Does adding more RAM to your computer make it faster?

Up to a point, adding RAM (random access memory) will normally cause your computer to feel faster on certain types of operations. RAM is important because of an operating system component called the virtual memory manager (VMM).

When you run a program such as a word processor or an Internet browser, the microprocessor in your computer pulls the executable file off the hard disk and loads it into RAM. In the case of a big program like Microsoft Word or Excel, the EXE consumes about 5 megabytes. The microprocessor also pulls in a number of shared DLLs (dynamic link libraries) -- shared pieces of code used by multiple applications. The DLLs might total 20 or 30 megabytes. Then the microprocessor loads in the data files you want to look at, which might total several megabytes if you are looking at several documents or browsing a page with a lot of graphics. So a normal application needs between 10 and 30 megabytes of RAM space to run.

How Can a Windows Virus end up on an Apple iPod?

In October 2006, iPod ran into a bit of a snag regarding its Windows support, considered by many in the industry to be crucial to iPod's near-complete dominance in the portable media player market. One might think that because iPods are Apple devices, they're not susceptible to the viruses that plague Microsoft's Windows operating system. Apparently, not so. If you bought an iPod video between September 12, 2006 and October 18, 2006, there is, according to Apple, a 1 percent chance it contains aworm called RavMonE.exe.

The worm is of the sort that opens a "back door" on a PC so that a remote user can start controlling the infected computer. The iPod shuffles and iPod nanos shipped after September 12 are not infected with the malware; the worm does nothing to harm the iPod device itself; and people who only connect the iPod video to a Mac running Mac OS X will never activate the worm. The malware is in the Windows-support programs that live on the iPod.

The worm jumps into action when you connect an infected iPod video to a machine running Windows that is set to automatically run iPod applications when it detects a connected iPod. So the easiest way to make sure your PC doesn't get infected is simply to disable the autorun/autoplay capabilities in your iTunes interface. That way, you'll be prompted to approve each application the iPod software wants to run. If your computer asks you to run something called RavMonE.exe, also known as Win32.RJump.a, Troj/Bdoor-DIJ, WORM_SIWEOL.B, Backdoor.Rajump and numerous other names, just say no. In fact, it's probably best to put e-mail rules into effect and just say no to running anything that looks unfamiliar.

For futher reading; http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ipod-virus.htm

Kingston DataTraveler Reader (USB Flash drive + Card Reader)

Now you can store, transfer and read files all in one affordable, convenient device. DataTraveler® Reader from Kingston® is a standard USB Flash drive with an onboard expansion slot to read SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus™ and with adapter (not supplied), miniSD, microSD, RS-MMC, MMCmobile™ and MMCmicro™ cards. The all-in-one form factor of USB Flash drive and card reader makes DataTraveler Reader ideal for users wishing to minimize the amount of devices they carry. Come in 1GB and 2GB.

Sources : http://www.kingston.com/flash/dt_reader.asp

Ranking of Antivirus Software

TopChoiceReviews Website 2007

1. BitDefender
2. PC-cillin
3. Panda Antivirus
4. McAfee VirusScan
5. AVG Antivirus Pro
6. Norton Antivirus
7. F-Prot
8. Kaspersky Antivirus

Sources : http://antivirus-software.topchoicereviews.com/

Using 'Ctrl+Enter' on Internet Explorer

To save time when entering URLs in Internet Explorer, use the 'Ctrl+Enter' shortcut. Just type the name of the the webpage in the address bar, and then press 'Ctrl+Enter'

IE will automatically fill in the 'www' and 'com' in the address bar. For example, if you type 'yahoo' in the address bar and press 'Ctrl+Enter', IE will fill in www.yahoo.com