CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
September 19, 2006
Dear CNET members,
There is a good reason why my wife and I don't share a computer today. It all started when we first moved in together. I was always very meticulous about keeping my computer squeaky-clean and secure, but my wife, well, that's a different story. She was the click-happy download fanatic--if she saw a cool-looking free program, you can bet it ended up on our PC. This drove me bonkers!! Bloatware, spyware, adware, Trojans, and viruses--you name it, we had it. And if I didn't keep on top of the antiparasite preventatives, we'd be formatting our hard drive pretty much every other week. Today, we are still happily married (although after she reads this, maybe not). Why? Because we don't share computers anymore, and never will (exaggerated, yes, but you know what I mean). OK, enough of my little story. In the latest CNET Download.com How to family-proof your PC column, we asked our members, "What's the worst thing a family member has done to your PC?" And many members have already posted their stories, ranging from the perils of being a great-grandmother to the cat that killed it. I really got a kick out of reading many of our members' stories, and if you'd like to share your story about the worst thing a family member has done to your PC, come join in this discussion and share it with us. This is truly a fun discussion to read and be part of, so get in there and participate and enjoy!

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


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This week's hot topic:
Worst thing a family member has done to
your PC

When asked "What's the worst thing a family member has done to your PC?," several of you shared some great stories about how these family members made your computer a living nightmare.

What does this switch do?
"I spend the weekend setting up my retired PC for my 21-year-old son. I had everything updated, protected, tweaked to perfection. Antispyware, antivirus, custom desktop links--you name it, I did it. I delivered it to him and..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member quickcalc
There should be a law against inexperienced people (my husband)
using PCs

"My husband was using my PC, shopping for fishing supplies and things. He went to a Web site and a screen popped up that said "Models". Well of course, him being a man, he had to click on it. Now keep in mind I told..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member Pam Fox
My wife, the security nightmare
"Even though my wife and I both run an Internet-related business, I am consistently amazed and frustrated at her complete lack of interest in even the most basic security. Much to my chagrin, after having installed a multitude..." (Read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member dot.com
Speak Up!
Every family has at least one novice whose risky computer behavior is asking for trouble. You know, the P2P addict who can't resist those dodgy downloads or the spouse who clicks on suspicious pop-up ads and updates without a second glance. With that said, here's your chance to share your story of the worst thing a family member or friend has done to your PC.
CNET security resources:
Security center: How-tos
  From CNET Download.com

Adware & spyware removal utilities
  From CNET Download.com

Latest news on security threats
  From CNET News.com

CNET Security Center
  From CNET.com

Virus & security forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up on it and talk about it.

Security watch: Behavior
We seamlessly shift from private mode to public, then back again several times during our normal day, and we never really think about it. The same should be true with our computer lives, but it isn't. Do you use public computer terminals differently than you use your own home PC? Do you surf differently with your wireless laptop in public than you do at home?
Who has the best NFL-in-HD coverage?
This year, the NFL is being broadcast in high-def by an unprecedented four networks: NBC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN. All bring different production crews, announcers, games, and resolutions. So, which one is doing the best job?
Do you YouTube?
Are you a Web exhibitionist? Do you post home-brewed videos of your cat being too cute for words, stop-motion parodies of science-fiction movies, or anti-Apple/Microsoft diatribes? Share your shooting and production tips with your fellow readers.


 
Weigh in on this week's poll:
Generally speaking, do you think computer problems are caused by:
(Please click on button to vote)

 End users themselves (tell us more)
 Family members or friends (tell us more)
 Hardware failures (tell us more)
 Operating system failures (tell us more)
 Outside factors such as hackers,
     viruses, or Trojans (tell us more)
 Software conflicts (tell us more)
 The gremlin in my closet (are you sure?)
 Other
Last week's poll results 
If cell phone usage were allowed on flights today, what's the number one policy change that should occur?

Hot Products
Along with sharing stories of family members wreaking havoc on their PCs, CNET members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

Kaspersky Internet Security 6
CNET member buddyguy says:
"I also like the way that Kaspersky's interface is designed. It caters to the beginner or intermediate as well as the advanced. They also answer your questions. The concept is that there are always questions that simply cannot be answered by an FAQ." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

ZoneAlarm Internet Security
Suite 6.5

CNET member AXG says:
"I have been using ZoneAlarm Pro for last four years. About a week ago, I switched to the ZA Internet Security Suite. I see one big advantage. Before this, I was using Symantec AV, Webroot spy sweeper, ZA Pro for firewall, no spam filter." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Download a free trial

F-Secure Internet Security 2006
CNET member RevDaleD says:
"I switched to F-Secure a couple of years ago (I happen to be using the "Client Security" version rather than Internet Security 2006) and have been very happy. The first thing I did after installing F-Secure was scan my system and remove 30-some viruses that Norton had missed in all the years it had been running." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Download a free trial

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