class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/featured-whs2011.jpg" alt="windows home server" />Windows Home Server is one of those obscure Microsoft products that you never knew you needed. It’s rock solid reliable, simple to manage with a familiar Windows interface, and my personal choice for a home file server and backup solution. Let me explain what it is and what it can do for you.

What Is Windows Home Server?

Based upon Windows Small Business Server 2008, href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx">Windows Home Server is a consumer-focused server operating system with Windows 7 at the core. It’s been hardened on the security front, slimmed down on the desktop features, and performs a variety of tasks that can really simplify your home computing life. It’s designed to be left alone in a cupboard, constantly on and working, but you can still run a lot of regular Windows software if you want. Full remote access is provided so you can log in and manage your server from any client in the house (or over the Internet).

In hardware terms, if it runs Windows 7 relatively well it will run WHS2011 just fine too, though if you’re building your own machine I’d suggest skimping on the graphics card and getting more memory instead.

Cost – & The Alternatives

Before I start introducing you to features, let me say upfront that Windows Home Server 2011 costs $49.99 if you purchase an OEM license – which means you’ll have to build the computer yourself that you plan to install it on. Legally, you shouldn’t buy OEM versions if you’re installing it onto an existing computer, but I’ve also heard it said that simply changing one of the cables or upgrading the memory classifies you as a “system builder” and therefore qualifies as OEM.

If you’re interested in purchasing a complete, ready built home server computer (usually with a wonderfully small form factor), check out the href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/buy.mspx">hardware section of the Microsoft site. The HP MediaSmart is a popular choice, and costs href="http://www.amazon.com/s/url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=mediasmart&x=0&y=0ronics&field-keywords=mediasmart&x=0&y=0">from $400 to $1,000 on Amazon. Of course, there are free alternatives that handle all the features that Windows Home Server can, and possibly more – but personally I find the complete package that Home Servers offers to be more reliable and less of an effort to maintain.

• href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/set-home-server-amahi/">Amahi Linux is the most feature rich alternative, but the file duplication options aren’t quite there yet.
• FreeNAS is a solid fileserver / router linux distro, definitely for advanced users only. I plan to write an updated article on it, but for now href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/convert-your-old-pc-to-network-attached-storage-with-freenas/">we covered it once before in 2009.
• We regularly cover href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/backup">backup solutions.
• You could href="http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/download-new-life-bring-old-pc-to-life-with-ubuntu-pdf">“roll your own server” with Ubuntu Linux, which could run on older hardware too.

That said and done, let’s look at the features provided by Windows Home Server 2011.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/intro-screen-dashboard.jpg" alt="windows home server" width="580" height="406" />

Automated Backups

One of the main concerns of home users is how to implement a decent backup system. For me, this means full data backup, as well a bootable system backup so I can be up and running again soon. If you have more than a few PCs in your house, managing all those backups becomes a constant mess of USB drives and various free apps to handle bootable partitions and…..well let’s just say it’s just a big hassle that I don’t need. WHS handles backing up all your PCs and data with such simplicity, it’s hard to believe it’s a Microsoft product.

Once connected to the server, your computer will be set to back up automatically. That’s it. You can view all the connected PCs from the WHS dashboard and adjust settings for backup frequency or when to delete old backups, but the defaults are fine and it all just works.

In the event of a catastrophic drive failure on that machine, you need only change the drive for a working one, and boot from the supplied WHS recovery CD. All your data and system will then be restored in just a few clicks, over the network, from either the most recent backup set or any archived sets.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/full-system-restore.jpg" alt="home server" />

File Server

With full user access control, WHS is the most reliable file server I’ve used yet. It also gives you the option to backup those file shares, of course.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/manage-sahres.jpg" alt="home server" width="580" height="406" />

Yes, you could just share some folders from any Windows 7 PC, but as anyone with home networking experience knows, the results don’t always work as expected. It’s difficult to set up fine-grained access control without a central user server.

Media Sharing

As well as a secure file store for your media, WHS also allows to share your media with any standard DLNA device – the Xbox 360 for instance. Not limited to your home network only either, you can access your media remotely too over the internet – to show relatives a slideshow for example. You can also upload files to your server which is useful if you’re out on a long holiday.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/remote-slideshows.jpg" alt="windows home server" width="580" height="422" />

Admittedly, movie streaming isn’t a feature I use often and various codecs can present a problem.

One minor useful feature for me is the ability to automatically archive shows and movies from your href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pvr-windows-media-center/">Windows Media Center (another fantastic Microsoft product I highlighted last week). This means you can keep all your media centralised and avoid having to put huge drives into your living room HTPC.

It’s Windows 7!

One of the problems with customised Linux distros is the fact that an entire computer is given over to the task, and all other little Windows apps I like to run suddenly need Linux alternatives. Not so with Windows Home Server, as it’s still a functional Windows environment.  However, Home Server doesn’t run some of the more advanced Windows components and isn’t suitable for gaming, for instance. Media Center is noticeably absent.

I do hope you consider using Windows Home Server to handle your homes file and backup needs, but there will always be free alternatives if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort to make it all work. If you have any questions about Home Server I’d be happy to answer them in the comments, or as ever feel free to share your own choice for home backup and file servers – I’d especially like to hear of any complete solutions that are relatively easy to set up. In the coming weeks, I’ll highlight some of the add-ins (plugins?) available for WHS2011 too, that add even more functionality to your server.

View full post on MakeUseOf

class="align-left" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/intro10.jpg" alt="bittorrent client review" width="120" height="120" />Whilst on the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-best-torrent-clients-linux/">hunt for worthy Linux BitTorrent clients I came across a handful of feature-packed apps, all vying for my attention. I immediately took to Deluge and qBittorrent, mainly due to the similarities with the fantastic uTorrent.

After using class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/deluge-awesome-unappreciated-crossplatform-bittorrent-client/">Deluge for a good few months I started to notice the odd crack under the surface. My torrents weren’t quite behaving exactly the way I wanted and it was costing me patience and disk space.

So I broke off my impromptu relationship with Deluge and switched to class="vt-p" href="http://qbittorrent.sourceforge.net">qBittorrent.

id="more-64370">

A Torrent Of Clients

It’s no secret that there’s a seemingly endless stream of class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/free-torrent-guide">BitTorrent clients available on the web. It can be difficult to carve away the crap when you’re presented with so many options, so the qBittorrent team took a different approach. Aware of the success of the popular class="vt-p" href="http://www.utorrent.com/">uTorrent client, the qBittorrent team took it upon themselves to create a similar client with the aim of developing a cross-platform client which retains full functionality regardless of the operating system.

At the moment there are still a couple of features missing, but the groundwork is done and the foundations laid provide a very stable and elegant tool to handle your downloads. The interface is clean and clutter-free, and anyone with who has used uTorrent in the past will immediately notice the similarities.

qBittorrent 2.6.4:

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/qbittorrent.png" alt="bittorrent client review" width="580" height="462" />

uTorrent 2.2:

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/utorrent.jpg" alt="qbittorrent download" width="580" height="379" />

The same default layout is present with labels and filters for sorting torrents on the left, menu buttons along the top and content, statistics and a status indicator along the bottom. On Linux by default the icons are pulled from your class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/gnome/">GNOME theme, which is a nice touch.

Under The Hood

The one main feature that qBittorrent lacks compared to uTorrent is extendibility. The only specific add-ons available are search engine scripts as opposed to the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/put-utorrent-steroids-installing-extensions-windows/">many apps available for uTorrent.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/search.png" alt="qbittorrent download" width="580" height="462" />

If you’ve no need for a million-and-one extra features in your torrent client then this won’t bother you. There’s a good few features already included (such as alternative speed limits, with scheduler) that many clients (Deluge, for example) bolt on as plugins.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/speedlimits.png" alt="qbittorrent download" width="512" height="349" />

There’s also a web UI thrown in, which is great for controlling the client remotely via a web browser (and handy if you do your downloading on your main machine, and like to check in with your laptop).

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/webui.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="508" height="345" />

The options panel is straightforward enough, with features and options categorised into 7 separate areas.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/options1.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="580" height="449" />

If you enable Display torrent content and some options in the Downloads tab then you’ll be presented with a small window upon adding each torrent. Here you’ll be able to choose a download location (your default location is shown automatically), contents (if you’re downloading multiple files) and whether to start the download straight away.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/addtorrent.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="566" height="295" />

There’s also the option to download each file sequentially, in order. This is a great feature to have available, especially if you regularly download music and videos.

Once you’ve added a download there’s the usual array of information regarding the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/three-ways-to-find-open-registration-on-private-torrent-sites-2/">tracker, peers and files and even in this view you’d be forgiven for thinking you were using uTorrent.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/qbittorent_dling.png" alt="bittorrent client review" width="580" height="279" />

Download

Windows and Mac users can download versions for their respective operating systems by making a selection from the binary packages on class="vt-p" href="http://qbittorrent.sourceforge.net/download.php">the download page. If you’re running Linux then you can find packages and individual distribution instructions by choosing Linux from the binary packages list.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-fun-ways-explore-ubuntu-1010-linux/">Ubuntu users can install via the Launchpad PPA by typing the following into a new class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/an-introduction-to-the-linux-command-line/">Terminal window:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:hydr0g3n/ppa /> sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install qbittorrent

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for that perfect client for Linux then qBittorrent is worth a look. Through a familiar interface, powerful features and stable performance the development team have developed a promising product.

For Windows users, plugins (or lack thereof) are irrefutably the main reason to stick with uTorrent at the moment. Then again, if you fancy a change…

Do you use BitTorrent? Have you tried qBittorrent? Any other clients that you absolutely love? Let us know in the comments below. />
/>Do you like MakeUseOf articles? Don’t forget to target="_blank" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/share-share-share-spread-word/">share our articles with others! It’s really important to us.

/>

 

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class="align-left" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/intro10.jpg" alt="bittorrent client review" width="120" height="120" />Whilst on the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-best-torrent-clients-linux/">hunt for worthy Linux BitTorrent clients I came across a handful of feature-packed apps, all vying for my attention. I immediately took to Deluge and qBittorrent, mainly due to the similarities with the fantastic uTorrent.

After using class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/deluge-awesome-unappreciated-crossplatform-bittorrent-client/">Deluge for a good few months I started to notice the odd crack under the surface. My torrents weren’t quite behaving exactly the way I wanted and it was costing me patience and disk space.

So I broke off my impromptu relationship with Deluge and switched to class="vt-p" href="http://qbittorrent.sourceforge.net">qBittorrent.

id="more-64370">

A Torrent Of Clients

It’s no secret that there’s a seemingly endless stream of class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/free-torrent-guide">BitTorrent clients available on the web. It can be difficult to carve away the crap when you’re presented with so many options, so the qBittorrent team took a different approach. Aware of the success of the popular class="vt-p" href="http://www.utorrent.com/">uTorrent client, the qBittorrent team took it upon themselves to create a similar client with the aim of developing a cross-platform client which retains full functionality regardless of the operating system.

At the moment there are still a couple of features missing, but the groundwork is done and the foundations laid provide a very stable and elegant tool to handle your downloads. The interface is clean and clutter-free, and anyone with who has used uTorrent in the past will immediately notice the similarities.

qBittorrent 2.6.4:

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/qbittorrent.png" alt="bittorrent client review" width="580" height="462" />

uTorrent 2.2:

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/utorrent.jpg" alt="qbittorrent download" width="580" height="379" />

The same default layout is present with labels and filters for sorting torrents on the left, menu buttons along the top and content, statistics and a status indicator along the bottom. On Linux by default the icons are pulled from your class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/gnome/">GNOME theme, which is a nice touch.

Under The Hood

The one main feature that qBittorrent lacks compared to uTorrent is extendibility. The only specific add-ons available are search engine scripts as opposed to the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/put-utorrent-steroids-installing-extensions-windows/">many apps available for uTorrent.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/search.png" alt="qbittorrent download" width="580" height="462" />

If you’ve no need for a million-and-one extra features in your torrent client then this won’t bother you. There’s a good few features already included (such as alternative speed limits, with scheduler) that many clients (Deluge, for example) bolt on as plugins.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/speedlimits.png" alt="qbittorrent download" width="512" height="349" />

There’s also a web UI thrown in, which is great for controlling the client remotely via a web browser (and handy if you do your downloading on your main machine, and like to check in with your laptop).

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/webui.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="508" height="345" />

The options panel is straightforward enough, with features and options categorised into 7 separate areas.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/options1.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="580" height="449" />

If you enable Display torrent content and some options in the Downloads tab then you’ll be presented with a small window upon adding each torrent. Here you’ll be able to choose a download location (your default location is shown automatically), contents (if you’re downloading multiple files) and whether to start the download straight away.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/addtorrent.png" alt="bittorrent client" width="566" height="295" />

There’s also the option to download each file sequentially, in order. This is a great feature to have available, especially if you regularly download music and videos.

Once you’ve added a download there’s the usual array of information regarding the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/three-ways-to-find-open-registration-on-private-torrent-sites-2/">tracker, peers and files and even in this view you’d be forgiven for thinking you were using uTorrent.

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/qbittorent_dling.png" alt="bittorrent client review" width="580" height="279" />

Download

Windows and Mac users can download versions for their respective operating systems by making a selection from the binary packages on class="vt-p" href="http://qbittorrent.sourceforge.net/download.php">the download page. If you’re running Linux then you can find packages and individual distribution instructions by choosing Linux from the binary packages list.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-fun-ways-explore-ubuntu-1010-linux/">Ubuntu users can install via the Launchpad PPA by typing the following into a new class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/an-introduction-to-the-linux-command-line/">Terminal window:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:hydr0g3n/ppa /> sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install qbittorrent

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for that perfect client for Linux then qBittorrent is worth a look. Through a familiar interface, powerful features and stable performance the development team have developed a promising product.

For Windows users, plugins (or lack thereof) are irrefutably the main reason to stick with uTorrent at the moment. Then again, if you fancy a change…

Do you use BitTorrent? Have you tried qBittorrent? Any other clients that you absolutely love? Let us know in the comments below. />
/> Got Questions? Ask Them Now FREE on href="http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/">MakeUseOf Answers!

/>

 

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class="align-left" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 5px; float: right;" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/intro1.jpg" alt="free anti virus scan" width="200" height="200" />It’s highly likely that you’ve had some sort of experience with a class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/8-sources-follow-computer-virus-news-alerts/">computer virus in the past. If not, then lucky you – but you can never be too safe, especially class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-security-tools-you-absolutely-must-have/">if you’re running Windows.

Online free anti virus scan apps have been around for a while, and whilst they’re no match for class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-programs-to-keep-your-computer-secure/">standalone software they certainly have their uses. Perhaps you’re on an unfamiliar PC that’s acting a little strange? Or maybe your existing software has been disabled, and you’ve frantically restarted in Safe Mode looking for a solution.

Below you will find 4 websites to check and verify that your PC is virus free, and 3 to upload and check individual files to help prevent an outbreak. Let the scanning begin!

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Online PC Scanners

class="vt-p" href="http://quickscan.bitdefender.com/">BitDefender QuickScan

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/quickscan.jpg" alt="free anti virus scan" width="580" height="273" />

This free scanner will work in all major browsers, and requires a quick addon to be installed before you can scan. Simply visit the site, click Scan Now, agree to the installation and accept the EULA.

Your PC will then be scanned in record time to let you know whether or not you’ve got any nasty viruses, class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-get-rid-of-a-trojan-horse-virus-that-wont-go-away/">trojans or other malware hiding in your PC’s memory. It won’t scan your whole hard drive, but if class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-quick-fixes-to-make-your-windows-computer-faster/">your PC is acting up and you suspect malicious software is to blame, QuickScan should find it.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.pandasecurity.com/activescan/index/">Panda ActiveScan

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/activescan.jpg" alt="free online virus scan" width="580" height="365" />

Unfortunately ActiveScan will only work with class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-reasons-why-firefox-is-safer-than-internet-explorer/">Internet Explorer or Firefox, although Panda recommends you install the IE Tab Classic extension for compatability if you’re running class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-chrome-extensions-quick-clever-navigation/">Chrome.

For a quick scan of running processes choose Quick Scan or if you’d prefer to delve a little deeper you can opt for a Full Scan. Once you’ve chosen click Scan now and you’ll be prompted to download either an extension (if you’re running Firefox) or an class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-installing-an-activex-control-can-open-the-door-to-hackers/">ActiveX control (if Internet Explorer’s your thing).

The scanner will update its definitions and then run the scan of your choice before delivering the good or bad news.

class="vt-p" href="http://housecall.trendmicro.com/">TrendMicro Housecall

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/housecall.jpg" alt="free online virus scan" width="580" height="376" />

Housecall is completely browser independent, which means you can access it from any web browser. It achieves this by packaging the scanner into a small executable file which when run scans your PC for any signs of malware.

There are two versions to choose from – class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/difference-32-bit-64-bit-windows">32bit and 64bit – and you should make your choice based on your operating system. In case you’re wondering what version you’re running, open Control Panel in your Start menu and choose System. Once you’ve downloaded the file, run it and the definitions will be updated for you.

After you’ve accepted the EULA click Scan Now to see what’s lurking on your PC.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/security/tools/online-scanner/">F-Secure Online Scanner

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/fsecure.jpg" alt="free online virus scan" width="580" height="287" />

Utilising the class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-5-websites-for-java-application-examples/">Java platform to check your PC for nasties, F-Secure should run in any browser provided you’ve got Java installed and class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-javascript-how-works/">JavaScript enabled. To launch the scanner you must accept the license terms by checking the box and then click Run Check.

You’ll need to authorise the Java applet to run before the scanner will launch in a separate window. You’re then free to choose between Quick Scan, Full Scan and a customized My Scan (where you choose which bits of your hard drive to check).

Once you’ve chosen the scanner will update its definitions (it’ll take a few minutes, but stick with it) and your PC will be checked for problems.

Individual File Scanners

class="vt-p" href="http://virscan.org/">VirScan

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/virscan.jpg" alt="free virus scan" width="580" height="302" />

The VirScan service allows you to upload a file (up to 20MB) and check it against more than 30 other sets of definitions from the web’s finest anti-virus solutions.

You can upload class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-top-3-file-compression-extraction-softwares/">.ZIP and .RAR files with a maximum of 20 compressed items, and even give the archive a password of “infected” or “virus”. Simply click Choose File followed by Upload and your file will be scanned, showing you the results in your browser.

class="vt-p" href="http://www.virustotal.com/">VirusTotal

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/virustotal.jpg" alt="free virus scan" width="580" height="391" />

With support for both file upload and URL checking VirusTotal is a popular online virus scanner (so check the server load before you submit). Not only can you upload via the web form on the homepage, but you can class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/sendtodropbox-email-files-to-your-dropbox/">email your files (again, 20MB maximum filesize) to scan@virustotal.com with “SCAN” in the subject field.

You will then receive your results via email once your scan has been complete. Much like VirScan, VirusTotal uses a database of definitions assembled from all over the web.

class="vt-p" href="http://virusscan.jotti.org/en">Jotti

style="text-align: center;"> class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/jotti.jpg" alt="free anti virus scan" width="580" height="434" />

Operating much in the same way as the previous two engines, Jotti allows you to upload a file of 20MB or less for submission to a selection of the web’s anti-virus engines.

You should know the drill by now – click Choose File and then Submit file to receive your results.

Conclusion

Online solutions are a great way to protect your data but these services are still no match for installing a dedicated virus scanner on your machine. There’s plenty of completely free solutions out there, some of which have adverts and the odd pop-up and others that just sit there and do their job.

We’ve got class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ten-best-antivirus-programs/">a list of the 10 best right here, and it’s also worth watching out for spyware with programs like class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/stop-and-delete-spyware-with-malwarebytes-windows-only/">Malwarebytes and class="vt-p" href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/spyware-terminator-%E2%80%93-free-real-time-spyware-protection/">Spyware Terminator. No virus scanner is completely immune to attack, and the best thing to use whilst browsing the web is your common sense.

Have any of these services helped you out in the past? Ever tackled a particularly vicious virus? Got any security tips? Sound off in the comments.

Intro Image: class="vt-p" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-62499904/stock-photo-big-green-virus.html?src=f107c23b741385e1b6b8dde65372cbd2-2-76">Shutterstock

 

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Do you want to have Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7, but have no clue how to add it? This article will help you to get that functionality back using free utility named SE-Tray-Menu.
Installing SE-Tray-Menu is a quite easier. Once you are done with installation, you can notice “Light Bulb Icon” in the “System Tray Area.” Navigating mouse over it will help you to see the default layout, theme and applications.
Right click on the “System tray Icon” to access the settings for SE-TrayMenu. You can also decide if you want SE-Tray-Menu to start with Windows each time and the type of layout that best suits your needs. Once decided, you can add the applications that you want to have quick access to. Once you have selected “Add applications from Start Menu”, a Windows will appear displaying a list of applications. Scroll through the list and choose the applications you would like to add to SE-Tray-Menu. When you are finished, click “OK.”
Now you can see all applications added by you. In case, you want to remove, edit or add more application in the list, you can do so. Click “Close” when you are done. The setup will turn out nicely with new theme, layout, and additional applications.
Following these instructions, it is quite easier to add Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7, but if you find yourself incapable of adding it, there are several technical firms that provide enhanced PC support to deal with all issues related to your computer. These firms offer every kind of assistance to help you solve problem with your operating system.

Features

Availing technical help is quite easier; you just have to subscribe to a suitable package and a well trained tech expert will be connected to provide any kind of help you are looking for. You can connect to these tech experts either through phone, live-chat, e-mail, or via the Internet. Simply give them the permission to connect to your computer and they will make a through diagnosis of your computer to locate the problem and fix it.
No matter which computer brand you are using, you can avail reliable PC support for all the computer brands. These firms hire tech experts with vast experience who are capable of resolving all computer issues. Register yourself and get unlimited access to various services for Windows 7. Comprehensive set of services which can be availed almost from any technical firm includes virus and spyware removal, configuration of hard drive, driver update, PC optimization, etc.

Consideration

Easy accessibility to computer support services through various technical firms has made it quite easier for the users’ to avail these services to resolve all issues related to your computer.

Recommendation

When reliable and high quality tech support can be availed online then why take it to some service center. Moreover, you can have a look at everything these tech experts are doing on your computer.

In the event that you’re starting to hunt for a twain scanning software but you don’t know which type would best fit your needs, join the club! fortunately, there is a way of determining what you need which will ensure that you purchase the right scanner for you. A portable scanner can be lifesaver in your system of managing digital input, especially when backing up valuable documentation is of the utmost importance. Rather than making an impulsive purchase, we encourage you to hear what the experts have to say.

Like any other current and sophisticated hardware device, compact scanners are now less complex and simpler to use. They’re the right tool for most of your day-to-day scanning requirements, like travel documents like passports and visas, contracts, checks… the list goes on. With very little time and effort, they provide high resolution images in your choice of format. In today’s market, the cost of a twain scanning software is well within financial reach for the business person as well as the hobbyist.

One of the most popular qualities of these portable usb scanners is their portability so that you can use them in so many different situations. The scanners come supplied with the latest software which makes it easy to create high-quality output from whatever you choose to scan and then save the files to use in various ways. For instance, with id cards, the system has the ability to separate the different elements of the card (photo, signature, text) as well as the full image of the card and set it all up in convenient data fields, into an external document, your clipboard, or any appropriate application.

Prior to buying a twain scanning software here are several factors you need to keep in mind: (1) determine what you’ll be using a scanner for; (2) do some computer research on various scanners; (3) how do the different scanners measure up technically? (4) determine that the brand is respected and see what past customers have to say about it; (5) find out about freight charges and returns.

Subliminal Mp3s Review – Do The Subliminal Message Albums Really Work? Learn if SubliminalMp3s.com Really Help, Are They Reliable Website? Has Anyone Tried Subliminal Mp3s?

Last month, when I was researching for ways to improve my memory and concentration subconsciously…..I came across a website called SubliminalMp3s.com. I’ve heard about subliminal messaging many times….but I’ve not tried any of them till then. I was just skeptical..and very much doubted if subliminal mp3s really work. But thank God…somehow my intuition asked me to try them….otherwise I would’ve never been able to improve my memory and quit my 7 year long smoking habit….!

Before that,

Subliminal Mp3 Audio – Overview : Do they Really Work?

Subliminal Mp3 audio merely transmits verbal commands into your unconscious mind without you being consciously aware of it. So despite the fact that you won’t hear the subliminal statements, they still get into your unconscious mind naturally and gradually. Over time these messages build up and start working to eliminate any psychological blockades you may have, and even any constraining beliefs, unfavorable self perceptions, and ineffective means of digesting data.

The Subliminal MP3s .com is the most trusted publisher of subliminal mp3s http://submp3s.cz.cc. They have the largest array of subliminal messages online offering an album for whatever your goal are or area of improvement might be.

Free Subliminal Mp3 Albums

You can even try 3 subliminal albums for FREE. Simply join their newsletter and you will receive subliminal e-course with a free album each week for 3 weeks. This will let you try subliminal messaging for yourself and give you some advice on how to use the albums and what to expect. 

With any other albums that you download, you are covered by a 60 day money back guarantee. If the albums don’t work, you can simply request refund.

I liked the free albums and later purchased memory improvement and quit smoking subliminal mp3s. I noticed the change in me within a week. I usually forget all the important things, be at work or personal things at home. I even once forgot my spouse’s birthday….not to mention the aftermath …:)

I startled at the sudden change in me. I also couldn’t stop my smoking habit..before…(failed at so many attempts) and I’ve to admit am seeing a huge difference in me….now…even people around me have started to notice the new me….it’s exciting….!!!

Thank you Subliminal Mp3s for giving me a new positive life. 

Also I would like to remind that this is a great time to try subliminal messaging from Subliminal MP3s. They are currently offering Summer Sale 50% discount on all the titles. Hurry up before the offer ends.

Review:

So my review on Subliminal Mp3s – Don’t hesitate to try subliminals, subliminal mp3s really work and am an living example..it can boost your energy levels..enables you to approach things around you positively and there are much more benefits..you can try the free subliminals for no risk…feel and see the difference for yourself.

To the new you, cheers.

‘World Wide Web’ is simply an excellent place for sharing information. Those interested in owning a little ‘web space’ must have a clear conception about the term ‘Web Hosting’.

The information that we view from the web browser is basically contained in a number of web pages. The computers that contain these web pages are known as ‘Web Servers’. Australian web hosting is all about storing these web pages for the viewer’s to easily access them. Many people plan to host their websites themselves but usually they find themselves fighting with countless issues related to the right kind of software and hardware in order to host the web pages successfully. Using a web hosting company that offers excellent capabilities on its web server can save you from most of these worries.

These days there has been a significant elevation in the number of website hosting providers in Australia. When it comes to choosing a web hosting company, we usually find ourselves in a fix with so many cheap web hosting companies available in the market.

There are several kinds of cheap web hosting companies but Australian web hosting can be broadly divided into following categories:

• Virtual web hosting: It is also known as ‘Shared Hosting’. As the name very well suggests, innumerable websites share the same space on one or more physical web servers.
• Dedicated web hosting: In contrast to Virtual website hosting Australia, dedicated hosting allocates a particular web server that can be used only by a particular customer. A dedicated web hosting company provides several benefits to the customer. The customer can host even multiple websites from that particular server, change the software configuration, modify the bandwidth and handle greater traffic on the website. 
• Co-location Website hosting:  In dedicated web hosting Australia the customer rents the web server, which basically belongs to the web hosting company. But in co-location website hosting the customer can own the web server and hence have a full control over it. The charges vary depending upon the rack space and the monthly bandwidth.
• Reseller web hosting: In this type of website hosting, a web hosting company provides web server storage to the reseller (i.e. the third-party) at reasonable rates, who then again resell this particular web server to a number of customers. To these customers, it is the reseller who acts as the web host provider.

Undoubtedly, a website plays an important role in building-up any business. Australian web hosting companies can easily be found on internet and you can go through the terms and features of their hosting plans before going for one of them.  It is important to note that cheap and reliable often do not go hand in hand, you must evaluate your website hosting options thoroughly.