Blockbuster is due to release a new in-home appliance to allow users to download movies over a broadband connection for viewing on their home TV's. With the emergence of on-demand rentals from Time Warner, Netflix, and others; this service seems like the logical next step for Blockbuster. The player will come with 25 prepaid video rentals for $99 and further movie rentals will be available for $1.99. They promise new movies ready for viewing within weeks of leaving theatres. What may separate this from other similar offerings is the offering of hi-def movies with no subscription fees. The device is expected to be released near the end of December 2008.

Windows Home Server

Though Windows Home Server has been out for about a year, most people don't realize the capabilities of Home Server. One of the most useful features is the ability of Home Server to automatically back up every PC in your home through your network. The majority of home users either don't realize the importance of backups, don't have any method in place, or get complacent with backing that important data up. Home Server will automatically back up all of your computers, with Recovery Points dating back for months. So if one of your computers was to crash, you could restore it to a previous restore point and you're back in business. Home Server is far from just a backup device. It has the ability to stream photos, music, and videos to any PC on your network, television, and some stereo equipment. Other features include remote access to your files and applications through any internet capable computer, automatic copying of iTunes libraries from home pc's to Home Server, and a photo website to share your photographs with family and friends. The most popular Home Server available is the HP MediaSmart Server for $499.00. For a full rundown on all of Windows Home Server features, visit this website which has a 30 minute video showcasing its features in a user-friendly manner.

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SyncBack - Free Backup Utility
SyncBack is a free backup utility which allows you to easily backup, synchronize, or restore your files to another drive, FTP server, ZIP file, networked drive, or removable media such as a USB thumb drive. The program is highly configurable with detailed, easy to read log files and automatic emails letting you know if your backups ran successfully. Back ups can run in the background so you can keep working as normal during the back up process. It will automatically close programs which may interfere with the backup and event has an extensive, context-sensitive help file. CNet/Download.com gave SyncBack 5 out of 5 stars so it comes highly recommended. To learn more and download SyncBack for free visit this website.

Most Effective Anti-Spyware Practices
Over the years, the amount of Spyware infecting systems has increased. Spyware can be thought of as mini-viruses that make popups appear on your screen, attempt to record your browsing habits, but usually all spyware ends up doing is slowing down your computer. Often times they exist simply as web browser cookies; interfering with internet surfing. Antivirus suites which include Anti-Spyware packages are far more prevalent than they were a few years ago, yet many people remain unprotected. If you use free antivirus programs, such as AVG or AntiVir, then you aren't protected from Spyware; even though both programs are excellent antivirus utilities (both companies' paid versions include anti-spyware protection). The best solution, regardless of what antivirus software you own is to install Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Windows Defender. For Spybot and Ad-Aware, the best practice is to install them and run a scan with each once a month or maybe once every two months. They will clean most spyware from your system. If they find quite a lot of it, you should notice a speed increase on your system. Windows Defender should be installed if you want a guard running at all times to prevent spyware from being installed on your system in the first place. HOWEVER, possibly the best defense against spyware is to be careful about what you install on your system. Don't download all manner of cute toolbars & "utilities" from the Internet. Choose "advanced" options when installing those you can't live without and make certain they don't come with "companion-ware" - other programs that sneak in at the same time as the one you want. Make sure you keep your system updated with all the latest patches and don't ever click in any pop-up window with some great offer or dire warning. Most spyware gets on users' systems because they inadvertently install it. So the more you exercise discretion about what & how you install stuff, the better your chances of not getting spyware in the first place!

Apple Suggests Mac OS X Users Install Antivirus Software
For the first time since the release of Mac OS X, Apple has recommended that all users install antivirus software on their systems. The statement was made on Tuesday December 2nd and retracted the next day by Apple, perhaps to not send people into a panic. Throughout this year, there have been some nasty OS X viruses which caught the public eye. Not needing an antivirus has been a boasting point for many Mac enthusiasts, and even Apple's own advertisements. As the number of Mac users has grown over the past few years, it was only a matter of time before virus programmers decided they had a big enough target audience. Windows is attacked by more viruses because it is by far the most widely-used operating system; it's the tallest blade of grass that is first to be mowed. A company can brag about how secure their software is as much as they wish, but the more people use it, the more security flaws will be discovered and subsequently exploited. So Mac users should definitely be aware that viruses DO exist and will only increase in number and frequency. Apple simply stated that "since no system can be 100 percent immune from every threat, running antivirus software may offer additional protection." Mac users need to be aware that viruses exist and that they are vulnerable to them, so installing an antivirus solution wouldn't be the worst decision they'll made. Not doing so may well be one of them