re done for the day, shut it down.

Steve from Worldstart.com

Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Computer Virus-Free

10. Use common sense. It’s always better to err on the side of safety. If you’re unsure about an attachment, delete it. Especially if it’s from a source you don’t recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don’t download them.

9. Scan files for viruses before using them. This is always important, but especially if you are using a disc or flash memory to carry information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from a corrupted file and introduce it into your system. Running a virus scan before launching any of new files will prevent infection.

8. Don’t share data CDs. Even a well-meaning friend may unknowingly pass along a virus, Trojan horse, or worm. Label your discs clearly so you know they’re yours and don’t loan them out. If a friend passes you a foreign disc, suggest an alternative method of file sharing.

7. Don’t boot from an unknown data CD. Data CDs are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted. If you are using a data CD while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer may automatically try to boot from the disc, perhaps launching or installing bad programs or files on your computer.

6. Don’t download programs from the Web. Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven’t heard of may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can’t be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program—any files with an “.exe” or “”.com” extension, such as “coolgame.exe.” Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.

5. Update your anti-virus software frequently. An antivirus software program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated. New viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current.

4. Get immediate protection. Configure your antivirus software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment, or decide not to. And in case you forget to boot up your antivirus software, configuring it to start by itself will ensure you get immediate protection anyway.

3. Scan all incoming email attachments. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly source.

2. Don’t automatically open attachments. Be sure your email program doesn’t automatically download attachments. This will ensure that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program’s safety options or preferences menu for instructions.

1. Install reliable antivirus software. Antivirus software scans files regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the software’s database of known viruses, suspicious email attachments, and other warning signs. It’s the most important step you can take towards keeping your computer clean of viruses.

Just in Case. . .

In case a virus finds its way to your computer, due to carelessness, an accident, or anti-virus software that hasn’t been updated since you got it for your birthday last year, at least be prepared. Use PC backup software such as Norton Ghost to create a backup copy of your computer’s hard drive. This way you can revert to the clean, undamaged version of your computer.