Solving PC Problems with Windows XP Systems
Subscriber Gene Philbrick posted a question via my Terry’s Computer Tips blog, asking:
Subject: Routers Compatible w/Motorola SURFboard eXtreme Modem SB6120, DOCSIS 3.0——
I have two Dell computers (an XP & VISTA) wired in one room. The above new modem is enroute to replace Comcast’s Motorola 11b modem. Expect I may have to also upgrade my router (currently a Linksys BEFSR41 v.2).
I have been reviewing two $80 routers…
Continue reading Upgrading the Router in Preparation for DOCSIS 3.0 Speeds
Readers of my online newsletter will remember Bev’s problems of several weeks ago. Bev upgraded to Windows 7 Home. However, she was no longer able to get to Pogo.com to play games…
I had corresponded with Bev and made sure she had updated to the latest verison of Java (from www.java.com). But, Bev continued to have problems.
My last request to Bev had been that she write to tell me how she ultimately solved the proble.
This week, she wrote back to report that the problem was solved — and in a way that was quite surprising to me:
Hi Terry, Just wanted to update you on my Pogo.com issue that I wrote you about.
I ended up talking to Microsoft and they remotely assisted but after two days they couldn’t resolve the problem, called Linksys who wasn’t any help as router is outdated, called Pogo and they didn’t have any answer and called my ISP.
I finally called my friend who is super busy as computer tech and he did a few things like trying to download update firmware for my router of which wasn’t available any longer and his last fix worked, buy a new router as Windows 7 did not like my old router. So he had me buy a Netgear WNR2000-100NAS.
I did the switch and setup all by myself as their setup disc is so simple and by golly everything is working great besides being fast router for desktop as well. Thank you Terry for all your help, you are a trooper for sure. Happy Thanksgiving early.
The solution was surprising, but perhaps should not have been. Linksys has had a lot of versions upgrading and improving their WRT54G router that Bev used. Her’s was about …
Continue reading Wireless Problems Solved with New Router
OK, after reading Improving Your Wireless Security about WPA2 wireless encryption, you’ve downloaded the WPA2 encryption patch for Windows XP — or you’ve installed XP Service Pack 3, which includes the patch.
How do you switch to it? It’s easy.
First, we need to get to the router to make the change there. The procedure will vary by brand, but should be fairly obvious. The steps are to:
1. Use your web browser to log into your router
2. Select the Wireless Security settings tab
On the Linksys WRT54G, that’s Wireless < Wireless Security
3. Now, change the Security mode to WPA2 Personal (the name varies by manufacturer —
...
Continue reading Switching to WPA2 Wireless Encryption
Sunbelt Software has recently renamed their Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall to be Sunbelt Personal Firewall. It’s their personal computer firewall software package. SPF is available in full-function mode (paid license) and in a reduced-function free (licensed free for personal non-commercial use) versions. Actually, it is the same program — after the full-function 30-day trial, you can purchase a license key to reactivate the additional functions or if you don’t qualify for the free license.
Sunbelt purchased the existing, respected firewall program Personal Firewall from Kerio in December 2005.
Sunbelt has reduced the price significantly, too. Sunbelt Personal Firewall is only $19.95, which includes 1 year of upgrades, as opposed to the usual $40 for firewall programs. Sunbelt’s web site shows that upgrade subscriptions will be priced at $9.95 per year.
Since I have already registered my copy, I know that the License and the Upgrade Subscriptions are two different things. My license expires “Never,” while my upgrade subscription expires next February.
First, what do you miss with the “free” version?
I am currently using Sunbelt Personal Firewall on all my family’s computers as well as on my notebook (my primary computer) and I am impressed. When you install SPF, you can choose between the “simple” and “advanced user” installations. Even if you’re an advanced user, pick the “simple” installation…
Continue reading Sunbelt Personal Firewall Review
InformationWeek pointed out today that Microsoft has posted a Windows XP SP2 wireless security patch to the Microsoft website, but hasn’t made it available via Windows Updates yet. That means that if you’ve done your Windows Updates for December (released Tuesday December 12th), you still don’t have the patch.
The patch is designed to make the Windows XP wireless connection process less vulnerable to attack when you are booting or resuming from hibernation. In particular, it’s designed to help prevent Windows XP from “advertising” which networks to which it wants to connect (which would make an attacker’s attempt easier).
This is especially important when you’re at a public access point like a coffee shop or other public hotspot.
It also “enhances” the Windows XP support for WPA2 encryption (which is only valuable if your network card supports WPA2 encryption).
If you can pass the Genuine Windows test, you can download the patch at Microsoft’s site.
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