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Leo Laporte A technology journalist, author and broadcast personality. His specialties lie in computers, the Web, video games, digital music and consumer electronics. |
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Amber MacArthur An experienced Web content and usability strategist, Amber is also a tech journalist who specializes in Internet, software, and gadget trends and tips. |
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Sharing Files Over the Net
Darren, Cleveland, OH
Q: How do I connect to a specific persons PC to share large files?
There are significant security issues with doing this. You and your friend will have to set up a server, opening up one of your systems to attack. You can use FTP to do this - GuildFTPd is a free and good FTP server for Windows. You could also use a BBS type program for this like Hotline, which can be found with a simple search at http://tucows.com/.In addition to online file transfer services like download.com and YouSendIt.com, you mentioned another web service that looks good: Avvenu.com is a method of sharing files on your own computer, which is kind of like FTP but without worrying about the hassle of setting up servers.
Sean’s note: For all of the hassle trying to transfer huge files directly from one PC to another, getting past firewalls and routers, I’d suggest another method: a web service. There are a number of services available that will allow you to upload your files and send a URL to the person you want to receive the file so they can download it. Personally, I use YouSendIt.com but there are others like dropload.com.
Protecting Your Laptop
David, Hamilton, ON
Q: Its my first year of College, and i had recently purchased a new laptop, and i was just wondering if you guys could possibly give me some tips/tricks in general regarding notebook software/hardware, also how to keep it from getting dammaged - ive got an Acer Aspire 5002 series, and ive notticed that it has a lot of ‘pripriatory’ software, also it had came with windows xp home, and a 60 gig drive, - it came factory partitioned (30–30), and i didn’t like that, i had recently formatted and also the windows xp home was actually animage, - i put Windows xp pro on it instead and i have a whole 60 gig c drive now.
The biggest threat to laptops is physical damage and theft. A well padded laptop case will help with the former (make sure it doesn’t telegraph “laptop” or you’ll get the unwanted attention of thieves). A Kensington lock will help keep it from getting stolen. There are even more sophisticated means of protecting your laptop - like systems that phone home when its stolen - but there’s no evidence yet that these are effective.Protecting the software itself is pretty similar to protecting a desktop: a good anti-virus and anti-spyware package is a must on Windows. You’ll also want a firewall or router, and if you use Wi-Fi on unprotected access points I suggest setting up VPN. If your school doesn’t offer it, you can buy VPN protection for US$8.88/month from hotspotvpn.com. Another piece of preventative software that I’d suggest is Computrace, by Absolute Software. Computrace is laptop security and tracking software which deters laptop theft and recovers stolen computers
Myth vs Snapstream
Rob, Toronto, ON
Q: I’ve heard a lot people talking about MythTV, but since it’s difficult to find any info in English about how to use Linux, I’ve been checking out Beyond TV by Snapstream. I’m just wondering what the advantages are to both and if there are any other options. I’ve been suffering with the cable company’s cheap excuse for a PVR and even though TiVo is kind of available in Canada, it’s still not really an option.
I prefer MythTV for many reasons. It’s easy to install and use if you use KnoppMyth.
