Be warned! Antivirus 2008 is actually SPYWARE
 In the last few weeks we have seen a number of computers infected with a spyware program called 'Antivirus 2008', sometimes preceded with the words 'Windows' or 'Vista' to give it credibility. DO NOT TRUST, BELIEVE OR PURCHASE ANYTHING THROUGH THIS PROGRAM. Antivirus 2008 can be difficult to detect and remove, and is unlikely to be removed through a convenient 'uninstall' feature. Antivirus 2008 can re-install itself even after it appears to have been removed. You also run the risk of damaging your computer since you're required to find and delete sensitive files in your system such as DLL files and registry keys.
There are many ways your computer could get infected with Antivirus 2008. It can come bundled with shareware or other downloadable software.
Another method of distributing Antivirus 2008 involves tricking you by displaying deceptive pop-up ads that may appear as regular Windows notifications with links which look like buttons reading Yes and No. No matter which "button" that you click on, a download starts, installing Antivirus 2008 on your system. Antivirus 2008 installs on your computer through a trojan and may infect your system without your knowledge or consent. Antivirus 2008 may attempt to change your computer's desktop, hijack your browser, monitor your Internet browsing activities, change system files, and can do this without your knowledge or permission.
If you think you may already be infected with Antivirus 2008 disconnect your computer's connection to the internet to prevent further infection, then run a full scan of your computer with your authentic antivirus/antispyware program. If you need assistance in removal, please contact us.
 Everyclick - A Search Engine for Charity
Imagine how much money Google and Yahoo search engines make from advertising through their sponsored links. Everyclick is a search engine with a difference. It works just like any other major search engine but the difference with Everyclick is that you can raise money for your favourite charity for FREE. How? Because half of the advertising revenue from Everyclick Search goes to charities chosen by its users. Here are the main points:
- There is no cost to you or the charity you support
- You can search Web, UK only, Images, News and Local Classified results
- You can support any one of over 200,000 UK charities
- Support your friends' appeals with your Everyclick searches
Just go to www.everyclick.com and click on 'start fundraising'.
 Windows Vista - keep it up to date!
Since Windows Vista was introduced back in early 2007, a number of updates have been released to fix bugs and compatibility issues within the software, including a service pack (SP1). These updates are available free from Microsoft and it is a good idea to install them to keep your system the best it can be. When buying a new PC or laptop the chances are it won't have the updates on them yet so again this is something you should do as soon as possible.
As always make sure you data is backed up before installing updates just in case a problem should occur. To download the updates you need to be connected to the internet. Then go to the Start Menu (the Windows orb) at the bottom-left of the screen, select 'All Programs' then 'Windows Update'.
Still looking for Windows XP?
We still have a number of clients who when buying a new PC or laptop would prefer it with Windows XP rather than Vista. Well, you'll find it difficult to find XP on the high-street, but there are some sources online. The first is from Dell who on certain lines offer computers with XP Professional installed with a Windows Vista license (so you can upgrade to Vista when/if you wish to in the future). Another advantage of Dell is that you can customise your purchase before ordering by adding extra memory, faster processor, floppy disk drive and all sorts of other options, and it will tell you how the option will affect the price before you add it.
You can also still find some XP computers on Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk) and some other online retailers. Some come with Vista but include an XP 'downgrade CD', where you can re-install XP over Vista. Others might be listed as 'downgradable' which means that although they don't include XP software, they are capable of running XP so you could re-install it using your own licensed XP disk if you have one.
 Google Chrome
There's a new web browser in town! Most of you will use internet Explorer or Firefox to surf the net, but Google has released its own offering - Google Chrome - on 2nd September. This free download in only in beta stage (meaning it's not quite finished but you can use it 'as is' for the moment), but having used it for a week (at time of writing) as my main browser, I can say it is without doubt the fastest browser I have ever used - by far.
To try it for yourself go to www.google.com/chrome.
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