BrianHawkinsTech

Microsoft recently released to the public its Security Essentials software. According to Microsoft, "Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that gaurds against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software." This is a free download for those using a genuine copy of windows. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Personally, I would not choose this Security Software. Don't get me wrong, I haven't actually used Security Essentials. I am basing my desicion solely on principle. The main reason we need security is becuase Microsoft created an insecure Operating System. To me this is kind of like buying "rust and paint protection" from the new car dealer. Why don't you just sell me a car with a decent paint job that isn't going to rust easily?
Anyway, personal issues aside, this could be just want you are looking for if you want free security software. You can take a look at it here. However, it is not the only free security software available for your computer. Take a look at my previous article where I point out several free security tools for your computer.

I have been playing the first Guild Wars with my wife for almost 2 years. We have been long awaiting this sequel, along with millions of others across the globe. The publishers have finally put out a trailer for the new game, after keeping tight lipped for some time. Unfortunately, they have yet to announce a firm release date other than "when it's done". I can understand their position; flaws in MMO's with millions of players are widely criticized. Anyhow, here is the official trailer straight from the ArenaNet You Tube Channel. Watch the trailer below and visit www.GuildWars2.com for more official information.

Combat Arms http://combatarms.nexon.net

This is a pretty good multi-player, modern day shooter. The game really is free to play, and there is a good selection of character and weapon upgrades using the in-game credit system. The graphics are nice (not quite Crysis) and the game play what you would expect for an online shooter; team death match, every man for himself, capture the flag, etc. The player leveling system is decent and I was able to go from Trainee, Recuit, to Private in a few hours of play.

I have spent a good portion of the weekend playing this game, so I can say from experience it is a great value for the money (FREE). There are additional upgrades you can buy with real money, but don't feel like you have to. As an experienced FPS'er I had no problems ranking high in matches with the "free" equipment. No credit card information is required to play the game. Just go to their website, create an account, and download the game.

I found this neat little tool to help improve your computer's performance while playing games or running other demanding applications. It's a free program called Game Booster from IObit. It basically just disables unneeded Windows services for you with one click.

When I ran the program and hit the 'Switch to Gaming Mode!' button, it killed all the unnecessary services and even offered to shut off my Anti-virus program and Vista Sidebar. Yes you can do this all manually, but it would take several clicks and a few minutes to do. This application does it quickly and will just as quickly turn everything back on when you hit 'Back to Normal Mode', including your Anti-virus and sidebar. PLEASE remember to return to Normal Mode before you start surfing the internet again! I must admit this program will NOT turn your 1.8 ghz AMD Sempron into a gaming monster. But it does certainly stop some of the background processes running on your computer, to help you squeeze every last FPS [frame per second, for you non-hardcore gamers ] out of your computer.

According to IOBit, you can use this software on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

You can check out this program here at IOBit's website: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html