Technobuddy

By A.M.

May 12, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Hello Bill:

Enjoy your columns and advise immensely. Q: I have a laptop connected to my home network. I recently removed McAfee Visus scan from the laptop because it makes my laptop (ancient Dell Inspiron 1000)more slower than it already is and I couldn’t stand it anymore. I have Zone Alarm’s fire wall protection and of course the network router as firewall protection. Do you advise that I install another anti-virus on the laptop or am I reasonably covered for viruses. I also have Spyware Doctor installed on both network machines. Thanks.

By Bill

May 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Hi, A.M. - thanks for the kind words - and yes, you need another anti-virus program. Your firewall and router make your computer safer as far as someone hacking in, but really do nothing to protect you from viruses. Same deal with the anti-spyware program - it doesn’t detect and clean viruses either.

By Marge

May 14, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

Customer Service for Hotmail Plus: Bad

Microsoft’s billing process for Hotmail Plus is on an annual basis. Theoretically, I’m supposed to receive an e-mail before the annual bill is due. I signed up in 2004 or 2005, and I don’t remember ever receiving one. MSN’s policy is: “If you choose not to renew your service, contact Customer Service before your billing anniversary date.” I contacted MSN Customer Service on April 5th. Although it was too late to cancel for the current year, “Nirmal” couldn’t find my Hotmail account. He did, however, tell me to “Have a wonderful day!” I received an e-mail from “May” who told me she was “looking forward to providing me with relevant information.” She found the Hotmail Plus account, but told me “I am unable to verify your account ownership. I apologize for the inconvenience.” Fortunately, my credit card company has volunteered to help me with my dispute. I “Googled” to see whether other customers are having the same problem. They are. One individual wrote that he wished Bill Gates would try to cancel his Hotmail Plus account. The hope being that Customer Service would improve. Have you received any complaints?

By Bill Giles

May 17, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

Bill, when traveling, do you have any luck with wireless connections in motels? I’ve been able to get a usable connection only one time with wireless in motels all over the US. One motel gave me a router to use, which worked fine, when the wireless didn’t work. I have a Dell Inspirion 5150. I connect it to my home network using cable.