computers | 3 Boys And A Dog

REVIEW: AVG Internet Security 2012

November 23, 2011 by Kelli 2 Comments

AVG Internet Security 2012 is one of the internet’s premier, anti-virus software programs. It is designed for both home and business use. Designed by internet security specialists with the help of and contributions from the AVG user community, the program’s most recent release is its best. AVG is able to identify, quarantine and get rid of viruses, Trojans spyware, spam and much more

It is extremely dangerous to browse the internet without adequate protection. Individuals that do so, assume a great deal of risk. A person’s computer could be rendered inoperable and sensitive information could be stolen. It’s not unheard of for a person to have their computer overrun with viruses, spyware and all of the other undesirables mentioned above.

Two of AVG Internet Security’s newest features are its AVG Accelerator and AVG Advice. The Accelerator speeds up user downloads and Flash videos while AVG Advice helps improve user experience by advising users on matters concerning memory and poor computer function, caused primarily by browser session tables being left open for lengthy amounts of time.

The 2012 version of AVG Internet Security software offers protection at every levels of the user experience. Whether an individual is browsing the internet or speaking with friends via chat, their computer is being protected. In their background, AVG is playing centerfield, protecting the LANs (Local Area Networks) against attacked lobbed at the system, if a computer has them. All of the aforementioned provides computer users with peace of mind and protection against those that wish to do them, or at least their computers, harm.

Mom Says: Once again, I am impressed at the ease of use of AVG. It is all I have ever used and I have no desire to switch. As a reviewer, I have tried other virus protection programs, but nothing has compared! Just so you can see what it looks like, I took a few screen shots while setting it up and running it for the first time.

Want to know about older versions? Check out my AVG Internet Security 9.0 Review

**I was sent a 1 year trial of AVG Internet Security 2012 by AVG and Parent Reviewers to help facilitate my review. No money exchanged hands. Any opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Gaming, PC, Wii, PS2, DS, Reviews Tagged With: 2012, antivirus software, avg, avg internet security, AVG Technologies, computer network security, computer security, computer virus, computers, espionage, freeware, internet security, protection, rogue software, spyware, system software, trojan spyware, users, virus, virus software program

SpillSeal FULLY-WASHABLE Keyboard – Perfect for Moms {Review}

May 24, 2011 by Erika 4 Comments

Yep, you read correctly, SpillSeal® S6000K – Washable Antimicrobial Protected Keyboard is FULLY-WASHABLE! Can you believe it? Not just that but did you know that studies have even proven that computer keyboards carry up to five times more germs as much bacteria as a toilet seat! Yes you read right, a toilet seat. How disgusting is that??? The S6000K is also Antimicrobial – GERM FREE!

Here is this product’s specs:

Washable and Waterproof to IP66 and NEMA4X
Sealed keys lets you wash and fully clean the keyboard.

Antibacterial Product Protection
Is incorporated in the plastic providing a powerful broad-spectrum inorganic, silver-based biocide for antibacterial protection.

Easy to Disinfect
Immerse in antibacterial solutions to reduce the spread of germs.

Meditech Magic Keyboard Option (S6000KMT-B or S6000KMT-G only)
Built-in template for Meditech Applications, designed to work on Meditech’s own MAGIC system.

Touch Typing Keystroke
All UNOTRON keyboards have a responsive touch typing experience without the stiffness of traditional rubber keyboards.

Detachable Wrist Support
Ergonomic wrist support adds comfort for extended use and is easily removed when not required.

Easy Installation
Plug and Play for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7 and Mac with no extra software or complicated set up.

Package Content
- SpillSeal® Protected Washable Antimicrobial Protected Keyboard
- USB to PS/2 Adapter
- Ergonomic Wrist Support
- Installation / User Guide

System Requirements
- IBM® PC or compatible
- USB or PS/2 connection
- Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7 and Mac

My Review:
The Unotron SpillSeal Washable keyboard got a firsthand, un-staged test from my almost five-year-old daughter the other night, and passed with flying colors. About 10 ounces of water was tipped over into the right half of the keyboard, and in the numeric keypad well. Without even disconnecting the keyboard or shutting my computer down, I tipped the keyboard, poured the excess water out, shook the remaining water out of it, ran a q-tip through the grooves to wick out the rest, and then kept on typing. The keyboard never missed a beat, and was dry the next morning.

I have been using the SpillSeal for a little less than a month now and am generally very happy with it. It has a low gloss black finish and soft click keyboard, pretty typical of keyboards now, but is remarkable for its construction. It is heavier than most keyboards, with a relatively thick and sturdy wrist-rest attachment, and a heavy, longer than normal USB cable. The keyboard itself includes a 10″ lead cable off the keyboard, which the regular USB cable then connects to. I think this is done because the connector is deep-seated, and thus waterproof, and allows you to quickly disconnected the keyboard to wash it if an accident happens. This also allows the hole in the back of the keyboard to be a waterproof rubber o-ring. This is also a thoughtful idea because it allows you to use either an extra long or extra short USB cable. The only gripe I have is that my particular unit’s spacebar “misses” sometimes, and I have to retap. Outside of that, it is a fabulous keyboard, and should hold up REALLY well later on when when it comes time to clean.

You are supposed to be able to just wash the keyboard. I have to admit, it sounds so odd that you could do that, that I haven’t intentionally trashed the keyboard by pouring coke or syrup on it and then running water over, because I really like the keyboard. But if it handles a cup of water without a hitch, cleaning it and running water over it to wash it out should be a breeze.

Not only will these accessories protect the children from getting sick, these accessories are protected from any accidental spills or crumbs caused by the children! At an affordable price of $45.99, Unotron’s products are excellent choice to have in any household. Thanks to Unotron’s product line, no matter how many spills or bacteria find their way onto the keyboard and mouse, it can be rinsed with soap and water.

I highly recommend this keyboard, especially for moms with small children. It really has brought my stress level down with them using the computer and possibly doing something to the keyboard {I think we’ve lost a couple to cups of water or juice eventhough our rule is no drinks near the computer, you know they slip sometimes}. If you are interested in buying this item, visit Unitron today to find a retailer or you can buy this off of Amazon. If you are like me and have TONS of points on your cards that you need to use up, Amazon allows you to purchase with points, a great idea to buy this amazing keyboard!

Filed Under: Gaming, PC, Wii, PS2, DS, Reviews Tagged With: apple inc., blog, computer, computer keyboards, computers, computing, internet, keyboard, keyboard usb, keyboards, magic keyboard, mom, moms, review, Reviews, rubber keyboard, technology, toilet seats, Unitron, universal serial bus, unotron, unotron keyboard, washable, washable keyboard, waterproof, world wide web

Blogging Basics: Clean Up Your Computer

March 30, 2011 by Kelli 6 Comments

natcleaningweek Blogging Basics: Clean Up Your Computer If you are a blogger, your computer is your most important business tool. If it goes out, you are in trouble! As part of National Cleaning Week, I am going to give you some tips and ideas to clean up your computer and keep your blog running at optimum potential!

Important Ways To Keep Your Computer Up to Speed:

Be sure your anti-virus program is up to date and functioning properly. Be sure to schedule an automatic full disk check to ruin daily. I run mine at 11 pm (as I am not usually on my computer at that time) using AVG.

Step One – Clean up your computer of unnecessary files. I use TuneUp Utilities and also the disc cleaner that came with my computer. Plus, I go through my photos, videos, pictures, etc and delete or remove from my hard drive anything that doesn’t need to be there.
Step Two – Clean up the registry. Again, I use my TuneUp Utilities to handle this. You can find a program on the internet that will do this for you. Windows Live has a free registry cleaner that can help you clean up your computer.
Step Three – Run your COMPLETE anti-virus program. Not a quick scan, but a FULL scan. I use AVG anti-virus software.
Step Four – Run disc defragment. You can find this on your computer.
Step Five – Restart and back up you hard drive. I use the Seagate FreeAgent Go portable hard drive to automatically back up my computer, but when I do my regular maintenance, I delete all old copies of the back up .

Important Ways To Keep Your WordPress Blog Up to Speed:

Be sure to keep ALL pictures on your site under 100 KB! I use smush.it to make my pictures smaller in file size. Actually, if you have the right plug ins, most of this can be automated! Here is an awesome list of plugins to help keep you secure and running smoothly.

Broken Link Checker – when fixing the broken links on your site and fixing the redirects, be very careful that you don’t correct any affiliate redirects. If you do, it looses your affiliate information and you will no longer get paid.

WP Database Backup – This keeps your database backed up in the place of your choosing. Perfect in case you accidently mess something up. You can always pull yesterday’s back up!

WP Security Scan – Scans your computer for security issues (passwords, permissions, database security) and suggests ways to correct them to help keep you safe from hackers.

Akismet – Stop spammers from going into your comments!

WP Anti-Virus – Virus protection for your wordpress blog. Yep, you could catch a virus on your blog if you aren’t protected!

Plus, a couple steps that should be done on a regular basis.

That’s it Be sure to tackle the above today and let me know how it goes!

Filed Under: Blogging Basics, Gaming, PC, Wii, PS2, DS Tagged With: antivirus software, avg, basic, blog maintenance, blogging, Blogging Basics, clean up your computer, cleaning, Computer Clean Up, computer virus, computers, computing, disc cleaner, hard drives, malware, National Cleaning Week, system software, TuneUp Utilities, virus, virus programs, wordpress, world wide web

My Computer is Back, Black Friday, and DISCOUNT!

November 26, 2010 by Kelli 2 Comments

I left at 2:30 this morning to start my Black Friday shopping and went the entire day. It is now 8 pm and I have been home long enough to eat and hug my family! While shopping, I received a phone call from the computer guy to set up a time to fix my computer. He came and handled it while I was shopping, so I am home and trying to get some posts done.

I spent more money on the internet at mom’s than I think I spent running all over town fighting crowds at the Black Friday sales.

Galaxy Gold has the prettiest gemstone jewelry and they are offering an awesome 15% off your entire purchase to 3 Boys and a Dog readers! Over the course of my children’s births, I have been given jewelry sets of their birthstones. I told my mom that I would love to also have a set of Ricky’s birthstone… well, not only was my husband born in March, but I was also married in March. So, the Aquamarine stone has double special meaning for me.

I think the above ring would be perfect with matching earrings and a necklace. Regular price: $429.32 on sale for $96.60 PLUS get another 15% off on your purchase when you enter: BH2010 at check out! Making the above ring only $82.11! Don’t forget: FREE STANDARD SHIPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

What about you? Do you have certain gemstones that have special meaning to you?

*sponsored post*

Filed Under: Fashion / Style Tagged With: birthstone, birthstones, Black Friday, black friday shopping, computer guys, computers, discounts, entire, fashion, fix my computer, friday, Frugal Freebies, gemstone jewelry, gemstones, geology, human interest, jewellery, my computer, phone calls, shopping

STUPID STUPID COMPUTERS: Dell Inspiron 570 Desk Top

November 24, 2010 by Kelli 5 Comments

So, I have a brand new Dell Inspiron 570 desktop and it has already died on me! yes, seriously! I am on my ASUS netbook writing this at the moment, but this computer is very small and is really only supposed to be for checking email while I am out of town. I wanted to drop all my wonderful readers a note to tell you that I am out of commission until they come fix it.

Technical Support says that a person will come to my house to replace my mother-board, power supply, and memory. They will call within 2 business days to set up an appointment. UGGH! My computer is only about 2 months old and already I have a problem!? Not good, Dell! Not good AT ALL! Consequently, I am slightly more than frustrated with Dell, but happy that they are fixing it – all of that is covered under my 1 year warranty, thanks goodness.

Anyway, I did manage to get a post scheduled for tomorrow, but I can’t access any of my information to get anything else done at this time. Hold tight, I will be back as soon as possible. I will close giveaways as soon as I get back online. In the meantime, read some past posts and rest assured that I am working on it. Guess I need to make more money to buy yet another new computer. UGGH! Hey Hewlett Packard… want to send me a desktop to prove y’all are better than Dell? I will gladly review it every few months to give my updates. LOL!

Y’all have a Happy Thanksgiving and keep me and my stupid computer issues in your thoughts.

*UPDATE* They came out and fixed everything and it was pretty painless… but seriously, it should not have had issues so soon after receiving the item! Even though I got it from Amazon, looking at the hard drive showed that the whole thing wasn’t even a year old!