February 1, 2007
Get Vista upgrade, never pay full price
Many people are upset the fact that the economical, "upgrade" version of Vista won't accept a Windows XP or Windows 2000 CD-ROM as proof of ownership. Vista Upgrade is said to install only to a hard disk that already has XP or 2000 already on it. But I've tested a method that allows you to clean-install the Vista upgrade version on any hard drive, with no prior XP or W2K installation — or even a CD — required. Read more »
When your antimalware tools disagree
One tool says your PC is infected. Another says you're clean. Which do you believe? No need to flip a coin! With a little sleuthing, you can get to the bottom of just about any malware confusion. Read more »
Encryption, malware, and privacy, oh my! 
Protecting your privacy isn't always easy — or cheap. This week, I give you tips on how to recover files encrypted with EFS, how to get rid of malware, how to avoid nosy search engines, how to erase data so it can't be recovered, and much more! Read more »
Patches are missing for Word, PowerPoint
As Microsoft unveils the latest version of Office — Office 2007 — I take a look at a few flaws that haven't yet been patched in previous versions. One of these flaws was recently discovered, and the other is a leftover from last year. Both are continuing the trend of Microsoft Office vulnerabilities that have been showing up for months, with no end in sight. Read more »
MS charges $4K for W2K daylight patch
This week, Microsoft declared a sale on Daylight Saving Time patches for Windows 2000, for those of you who are still running that platform. In other news, I'm going to spend a lot of this week's column on patches that are rated "nonsecurity" but could have a great impact on you and your business none the less. Read more »
