Madaline writes:

<<Does anyone have an opinion as to whether I should install EndItAll or the
newer version EndItAll2?  >>

Whenever posting any problem, you should always state what system you're
running.  The answers to most of your questions depend on which Windows you
have. Enditall2 is probably for later versions--its download site should
tell you what is appropriate for you.  Later isn't always better.

<<When installing new software or running EasyCleaner or Regedit, must I close
my firewall (BlackICE Defender) first, thereby leaving my computer
temporarily unprotected?>>

Whenever installing new software, close everything except the essentials
(Explorer, Systray, installation monitor if you have one).
You shouldn't be installing new software while online, so you don't need
protection. Particularly, close any a-v program when you are installing
anything new. I don't think your firewall would have anything to do with
editing or cleaning your registry.

<<Is there any benefit to downloading Internet Explorer 6, or should I just
stay with version 5.5?  >>

Why upgrade if you're happy with what you have.  NEVER upgrade unless
there's a very compelling reason to do so.  So many problems posted to this
and other  journals arise from upgrades of various sorts.  Unless you're
technically-minded and like living on the edge, stick to what works for
you. I can't see any features in IE6 that would want to make me change from
5.x and invite all the known 6 bugs. And remember, it's very tricky (some
have found impossible) to go back if you don't like it.

Internet Explorer is not just a browser,  Installing any new version acts
as a kind of update to Windows as well.  These changes can introduce
unforeseen problems, especially on older machines.

Again, the answer to this depends on your system, and what sort of internet
connection you have.  IE6 later versions may have better security if you
need it, but this is not so relevant if you are on a modem connection.

<<basics of doing backups>>

There's no magic to this.  It's largely a matter of common sense.  You make
backups to protect yourself against the possibility of suddenly losing
everything on your hard drive.  So think: "What would I miss most if I
suddenly lost everything?  What couldn't I replace?"  Those are the things
to backup.  Emails, bookmarks, pictures, personal data, tax records, whatever.

Anything you can reinstall from outside doesn't need to be backed up. Keep
copies of any installation files you've downloaded from the 'Net.  I've
found to my sorrow that they can sometimes disappear for good.  Or get
replaced by buggy newer versions. (Apple Quicktime's a good example of that).

There are lots of backup utilities you could look at for your personal
requirements.   Better still,  make your own batch backup file.  This is
very easy---see my Web article on making "batch files" for this
purpose.  This automates the task of regular backups of whatever you want.

Regularly backing up the registry (depends on your system) is a different
matter---see my Web tutorial on this important issue.  This is more a
matter of regular maintenance and should be done regularly.

<<Since ZoneAlarm has email protection, would it conflict with my Norton
AntiVirus 2002 which checks my emails for viruses?>>

I shouldn't think so, it's added protection. I don't think ZA looks for
actual virus signatures, it only looks for the general sort of indications
of possible virus dangers, like certain file types.  So it's taking a
different approach from Norton.  But I don't have either, others may have
views on this.
I can't see any harm in running both.  Try it and see what happens---it's
the best way to learn.

Don Penlington






Free computer tutorials at: http://www.geocities.com/donaldpen/
Also Fractal Galleries,  free icons,  poetry,  and beautiful Queensland beaches.

             Do you want to signoff PCSOFT or just change to
                    Digest mode - visit our web site:
                   http://freepctech.com/pcsoft.shtml