We know about spyware and adware — and that we should scan our computers regularly for them. However, most spyware apps only treat the symptoms without taking care of the source. See how an integrated approach to protecting computers from malware works in this month's story.

Do you or have you worked for a large company or organization? If so, are you hearing about teams and departments that you didn't know about before? Big companies easily fall into the trap of "the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing." But it's not either side’s fault. Read how you can ensure effective communication with headquarters, regions and local offices.

Thanks to the Internet, conference calling technology and videoconference technology, we have many options for getting an education, whether for a certificate, diploma or gaining knowledge. Time is usually the biggest problem in obtaining an education, but another challenge is choosing the best degree or certification. Have you been through this or know someone who has? A reader asks which is better.

If you help a reader, ask a question or provide feedback, you get a chance to win a gadget that holds up to 60 hours of audio: a 256 MB MP3 player. As always, you can check the archives for past issues and get involved with discussions in the forums. Thanks for taking time to read this issue.

Best,

Meryl K. Evans