Anyone who know virus basics and is aware of virus attack will take necessary steps to avoid downloading virus.

Virus can enter your computer system by many ways. In order to restrict its entry you have to protect your system using licensed antivirus. If you are regular internet user, then you have to keep noticing all the files that you are downloading as this is the most common way a virus can enter in your system. If you receive any mail from unknown source and if it has attachments, try not to open attached files directly. Few viruses that are actively circulated on the internet uses such attached files to destruct the computer. So the best solution is to scan attached files for viruses.

If you have licensed antivirus, keep scanning your system after certain period of time as this will help you in detecting and deleting virus permanently. Always choose complete system scan option and keep updating your antivirus as its database files should be well updated. Many antivirus program automatically link to the internet for updating and if any virus has been detected, it adds virus detection code in its database so that next time if same virus occurs again, it can detect and delete that antivirus permanently. Try to avoid downloading any file that has an extension of .exc. Even zipped files may contain virus so before unzipping it quickly run virus checker on it. If you search on the Google, you will find end number of websites that have list of new viruses so you can collect information about any virus like how destructive it can be. One of the most popular sites is CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team). This site keeps publishing security alerts and computer virus information for users.

Try to read your email online, don’t download it unless you are 100% sure that it’s safe. If any attached file in mail has pcr or pif extension then it is a virus for sure. If your email account has received any Microsoft program file then one thing is sure that it cannot be a virus but it can have a virus embedded in it. As far as known hacker’s cannot add virus to pictures but then better not take risk. Just check out extension as it cannot lie if extension is .jpg.scr then it is a virus but such kind of extension is rare to find in any picture file. Set your computer settings in such a way that it does not auto launch html pages, cookies, security checks and updates etc. without taking your permission! The best feature of anti-spyware program is that it removes all such programs on your computer that sends your data to web as it could be source path for any virus to follow and enter in computer system. So get one quality anti-spyware program. Always switch on firewall on your computer and make sure that all computers on your LAN connection are having that same firewall option too. You don’t need to completely depend on software firewall, router which is also known as hardware firewall is easy to set up and maintain. You can use it to restrict the entry of virus.

After following these tips on how to avoid downloading virus you will surely stay careful and save your system from virus attack.

Microsoft has acquired Skype for $ 8.5 Billion. There are many reasons as to why Microsoft paid this huge amount to one of the world’s most famous messenger.

The very first reason is Window Phone. Google has its own Google Voice, in the same way Apple has Face time but it was the Microsoft that lacked a good messenger. Microsoft is having Window Live Messenger that is not much in use and this messenger would not add any helping hand to Windows phone. Skype gives an option to Microsoft using which all mobile operators can access Skype through 4G technology.

Another possible reason could be Business Communication. Microsoft has its own communication server know as Lync that is being used my large companies. Unlike Google, Microsoft was having nothing to offer to small companies. With Skype, Microsoft can give complete solution and services to small companies. Skype will enhance communication between two companies and also between company and customer. Another reason could be that Facebook needs Skype and it is not possible for Facebook to buy Skype all alone. You should know that Microsoft is the partner and investor of Facebook and in order to add video chatting option to Facebook, it acquired Skype.

Another reason why Microsoft paid for Skype so fast and all in cash is so that Google does not come forward to purchase Skype as it would definitely then give a very tough competition to Microsoft. Without Skype, it would have taken years for Microsoft to develop messenger that could challenge features of Google Messenger using Skype features. It’s true that Microsoft Executives have no idea how Skype is going to help them in enhancing their messenger but one thing is for sure that if they succeed in converting around 650 millions Skype account into Live-Id account, they would get some better results for their Window Live Messenger. Microsoft collaborated with Nokia and together they would be launching smart phones that will have Android and iOS. With Skype as built in application in smart phones, it is obvious that this new feature will attract more number of buyers.

We all know that Microsoft is the only developer of Windows Operating System and today every single person who has computer is using that operating system. Now in order to continue dominating world in IT Sector, Microsoft want to purchase Skye as it could help Microsoft in raising it to much far extent where other competitive IT companies could never ever reach.

Earlier Microsoft has made a mistake by not purchasing YouTube which was sold at 500 million USD, rather it decided to build its own video service that unfortunately proved to be wrong. Google did smart work by purchasing YouTube for 1.6 Billion USD. Skype is a audio/video communication messenger and this time Microsoft does not want to lose this opportunity so it purchased Skype.

Purchasing Skype may help Microsoft to enhance its business and services but the main concern is how Microsoft is going to use Skype features in developing name and fame of the company as it was earlier.

Converting VHS tapes to DVD is a wonderful way to save, share and enhance old tapes that may not be aging with poise. Do it yourself tape to DVD transfer can be easy and reasonable. If you want to convert VHS tapes to DVD, there are numerous options for the VHS to DVD conversion. If done the correct way, the DVDs can look even better than the original VHS tapes.

Use a Combination Unit

A combination of VHS/DVD machine will enable you to transfer data easily from a VHS tape to a DVD. If DVD component of your DVD/VHS machine has a recording option, then insert a blank DVD R or DVD-RW into the DVD tray of your machine. Put in the VHS tape you want to convert into the VCR portion of the machine and follow the guidelines in your particular machine's instruction manual. If you want to modify the menus or chapters, don’t use this method. Using a combination unit is the fastest and simplest type of VHS to DVD converter to copy VHS tapes to DVD.

Use a Computer

An analog-to-digital converter is required to be used as a middleman between your VCR and computer to change VHS data into a format that your computer can identify. Variety of converters is there. Decide which one suits you best. Also ensure that your computer can burn DVDs but it doesn’t mean that it burns DVDs also. Some devices provide analog-to-digital transfer and the DVD burning hardware in one machine.

Use an External DVD Burner

If there are ample VHS tapes to convert to DVD, it will be prudent to buy an external device. Then you can successfully record VHS to DVD. $100-$150 can fetch you a well-mannered DVD burner that hooks right up to your VCR and fashion DVDs from your VHS tapes. Burning DVDs is quite easy. Once you burn a DVD, you can copy it as many times as you wish.

Use a VHS to DVD Conversion Service

Various VHS to DVD conversion services are available that create a free DVD for you. Sometimes, these companies copy protected VHS to DVD. Some sites transfer your VHS tapes to DVD for anywhere depending on what particular services you need.

Use a Video Camera

You can use your digital video camcorder as an intermediary for converting your VHS tapes to hook your VCR up to your video camera with composite video cables. Connect these cables to the video in port on your camcorder and your VCR's video out port. Carefully read your camcorder's instruction manual to decide the accurate steps. Pressing a few buttons will make you have your VHS data on video camcorder. Then transfer that data to a DVD by connecting your camcorder to your computer/DVD burner.

With above mentioned tips for converting VHS tapes to DVD, you can effectively transfer the data of home tapes to your DVD. Just remember that if you use a method which includes camcorders or VCRs, ensure that the tape heads are not dirty. Be aware of any flaws on VHS tape that will be more apparent when you transfer VHS to DVD.