Let's open the technology letter bag.
Question: In past "wish lists" you have recommended a TiVo.
Do you know if a TiVo-type unit is available that records HDTV broadcasts, or is the technology on the way?
Answer: TiVo is the best gadget I own, bar none. You're right, the missing link right now is the Hi-Def TiVo. Hughes is readying release of its HDTV/TiVo unit that is compatible with DirecTV within a month or two. At $1,000, reach for your checkbook, but the specs are great — 250 gig hard drive, 200 hours of standard quality or 30 hours of HD.
As for a non-satellite TiVo, I asked the company and got this: "Our hardware manufacturers constantly evaluate the consumer need for new products, and when the new standard matures and advanced technologies — such as HDTV — are more widely adopted, additional models of TiVo DVRs, which include this technology, may be introduced."
In other words, yes and soon.
Question: My sister's computer has suddenly stopped functioning for the most part. She can still access Outlook Express and download e-mail, but most of the rest of her computer is non-respon-sive.
When we tried to click on "My Computer," "Control Panel," "Internet Explorer," CD-ROM drive, etc., the desktop refreshes and then comes back to normal without opening what we clicked on. My sister has been plagued with pop-up windows lately and could have accidentally clicked on something that installed on her computer.
We did manage to get the "Add or Remove Programs" utility open and I did see quite a few of those ad programs in there. I deleted some but the computer kept locking up when we tried to delete others. She has Norton and ran a full system scan with no viruses found. Is she just stuck until a virus fix is written?
Answer: Good question. Your sister needs to head to the Web site for Lavasoft (www.lavasoft.de) and then download the free "Ad-Aware" program. Once installed, open it and run its update feature to make sure you have the latest version, then scan the computer. Ad-Aware is a free product (there are pay versions available, too) that removes ad software and other junk from computers.
Question: How can I see if my firewall is working? What do you recommend I buy for the best protection?
Answer: I think the best site to test how good a firewall works is Steve Gibson's excellent free site (www.grc.com). Once there, follow the links to run "Shields Up." Symantec also has a free security tester on its Web site (www.symantec.com). As for firewalls, turn on the built-in one on Windows XP for starters. If that doesn't pass muster on the tests, try Zone Labs' Zone Alarm (www.zonelabs.com), which is free. After that, consider Norton Internet Security or Black Ice.
WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Easter is over, but you can still go on an egg hunt. Head to the site www.eeggs.com (note spelling). This is a site that finds the hidden things — Easter eggs — in software and electronics.
James Derk is new media editor for The Evansville Courier & Press. He can be reached at his e-mail address at jderk@evansville.net.