Tired of bloated, multi-megabyte security suites that slow your system down and are packed with features you don't use or require?

Wanted: small, uncomplicated security software

Reader Joe Watson is hearing the siren song of simpler software:

    * "In Fred's Jan. 14 article, 'Explorer.exe startup failure means no desktop,' he states, 'Smaller, simpler software that does just the essential tasks — no bells, no whistles, no marching bands — is often your best bet.'

      "What are his suggestions for firewall, antivirus, and antispyware protection on Win XP Pro and Windows 7?"

That's the main topic in my reader Q&A column this week, in the WindowsSecrets.Com newsletter. I'll discuss the commercial security suite I've been using, and the free suite I'm switching to; and why.

Other reader-submitted topics this week:

• Where did the old LangaList cleanup tools go?
• Google Desktop v Windows 7 Search
• What do do when a Government site demands ancient browser?

As usual, my Q&A is only a small portion of the newsletter. Here's the full issue's lineup:

Free content posted on Feb. 4, 2010:

TOP STORY
By Woody Leonhard
The EULA you click may not be the one in effect
No agreement on what you're actually agreeing to
More than one EULA in your copy of Windows

KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
Even well-guarded PCs may get infected
Senders may unwittingly spread infection

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Stephanie Small
Make music on the cheap with soda bottles

  You get all of the following in our paid content (no set fee; you pay only what you think it's worth):

LANGALIST PLUS
By Fred Langa
MS Security Essentials: right-sized protection?
Wanted: small, uncomplicated security software
Where did the old LangaList cleanup tools go?
Government site demands ancient browsers
Do I need Google Desktop with Windows 7?

BEST SOFTWARE
By Ian "Gizmo" Richards
Two free photo editors anyone can use
Looking for a simple, free image editor
Free image editor combines power, ease of use
Choose between manual edits or one-click options
Google's free online photo organizer edits, too
Which of these two free image editors is best?

The following link includes all articles this week: http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/100204

Start by signing up for the free content: http://windowssecrets.com/#subscribe

Posted via email from Fred's posterous