For obvious reason, free security applications are often the most popular. However, the definition of free has taken on new meaning lately.
Many free security applications are being bundled with toolbars, and/or gather information about your system and surfing habits. Often these add-ons are installed by default, and not clearly explained. Here are some examples:

Recently it [...]

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Recently, we attempted to answer the question, “Do I need a Registry Cleaner?”
In the comments, we were challenged to review Registry Booster 2 [affiliate]. We already had an evaluation copy, so we decided to check it out.
The Windows registry is a central store for all system settings and options. It contains the information for all [...]

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I’m using the new version of Hotmail, I guess it’s now called Windows Live Hotmail. I can’t figure out how to view full email headers. Did they remove this feature?

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I leave Outlook running almost all the time. However, when I minimize it, the Outlook button stays visible in the taskbar. How do I hide it so that only the Outlook icon is visible in the system tray (by the clock)?

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OK, so is it safe to use a registry cleaner? Or, are they a no-no? Thank you.
Note: This question comes from our forums, and the response below is used with permission of the forum member (Bill Castner - MS MVP).

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We’re proud to announce the Malware Classroom at What the Tech has reopened! Founded in 2003, the Classroom started with Tom Coyote, and What the Tech will continue its mission of teaching the next generations of malware fighters. As always, it remains free. If you’d like more information, to join the classroom, or just spread [...]

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The evolution of the Zune media player continues. Should Apple be worried?

Tuesday, Microsoft will make available the new Zune 80, and the new flash based Zune 4 and Zune 8. The numbers signify the gigabytes of storage available. Not only is Microsoft announcing the new Zune hardware, but new software as well. Microsoft hasn’t [...]

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I am thinking of upgrading my Geforce 5500 FX to a better graphics card, but all I can find are PCI-Express graphics cards. Can PCI-Express card work in PCI slots?I have a HP home edition.

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Windows Live services have been ever expanding, and seemingly ever in beta. Today marks the final launch versions of a number of Windows Live Services in the Windows Live Suite:
Windows Live Mail.
Windows Live Messenger.
Windows Live Spaces.
Windows Live Photo Gallery.
Windows Live Events.
Windows Live Writer.
Windows Live OneCare Family Safety.
Windows Live for Windows Mobile.What is Windows Live? According [...]

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I’ve been trying to send emails via Yahoo mail, and I keep getting a flash9b.ocx error. It shuts me down, closes Yahoo and sends an error report. What is flash9b.ocx and how do I get rid of it?

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