Washington  - One of the advantages of LCDs over cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors is lack of flicker. CRTs produced eye-fatiguing flicker if the refresh rate was set below 70 hertz (Hz). If you inspect the refresh rate that many LCD monitors use, however, you'll see that they're set to run at 60 Hz. This is fine for flicker-free images on LCDs. These flat-panel monitors use different technology for their display of images, so the old rules for flicker-free monitor operation no longer apply.

Washington (dpa) - Do you need an anti-spyware program in addition to antivirus? Probably so. While the antivirus software makers have added anti-spyware protection to their packages, antivirus is still their forte, and the anti-spyware packages on the market have been protecting against spyware longer. To get rid of spyware, download the free Windows Defender if you're a Windows user. Also consider Ad- Aware.

Washington (dpa) - Still using DVDs to back up your files? The cheapest way to back up the data on your hard drive today is with another hard drive. Either an external hard drive, which connects to your computer using a USB or FireWire port or an internal model will suffice. Remember when budgeting for data storage to think about buying twice the amount you'll need - half for your files and programs, and the other half for the backup of those files and programs. With 160 GB hard drives selling for around 80 dollars these days, fast and effective backups are within the reach of many.

Washington (dpa) - Microsoft has quietly unveiled Windows Server 2008. Intended primarily for businesses, Windows Server 2008 offers virtualisation for the first time in a Microsoft operating system. Virtualisation, dubbed Hyper-V by Microsoft, allows one computer to act as though it is many. Each virtual computer is protected from the others on a machine. Virtualisation allows companies to save money by reducing the number of computers they might otherwise devote to several tasks.

Washington (dpa) - Using an LCD with Windows? Be sure you have activated ClearType, Microsoft's eye-pleasing visual enhancement of fonts and other on-screen elements. ClearType makes text in Windows appear more legible and stylish on LCD displays. Open the Windows control panel, and double-click Display, click the Appearance tab, and then click the Effects button. There, you'll find an option to turn on ClearType. (dpa)