Q: I have been using Spybot and Malwarebytes to scan for adware and spyware based on suggestions in some of your past columns. Recently you mentioned a new tool: Superantispyware. Should I add that to my list and would using all three programs be overkill?
Johnny Justice
A: Yes, that seems too much of a good thing. Unlike with anti-virus programs, you can usually do fine running more than one program to guard against adware/spyware. But I think most home users should use just one program, two at the most. Right now my favorite is Superantispyware. You can download an excellent free version or buy the professional version (that's the one I use) at www.superantispyware.com.
One thing readers should know. I routinely change the programs I use for adware/spyware and viruses. Personally trying out different programs for extended periods of time is the only way I can feel comfortable making recommendations. And as I learn about new programs, I sometimes change my recommendations. But that usually just means I have a new favorite; the programs recommended earlier still are good ones.
Q: I use Gmail. Every so often, while composing long and thoughtful e-mails, an empty screen appears. I get a notice saying that what is being written has been "modified" and I have no way to opt out -- I can only click on OK or cancel. Once I click OK, the text is switched to the "Drafts" section. At times sizable portions of the text disappears. Other times everything is there. Is there a remedy or prevention?
Paul Hippmann
A: I don't use Gmail and I'm stumped. I do know about a problem of experiencing a blank screen at start-up that some Gmail users have reported. But I don't know about the specific problem Paul is experiencing. Maybe some experienced Gmail users can tell me what's going on and suggest a fix. I'll pass along suggestions to Paul either through the column or by e-mail.
A warning from a reader
Q: You've written about video streaming and asked for input from readers. So here goes. We live about 18 miles outside of Eugene, Ore., on a farm. We do not have access to cable or high-speed DSL. So I use high speed Internet from Hughes.net, delivered by satellite. I also subscribe to Netflix. When we begin streaming the first video, the picture stopped after a bit more than an hour. Upon investigation we found that the daily data cap from Hughes had been reached. We have the fastest service they offer and pay about $80 a month for it. You can buy tokens to reset the cap for 24 hours but this isn't financially reasonable. No one, including Hughes, warned us about the cap or the amount of data that streaming uses up. Any ideas about an alternative?
Ken Corricello
A: I don't have a ready solution but it's information that readers located in areas where traditional high-speed service isn't available need. My own sister is in the same fix, living atop a high hill in a beautiful part of Arkansas. But the tradeoff is the necessity to use a service like this for high-speed Internet. Marketing tests have used various other methods for delivering service to areas like this but, as far as I know, none have become available nationally.
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