Security and strength

Q.

Could you suggest an effective antivirus and antispyware that doesn't take a toll on system performance? Secondly, I want to know if a replacement antenna is the best way of increasing the range and strength of a wireless network.

A.

You could try the free AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 (free.avg.com) which offers powerful protection against viruses, spyware, adware, etcetera, and is compatible with both Windows Vista and XR If you're looking for a commercial suite that uses low system resources and has efficient scanning, give ESET's k NOD32 antivirus a try. A free 30 day trial is available for download from ESET's website. For your second query, while replacing a wireless router's antenna is an effective means of increasing signal strength, there are many other ways of improving your signal quality. Firstly, if your router is placed against a wall, reposition it in an open, central location - off the floor and away from concrete and metal objects that can interfere with signals. Other electronics, such as cordless phones, that rely on the 2.4-gigahertz frequency band in the vicinity can deteriorate signal quality. Consider devices that use either 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies. Changing your router's channel through its configuration page can also help with frequency interferences. You should also periodically check for driver and firmware updates for your router at the manufacturer's website. If signal strength still does not improve (and assuming you're using 802.11b equipment), consider upgrading your router and all associated network adapters to the 802.11g standard websites online from which you can make purchases. Most of them even offer free shipping and delivery. Some of the more popular ones include Galaxy Computers (www.galaxy.com.pk), Shophive (www.shophive.com), Beliscity (www.beliscity.com), Myshop Online (myshop.com.pk), Symbios (www.symbios.pk), Gettech Computers (gettech.com.pk/ GT_Computer/), Arshi Computer (www.arshi.com.pk) and Makarts International (www.makarts.com).