Brando's Blog

Aunt Les and Uncle Buck wanted to know what to do about a spyware problem. Here's my solution that I recommend to everyone:

If you are getting pop-up advertisements, wierd web page results, or your computer just starts moving really slow I recommend you use Ad-aware. Ad-aware works like a virus scanner. It updates definitons of spyware and then searches your computer for spyware. You should run a scan and then remove all spyware it finds.

If you are sick and tired of running Ad-aware all of the time, then I suggest that you change your browser from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is a new browser program that is free and way more efficient and secure than Internet Explorer. You will still need to use IE sometimes but for the majority of the time you will be 100% protected from spyware.

Also, if anyone is worried about getting a virus you should run anti-virus software. This software can be purchased in a store. Common names are Norton and McAfee. These programs work very well but I'd opt for a free solution. There are two good free anti-virus programs available on the internet: Avast and AVG. Both of these anti-virus programs work just as well as the pay products but are free.

Hope that helps anyone worried about viruses/spyware. Email me if you have any questions.

Yep, it's officially winter here in SRU. It's been snowing since Sunday. There's a few inches on the ground. I'm in the lab now, killing time until my geology lab final. I'm really anxious about getting my grades this semester. I might make a 4.0 but it will be by the skin of my teeth if I do.

Brett, who lives in my hall and is exactly like Evan keeps telling me about how he might lose his 4.0 this semster. I personally think he'll pull it off, but it's too close for comfort for him. He's pretty funny to be around because he's so much like Evan. He's pretty quiet unless I go to his room and talk to him, or every once in a while he'll get wound up and come over. I think he comes to my room when he's been studying a lot.

Anyhow, that's all for now. I've got 2 finals tomorrow so I probably won't write then. But I'll be sure to update again before I come home. See everyone soon!

Here's how Christmas break is looking for Lindsay and me:

• Dec. 18 Lindsay and I in H'burg
  
• Dec. 22/23 Lindsay goes home
  
• Dec. 31 Lindsay may be coming for New Years
  
• Jan. 3 Lindsay and I go to P'burg
  
• Jan. 8 Lindsay leaves for Spain
  
• Jan. 10 Classes resume at SRU

• Fuji A340 digital camera (I've talked to Ma and Nanna and Poppop about splitting this gift b/c it's expensive).
  
• USB Drive*
  
• DVD/RW Drive
  
• Speakers*
  
• Gift cards to Sheetz*
  
• Gift cards to Giant Eagle*
  
• 5 gallon aquarium
  

*=items I've already sent to Aunt Les

Here's some things I'd like for the holidays. I sent some requests to Aunt Les already, as noted. Classes are over! I just have to take finals, then I can come home! Lindsay and I will be in the H'burg Saturday the 18th. Linds will be with me until the 23rd. I will be going back to Pittsburgh on the 30th to see her off.

There are patches of snow on the ground this morning! YAY :) I hate the cold and the snow in SRU. I don't know why I was just happy about it. The cold usually makes me miserable, but the snow sure looks pretty from my nice warm dorm room.

Hey everyone. I have to apologize again because I haven't kept up with my posts. It's crunch time. I'm working on 2 very large final projects for my C++ and Geology class respectively. They've been taking most of my free time. I've also been exploring my grad school options further. I've got it narrowed down a little more. Topping my list of possibilities are (in no particular order):

• Syracuse University (in New York)
  
• Drexel University (Philadelphia)
  
• Penn State (State College)
  
• Univeristy of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

Also of interest, there is an article in the rocket today written by a new writer. He didn't really know what he was doing so much, so it ended up that I am quoted a ton in the article. I also ended up editing it to pieces because it wasn't very well done. I think he just didn't understand the issue and didn't ask for help. Anyhow here's the article.

Another late night at the rocket, check out the post time. I like blogging after the rocket though. It helps me wind down before bed. Night all. See you soon!