Put Linux on a USB Drive

A flash drive is one of the single most useful tools a person can own. With it you can back up critical data, transport large files, rescue a malware-infested PC, and even run an entire operating system. Regarding this last option, a while back I explained how to put Windows 8 on a flash drive. (It works with Windows 7, too.) Today, let's talk about putting Linux on a flash drive.

Why would you want to do that? Two reasons: to see how the other half lives, so to speak, and to create a rescue tool that can work around nearly any Windows-related disaster.

For example, I recently spent days troubleshooting a relative's malware-infested, effectively non-operational laptop. She wasn't concerned about getting the system working again, but she desperately wanted to retrieve her business documents, personal photos, and the like. (I did not, you'll be glad to know, take the opportunity to scold her about making backups. I waited until later.)

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How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC | PCWorld

 "Is your computer running slower than usual? Are you getting lots of pop-ups? Have you seen other weird problems crop up? If so, your PC might be infected with a virus, spyware, or other malware--even if you have an antivirus program installed on it. Though other problems, such as hardware issues, can produce similar symptoms, it's best to check for malware if you aren't sure. But you don't necessarily need to call tech support or the geek across the street to scan for malware--I'll show you how to do it yourself."


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Securing Your Home Wi-Fi Network

OVERVIEW
Wi-Fi networks (sometimes called by their technical name 802.11) allow people to wirelessly connect devices to the Internet, such as smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and laptops.  Because Wi-Fi networks are simple to setup, many people install their own Wi-Fi networks at home.  However, many home Wi-Fi networks are configured insecurely, allowing strangers or unauthorized people to easily access your home network or anonymously abuse your Internet connection. To ensure you have a safe and secure home Wi-Fi network, here are a few simple steps you should take.

The key to a secure home Wi-Fi network is making sure only you have administrative access, your communications are encrypted, and that people have to authenticate to use your network


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Free Windows Optimization Tool

Optimize Your PC with Advanced SystemCare 5 Free

Proceed with caution.

That's what I always advise when people ask me about PC-optimization utilities like Ashampoo WinOptimizer 8 ($50) and CCleaner (free). While these tools can be helpful, they can also create problems--usually when users go overboard with the amount of "cleaning" they attempt.

I mention this only for purposes of introduction to Iobit's Advanced SystemCare 5 Free, the latest version of one of the more popular "computer healthcare" products. I recently tested it on a year-old Windows 7 system, and was very pleased with the results.

(One important note right up front: Advanced SystemCare will try to sneak in a few bits of junkware during installation, so be sure you opt out--don't just blindly click Next on each setup screen.)

The program can perform a wide range of functions, starting with the handy Quick Care, which scans for and removes malware, cleans up the Registry, fixes invalid shortcuts, erases your browsing history, and deletes junk files.

When I ran Quick Care on my system, it discovered a surprising amount of detritus--including some spyware that Microsoft Security Essentials (my primary sentry) had missed! Within a few minutes, all that stuff was gone.

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Most Popular How-To Guides of 2011

"We handle a lot of different topics throughout the year, and our how-to guides come in a wide range of sizes and subjects, but the goal is always the same: to make it easy for you to accomplish something awesome. Here's a look back at our most popular how-to features of 2011."

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Stream Live TV to Your PC

Why buy an HDTV when you have a perfectly good screen right in front of you? Here's how to stream live TV to your PC.
Everyone assumes that consumers want to stream Internet programs and media to the big high-def screen in the living room. Heck, these days the market is filled with set-top boxes dedicated to funneling Internet media to HDTVs. But what if you want to do the opposite, and stream live television to a smaller screen--the one connected to your computer?
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How to Extend Your Wireless Network without Replacing It

The top three connection issues and how to fix them.
What’s the biggest difference between a wired and a wireless network? A wireless network is only as robust as its signal. In other words, setting up a Wireless-N network doesn’t always mean you’re going to get Wireless-N speeds. Poor signal strength and range, interference from non-network wireless devices, and the way your router broadcasts Wi-Fi signals can cause network slowdowns. If you’re ready to improve your wireless network but you’d rather not start from scratch with a new router, read on. We’ll show you exactly how to deal with the three biggest challenges.

Overcoming poor signal strength and range

Amplifi Wi-Fi BoosterYou can easily extend your existing network into hard-to-reach locations by installing an access point, which connects directly to your existing router and improves its wireless signal. Access points like D-Link’s DAP-1525 Amplifi Wi-Fi Booster require no additional setup or passwords to distribute a wireless signal to areas that need it most. 

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