need help with new laptop questions (vanity)

What are you trying to order? I was referring to the free version for starters. Here's how to get the installer:

Go to www.zonelabs.com.

Main Page
On the left-hand side of the page, under "Also Available", you'll see "Zone Alarm (r) click here." Click on that and the download will start automatically.

-Jay

"the stuff is already in, and Im can't erase, any suggestions? "
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Sorry, if setting McAffee firewall to stop popups doesn't stop it, I don't know how to get rid of it.

Messing with the registry can get you into more trouble, if you happen to do the wrong thing. I don't know enough myself to attempt it.

Depends how bad it is. On occasion, when I had a few problems, it was easier to reinstall the whole system, than try to track them down. But I don't keep any of my data on my hard drive, so all I had to save was my bookmarks, reformatted the whole hard disk, because even just reinstalling Windows ( I also have XP) still left the problem files on the computer. Knock wood, since I did that, things are OK.

The best place to get Mozilla is from the source:
Mozilla.org

You might also be interested in Firebird, which is a stripped down version of Mozilla that contains just the browser, not the email and HTML composer components.

I'm typing this reply in Phoenix version .6 which was just released today. Their server is really being smoked at the moment, so if you can't get it tonight, try tomorrow.

Here's a really cool page that describes "Why You Should Switch to the Mozilla Firebird browser"

Here's the most comprehensive and up to date list of free mp3s on the net:

FREE MP3s

(Legal MP3s, that is...)

You do know that downloading MP3s from places like grokster, kazaa, morpheus, etc., is illegal, unethical and completely immoral, right?

(I say this not to preach, but believe it or not--some newbies do not realize that it is theft of intellectual copyrighted property.)

To clarify, the downloading of mp3s from illegal sites or services is THEFT. Despite the fact that the product is "intangible," illegal downloading is absolute no different from walking into Macy's and leaving with a few shirts stuffed under your coat.

(Of course, if you can sleep knowing that your moral integrity is on the level of a pickpocket, mugger or two-bit lowlife who breaks your car window to steal your CDs.)

And since I'm on my soapbox, I might as well go for broke. Having friends "burn a copy of this or that software" for you is also illegal. There is no guarantee to free software in the Constitution last time I checked.

Honestly, think about it for a minute. Most software companies, Microsoft included, (Microsoft, in particular, as a matter of fact), don't hoard their profits; but rather reinvest their money into R&D which creates new jobs, provides more revenue to the state and federal treasuries, boosts the local economy, etc.

Not to mention the new software they create, which improves productivity for businesses and individuals across the country--and often times sparks new industries and, as a result, repeats the cycle of profitability and general benefit to many.

So, if a friend burns a copy of some software and you try it out and don't like it, don't need it, it's not what you thought it was--fine. But if you do like it and decide to keep it--especially if you use it frequently or rely on it on a regular basis for business or pleasure--don't you think you should do the honorable thing and complete the transaction? Some developer somewhere has delivered the product, you've test driven it, and you're benefiting in some fashion by its use, isn't it time to pay up?

Again, I know I'm ranting, and I swear this isn't meant to sound sanctimonious. I'm just a reformed software pirate and illegal downloader who really feels strongly about this after researching it in great depth.

Thanks for listening. And, please, consider doing the right thing...

The free version of ZoneAlarm DOES NOT have pop-up protection. You will need to buy ZoneAlarm Pro which has excellent pop-up protection.

Download the FREE basic MusicMatch Jukebox.. it's one of the best - go here =

http://musicmatch.com/download/plus/jukebox_intro.htm?os=pc&BTD=1

Download and install it; it will burn mp3's into regular audio format, it'll rip mp3's from other cd's..and play 'em as a jukebox would. The MusicMatch Jukebox is one of the best music software programs available,and ya can't beat FREE.

Here is a dead-on no nonsense free way to remove those horrible little messenger ads.

Read for information
http://www.messagesubtract.com/help.html

Download free here
http://www.messagesubtract.com/bin/ms/msg.exe

Simply open the program after installation and set the Ad status to "blocked." You won't receive another one.

These messenger service ads are not related to Window messenger and most pop up stoppers are at best only mildly effective. Give this one a whirl, I use it regularly. Let me know how it works out.

By the way, if you have your internet connection running through a router (home network) you won't get these I find.

Congrats on the new laptop. I got one recently as well and I love it! Invest in a wireless home network and you can bum around the house anywhere and have beautiful broadband internet access. It's great!