AVG Free 7.5 anti-virus upgrade will also be free
By BILL HUSTED
Cox News Service
May 18, 2008
Q: Friends tell me AVG Free 7.5 is going way at the end of May. If so, what is your recommendation for another free virus program?
— Geo Dzan
A: It's going away to be replaced by the equally free 8.0. You can find it at http://free.grisoft.com/
Q: I recently purchased a digital TV set, which is using an existing outdoor TV antenna. I live in Danielsville, which is 20 miles northeast of Athens. The area that I live in doesn't even have cable line. I cannot pick up any digital stations on the new digital TV set. I get a message that I have a low signal. Any suggestions on how I can get a strong signal for DTV?
— Juliana Pisczak
A: The usual ways are putting the antenna up higher (even on a tower) since these signals are basically line-of-sight. The other way is to get a larger antenna and a rotor for it. Trouble is that can get very expensive.
Go to this Web site: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Then click on the 'get started' button. Eventually you'll be asked to enter your zip code. It should calculate the distance to the stations and tell you what kind of antenna you'd need (or tell you that you're too far out).
If you are getting analog reception now, which I guess is happening, you should be able to make the changes required to get a digital signal. The question is what will you need to do to get that signal.
Q: I have a question about the new digital conversion box. I use a VCR to tape numerous shows. I don't have cable and don't plan to get it. My son-in-law says I won't be able to set my VCR to tape shows at numerous times on different channels. I don't like DVDs. Will there ever be a VCR that can do what my current ones do when the DTV fiasco begins?
— Robyn Hickey
A: Here's the trouble: The VCR uses its own receiver. That's why you can watch a show on one channel and tape on another. When digital comes, all analog receivers (the VCR has one) will need a converter box. So, once you add a converter box to your TV you will only be able to tape shows on the channel selected. The VCR's receiver won't work anymore. A converter box for the VCR would work, but also would add to the expense. It would still not have the features needed to automatically turn on and change channels. Don't expect any upgraded VCR's to hit the market, since tape is on the way out. DVRs have pretty much replaced that technology.
Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.
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