|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222 |
Possible Safe Computing Suggestions for Musicians:
I. Poor: Using only Windows for everything on a single PC
a. Install AV software
b. Leave AV active for updates
c. Go shopping while the AV software scans for infections
d. Install AntiMalware softwares
e. Update AntiMalware softwares regularly
f. Watch a movie while the AntiMalware software scans for infections
g. Install Firewall and test
h. Install Windows Updates regularly
i. Turn off Firewall while doing Windows updates.
j. Disconnect from the internet when working on a DAW
k. Turn off AV software when working on a DAW
l. Turn off Firewall when working on a DAW
m. Remember to turn on AV Software before reconnecting to the internet
n. Remember to turn on Firewall before reconnecting to the internet
o. Reinstall Windows when an update fubars the system
p. Remember to only surf "safe" sites
q. Hope and pray the site your just surfed to or from was "safe"
r. Encrypt all personally sensitive files and financial records
s. Hope and pray the system is not infected during financial transactions
II. Better: Using only Windows on two PCs
1. Set up Windows PC 1 for DAW and applications
a. Do not install AV, AntiMalware, or Firewall Software
b. Do not do any Windows Updates
c. Do not allow this PC on the internet
2. Set up Windows PC 2 for the internet
a. Install AV software
b. Leave AV active for updates
c. Go shopping while the AV software scans for infections
d. Install AntiMalware softwares
e. Update AntiMalware softwares regularly
f. Watch a movie while the AntiMalware software scans for infections
g. IInstall Firewall and test
h. Install Windows Updates regularly
i. Turn off Firewall while doing Windows updates.
o. Reinstall Windows when an update fubars the system
p. Remember to only surf "safe" sites
q. Hope and pray the site your just surfed was "safe"
r. Encrypt all personally sensitive files and financial records
s. Hope and pray the system is not infected during financial transactions
III. Still Better: Using only Windows on three PCs
1. Set up Windows PC 1 for DAW and applications
a. Do not install AV, AntiMalware, or Firewall Software
b. Do not do any Windows Updates
c. Do not allow this PC on the internet
2. Set up Windows PC 2 for the internet surfing
a. Install AV software
b. Leave AV active for updates
c. Go shopping while the AV software scans for infections
d. Install AntiMalware softwares
e. Update AntiMalware softwares regularly
f. Watch a movie while the AntiMalware software scans for infections
g. Install Firewall and test
h. Install Windows Updates regularly
i. Turn off Firewall while doing Windows updates.
o. Reinstall Windows when an update fubars the system
p. Remember to only surf "safe" sites
q. Hope and pray the site your just surfed was "safe"
r. Remove all personally sensitive files and financial records
3. Set up Windows PC 3 for the internet financial transactions
a. Install AV software
b. Leave AV active for updates
c. Go shopping while the AV software scans for infections
d. Install AntiMalware softwares
e. Update AntiMalware softwares regularly
f. Watch a movie while the AntiMalware software scans for infections
g. Install Firewall
h. Install Windows Updates regularly
i. Turn off Firewall while doing Windows updates.
o. Reinstall Windows when an update fubars the system
s. Visit only the the sites for financial transactions
t. Disconnect internet when transactions are complete
IV. Even Better: Using Windows on one PC and Linux on two PCs
1. Set up Windows PC 1 for DAW and applications
a. Do not install AV, AntiMalware, or Firewall Software
b. Do not do any Windows Updates
c. Do not allow this PC on the internet
2. Set up Linux PC 2 for the internet surfing
a. Install AV software to scan files destined for the Windows PC
1. Avast for Linux (free)
2. Clam AV (free)
b. Update AV only before a scan
g. Install Firewall and test
p. Surf any site and have fun
3. Set up Linux PC 3 for the financial connections
g. Install Firewall and test
s. Visit only the the sites for financial transactions
t. Disconnect internet when transactions are complete
V. Even Better on a Budget: Using Windows on one PC and a Linux Live CD
1. Set up Windows PC 1 for DAW and applications
a. Do not install AV, AntiMalware, or Firewall Software
b. Do not do any Windows Updates
c. Do not allow WIndows on this PC on the internet
2. Use the Linux Live Cd for any contact with the internet
a. Any downloads for Windows must be routed through an internet AV scanner
b. Get a Yahoo account
c. Save the download to your PC
d. Attach the download to a Yahoo email and Yahoo scans it for you
e. Discard email and use the download if it is declared safe
Last edited by JBlatz; 03/03/10 06:21 PM.
JBlatz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
Thanks Tony!
A safe internet is important. There is a reason the anivirus programs are offered in Linux. Avast! is free and they still offer it for Linux.
JBlatz seems to have the idea too. The DAW never connects to internet here. His options give lots of choices.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
No, it is whether someone decides to target you or not, ...
You mean like what happens in air combat?
The real thing, not the game.
Same thing, there ain't no intrinsically safe airplanes, but there *are* exceptionally good pilots.
You know, the ones who came home.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
touche
But if radar was available, you used it, right?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I've been thinking a lot about this and have also discussed with a friend. He's an MIT graduate and has been the Director of the IT Dept. for the complete University of Maine system for 30 years. His comments were:
1. For the average user security is a 50/50 toss up between a Linux Distro like Ubuntu with just a Firewall & a fully protected Widows system. The difference is that with the Windows system you'll know if you have issues as all your real time and off line scanners will warn you. With Ubuntu your only real assurance is what others have said, me included." you'll be safe" Their intrusion detection products are either SO COMPLEX or they don't work.
I Installed an intrusion detection program yesterday after this conversation here. Wireshark. Seemed really nice. Clicked on the icons to view available network connections and it showed none. Found out that the program has to be run with ROOT priviledges. This is TOTALLY against the whole Linux mantra. I said OK I'll try it. So I sudo wireshark and I get a pig popup telling me of the dangers of running this program as ROOT with a direction to their site that further explains to never run this program as ROOT but it's the only way it'll run. It was fun a geeky for awhile but I have no desire to be a programmer. I'll leave the duel boot for awhile but I'm gonna go back, in fact I'm on it, to Windows for awhile.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603 |
Quote:
...It is a lot more user controlled, and many people switch to it every day. They need to know it is not bulletproof.
My own observation is that about the same number switch away from it every day, too. Silvertones was quite the Linux spokesman for a couple weeks, but now he says:
Quote:
It was fun a geeky for awhile but I have no desire to be a programmer. I'll leave the duel boot for awhile but I'm gonna go back, in fact I'm on it, to Windows for awhile.
I've been through it myself and emerged regretfully from the other end in about the same amount of time. Linux seldom quite manages lift-off.
Larry
______
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
I am sorry to hear that John. I would have thought that Linux virus ware would have improved with all the developers out there.
I agree with your friend somewhat. I don't think it's 50/50 on 'getting' infected. I think you are less likely on Linux. But I also think if you do get infected in Linux more damage is likely to be done if it isn't caught, and a firewall most likely won't catch it after it's in. A good one may try to stop stuff from getting out, but that would be one of the first things targeted by an intrusion. Serious threats don't try to hurt the machine, they try to gain information or control.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88 |
Someone commented about "real-time" virus protection versus "scanning," and implied the former is superior to the latter. I suppose one could argue that, in theory, it is better to prevent than cure. But I find the real-time processes to cost a bit too much in the way of performance (not just with BIAB but with everything, but especially BIAB).
I find running an automatic nightly scan (I use AVG Free) is fine. I also run Spybot Search & Destroy (which is also free, but I throw them 25 bucks every year) and Ad-Aware Free. The only real-time feature I run is Spybot's "immunization," which is preventive. I also run the email scanner of AVG, but I don't consider that real real-time. I will scan with Spybot and Ad-Aware weekly or every ten days.
Also, I don't like any product that purports to do it all. They invariably do nothing well.
And further, using a router provides a very good hardware firewall. So good, in fact, that it is unnecessary to run Windows firewall -- unless there are machines on your side of the network that you don't trust, like a child's computer -- or a dumb-ass adult's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
On my Windows boot I run:
1. PC Tools Firewall+ because I don't have a router I'm on dialup
2. Avast v5 that is an excellent virus tool both real time and scan by not as good at the other malware very light on resources.
3. PC Tools Spyware Dr. excellent anti malware real time & scan but bogs down my computer.
4. Malware Bytes scan only.
The bogging down is what made me go to Linux. If I disable the real time protection in Spyware Dr. I'm OK. Uncertainty is what will bring me back to Windows. I'm still playing with Linux though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 222 |
I would also suggest all Windows, Linux, and Mac users subscribe to an email vulnerability service like Secunia Security Advisories. I don't know about other companies, but Secunia delivers email advisories on both Os and software related vulnerabilities. It can be a pain, because often there are a lot of advisories filling your mail box, but it does help keep you up to date on current potential problems. To subscribe, click the link listed below. http://secunia.com/community/profile/
JBlatz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
sort of interesting. From the Ubuntu Forums Re: Rkhunter log Quote: Originally Posted by Silvertones View Post This is the one thing that would make me go back to Windows. At least I can run all the tools I have and be assured that there are no issues & if something should get by the real time scanners I can fix them. I understand your feeling, but i can't agree with your assertion. for instance, only 23% of fully patched AV systems can detect the ZeuS trojan. as of last year, close to 40% of distributed malware could not be detected via static signature scan. the only way to catch some of them is with behavioral analysis, and most AV/IS systems run in an non-interactive mode, to keep the user from being swamped with messages every time a process loads a new dll, or establishes a relationship with another process. of course malware employing a rootkit would not cause behavioral warnings, and most rootkits can't really be detected by conventional AV systems. with windows you can just never tell if it is clean. http://www.darkreading.com/security/antivirus/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=220000718http://www.darkreading.com/security/antivirus/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=215600282__________________ Things are rarely just crazy enough to work, but they're frequently just crazy enough to fail hilariously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
touche
But if radar was available, you used it, right?
One of the few to make Ace in the Vienam conflict air war was a Navy pilot who finally admitted to some of his secrets to success with the F-4, years afterwards.
There were all these alarms in the stereo headset. Steady drone buzz in one ear indicating your Radar was aquiring a target, another higher pitched drone would happen in the other ear if your electronics deteced that someone had locked onto you, etc. etc. etc.
He said that as soon as he entered a hot area -- he'd turn all that crap OFF to eliminate the sensory overload possibilities and just concentrate on the immediate tasks at hand as they arose.
heh.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88 |
Quote:
40% of distributed malware could not be detected via static signature scan. the only way to catch some of them is with behavioral analysis
I believe it, despite that fact that I haven't been hit by anything bad (but I don't go to certain neighborhoods where getting hit is more likely).
Spybot S&D has its "Teatimer" real-time thingamajig. I don't use it, but I know many who do and swear that it's saved them. In the beginning, it nags you a lot, but it learns as it goes, and the warnings and alerts become less frequent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Look (another analogy alert) -- its like riding a motorcycle.
There are those who haven't gotten off real quick and then there are those who have.
And there are also those who are about to get off again.
get off = lay it down, clown.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137 |
Well now since we are are on the subject of OS security quite a few of us do online banking and use credits cards on our computers every day. Maybe even some of us or other members of the household visit unsavory sites (just saying) and then we bank on the same installation of the operation system.
Why haven't banks to date not insisted that a separate partition is used for banking or customers should use a live cd or others means to be able to access their acounts.
Just wondering?
Paddy
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
They would lose customers
Do a little research and see how many financial institutions get hit in a year for $10,000 or more. You'll be surprised.
Why don't we hear about it more? Banks don't want the customers panicing.
You will seriously be surprised how many get hit. And they are running Unix, Linux as well as windows based servers. I had to do a report on it last year. The statistics are a little hard to find, but not impossible. Had to 'join' a few cyber-security groups to get access to some of it, but it's out there. The most recent data is hardest to find, stuff from a few years ago won't be.
As I said earlier, it's because they are targeted. Any OS specificly targeted is vunerable.
Mac is speaking truth though that user error usually contributes. (I didn't understand the 'get off' analogy)
I don't think anyone is immune though. I mean Google, DoD, lots of 'secure' systems have been hit pretty hard lately.
Linux, to me, was more work than it was worth. Just my opinion there, wouldn't try to talk anybody out of trying it based on that. But going in thinking you are immune isn't good.
I didn't have time to read the posts attached to yours Silvertone, will try to find time. I did read what you posted though- I notice he said 'with windows you never know if it is clean', and somehow that doesn't apply to Linux? You always know your system is clean? Doubtful many check it to find out cause 'all you need is a firewall'.<grin>
I do like his point about behavioral attention. Know your system and when it acts funny find out why. Great tip.
How you run your antivirus is uo to the user. He states they run in non-interactive mode. Most do as default, some can be adjusted.
Rootkits are by far the hardest to get. Running malwarebytes has found them for me more than once. I get lots of calls from people when these things happen because people know I usually can deal with them. And so it has caused me to look closer at the subject. I'm not an expert, but have learned a bit along the way.
To be honest I regret jumping into this thread..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
That may happen some day, Paddy, as things sort out. If it does, I fully expect the baddies to figure out a new way of exploiting it, too. Thieves predate computers by only a few millenia...  --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Quote:
Where can I find a good Virus/Malware software? My Mcafee expired yesterday, Thanks.
Trax
Eddie,
Did Mcafee not do the job for you? I have been a satisfied customer since the DOS versions and still use them.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126 |
Quote:
Where can I find a good Virus/Malware software? My Mcafee expired yesterday, Thanks.
Trax
Eddie,
In reply to your original question, I have an opinion, based on research I've done to keep my own computers secure... The answer: from what I've been able to gather, there isn't one - good security software, that is.
The reason: effective malicious code requires a lot of skill and resources to create. The folks who write this highly specialized code are sufficiently skilled and have the resources to create software that is not detectable by any existing anti-virus software, and can find it's way through firewalls. The programmers take the time to make certain their malicious code is "smarter" than any protection currently available.
Anti-virus programmers simply can't create software to protect us from malicious code they don't know exists. Once a new threat is identified, they get busy and create appropriate safe-guards, but the damage is already done.
A person who relies upon anti-virus software and firewalls is like that emperor with the new clothes - you feel appropriately covered, but really, you're naked and out in the cold.
The only real security available to us is provided by the user him/herself; know your software, and conduct yourself responsibly.
Linux requires that the user give permission to any software before it can interact with critical systems - Windows does not, which is why Linux is considered "safer". But even in Windows, the user decides what software is introduced into the computer. A person can research the software and it's sources, decide which is legitimate and responsibly managed, and allow only that into their computing environment.
Using a separate computer on the web, and erasing cookies, passwords, and temporary internet files after each session is a good idea. Keep that computer free of sensitive information, and at the least sign of trouble, wipe the hard-drive and re-install your operating system.
Those nice folk who use anti-virus software to avoid passing on malicious code to others have their heart in the right place, but the software they so generously install for this purpose is simply not capable of identifying a significant threat. Once again the emperor is feeling that breeze...
Based on this information, I choose to use no anti-virus software, even when using Windows (although there may be a firewall in my router). And in 10 years on the web, I've never experienced a problem attributable to malicious code - it has always boiled down to operator error... 
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,410
Posts804,528
Members40,118
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean