Oh My I got the Presidents Attention!!

By Paul | Feb 24, 2009

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I just got an email telling me:

Barack H Obama (PresidentBarak) is now following your updates on Twitter.

So I go to the click the link and I see this:

Wow, I didn’t know I was this influental to get the Presidents attention(NOT).

http://www.economygrantprogram.com/

After checking out the profile I see that it has a link to a site that basically asking for your personal address and your email account. After I go check the site I see in really small catch you have to pay 3.95 for Shipping and Handling. Well You know what they say, nothing ever is Free. This looks to be a way to get email addresses to spam in the long run. I wouldn’t give them any information because this is looking to be a scam and I hate scams. You best bet is to go on with your life and report this spam to twitter. This however got my attention because of the who it was, and that is probably why they chose the name. It is however quite funny.

Careless Facebook profiling can lead to Identity Theft!

By Paul | Feb 19, 2009

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I just got in contact with a old friend from High school and another friend of mine suggest the new friend. I was looking at her profile and couldn’t believe what I saw:

As you can see this is not good I was amazed at how many people are giving out there birthdays and who they are married to to friends and family. So we heard about how people are claiming they need help or are in need of desperate money. This is nothing new, as you know people are having hard economy times and people are using the social engineering to scam people out of money.

I feel that I should warn people the important necessity. You shouldn’t be broadcasting your DOB and who your married to to your friends, just in case they get hacked.

Recent activity indicates that identity thieves are hacking into trustworthy profiles before selling on the login details to interested parties. This information is used by spammers to target legitimate users, posting misleading links on their “walls” – personalized message boards.

[Via Computing.Co.UK]

Tech Journalist breaks the silence — Journalist got Pwned!!

By Paul | Feb 18, 2009

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It was another ordinary day for this tech journalist. He had just waken up from his lovely dreams and hadn’t realized that he was being baited with Phish. Yes that is correct he actually gave out his password to an Phish site and didn’t know it.

I have to admit that he didn’t hide it, in fact he decided to post about how he got Pwned and what happened.

The Face Of A Facebook Phishing Scam

[Click Picture to see the full story]

As you can see the site : Facebookcom.awardspace.com is a phishing site and should never give out your information to third parties. Some things to remember if you get an email with a link sometimes won’t send you to the real link. This can be easily done just like blogging. You don’t know where you will end up when you click an email link. One thing to remember is if in doubt log into facebook the old fashion way and see for yourself.

Twitter Spam bots are hot to trot: http://gentai.com/revenge1

By Paul | Dec 29, 2008

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Ok so I was curious why I all of the sudden got people joining my list. each one I look at just to see who these people are have only one twitter message saying this from two different accounts:

and this one also

and once you click that link it takes you to this website and see what they want you to do:

These people are trying to get you to click on there links and

get you give them email accounts. This has been socially engineered to look like it is real. I gave them a 10 min email account to see what they sent me. It was a link to there porn site. Wanting me to give them my credit card or checking account information and to join there site. I don’t think so, not this old dog. Anyways if you get this spam from a user you might just want to block these people. Some of these people have followers. Hmm I don’t know about these people. I guess they want you to send an email to other people to spam them also. How nice of them to social engineer this scheme so you can make your friends and family mad at you and probably not even talk to you. So that is why it is good not to auto-follow people when they subscribe to your twitter account. Some people have that set. Some people just don’t learn. I am sure some people will like this site for other reasons but please don’t spam people with this little site. Please don’t put people on that list.

Warning Signs of Hard Drive Trouble

By Paul | Dec 21, 2008

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For every computer there comes a time when you have a problem with hardware or software. This is for those who want to learn the signs of possible fixes for having hard drive problems. Although if you know you’re hard drive is dieing then you better back it up as quickly as possible. You will of course need to get the back up software to protect your data. If you have special drivers you will need to backup yours drivers. If you have an OEM system then you will need to backup the Hidden Partition.

So what are the warning signs of a hard drive failure:

Unexpected freezing of Windows — When Windows Locks up and you have to reboot or getting a Blue Screen of Death. You have no choice but to restart because you can’t do anything with windows.
Losing data files — if you seem to see files being lost or deleted without your direct input. It might be a sign of a computer virus or it could be a damaged hard drive.

Cricket Wireless Broadband Card — How to get better speed!

By Paul | Dec 14, 2008

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After buying the card last month, I did a quick review about the broadband card. I wanted to talk about the speed problems that I had when I first used the modem. Here is how to possibly getting better speeds when you use your card. First off, you will need to disconnect from the internet and go to your quicklink mobile application:

cricket-wireless

You will click on “Tools” and then hit ‘Activation’. If you have it fail on your the first time you should reboot your system then try to do the activation after reboot that should fix the activation problem.
newspeedtest As you can see after I did the activation of the modem, my speed went way up from the last review. I thought I should talk about how you could possibly fix this. I called tech support over this to get a better speed.

WordPress 2.7 is available.

By Paul | Dec 11, 2008

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Having installed the latest update, I must say this new dashboard is quite good. I love the new dashboard. So lets take a quick look at what you can do:

Click Image to View it in full screen!!

After I installed it, this is what it was like. I then decided to change it around to show you what it looks like now. You have the option of changing the right row and also the windows to where you want. Like this:

Click Image to view it full screen.

As you can see you can change so much stuff on the dashboard it is like having your own very wordpress operating system on your system. You can customize what you want where you want. I like this new look. I’d thought I show you the Wordpress 2.7 Dashboard and show just how nice this looks. I want to hear everyone thoughts on this new dashboard do you like it or hate it?

Office Depot Closed 126 Stores

By Paul | Dec 10, 2008

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This just came from USA Today, According to them and I’ll quote:

Office Depot plans to close 112 underperforming retail stores in North America over the next three months. In addition, 14 stores will be closed in 2009 as their leases expire or other lease arrangements are completed, it said.

The retailer will also close six of its 33 distribution centers in North America, and says it plans to open about 20 stores in 2009, down from an earlier estimate of 40.

[Via USAToday]

Although this isn’t talking about layoffs but this will greatly impact people who will be jobless due to the closings. SO I wanted to talk about how many per store, I estimate it will be like 20 people per store on average. So that will be around 2,500 people will be jobless in the stores and I don’t know how many people will be jobless from the distribution center. If you want to check out my other posts just click here. If you search my site you will find even more tips and tricks to better help you be ready for the job market.

The Next big Wave of Layoffs is Sony. (9,000 workers)

By Paul | Dec 9, 2008

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In a report from Engadget, there seems to be more Layoffs going on. One such one is Sony. Here is what Engadget said:

The bad news from the Japanese consumer electronics industry continues. Sony just announced plans to cut about 8,000 global jobs from its beleaguered electronics business while making unspecified reductions to its seasonal and temporary workforce. The move, as Sony explains it, comes “in response to the sudden and rapid changes in the global economic environment.” Ominously, it looks like Sony will also be raising prices in the countries where “Sony makes significant sales” (read: US and Europe) if we’re reading this statement correctly:

[Via Engadget]

In Today’s economy, you need to be prepared. So I thought I bring back some old Favorites of mine and talk about them. To see the other layoffs that I’ve talked about CLICK HERE. If you wanted to know what you can do to be prepared here are some great resources for people who are worried about there jobs:

5 ways to improve your chance of getting hired.
Are you asking to be scammed? (Don’t get scammed while finding a job)
Google : Job Resources

Are you patched, Secunia Says NO

By Paul | Dec 5, 2008

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Think you’ve got nothing to worry about, according to Secunia 98% of computers are not fully patched and are vulnerable to some kinda of attack.

So I wanted to talk about this a little and give you a few good ways to make sure you are patched. There are several ways to get your system up to almost 100%.

Some things to do is make sure you have your Windows systems updated. This is easy to make sure, if you have an internet connection you can just check for updates. If you don’t know how to do it, it is quite simple, Just go here. If you have Windows Vista all you have to do is hit Start and type in the search box “Windows Update” and hit Enter and you will be taken to the update page.

If you have a system that is off of the Net you could use the Clone of Autopatcher Program to do it for you. You also need to update all your secondary programs such as Audacity, Open Office, and other programs that you use weekly.

Facebook Virus strikes again

By Paul | Dec 4, 2008

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“Look you were filmed all naked!” read the subject header on one iteration of the virus-spreading message, which is being sent automatically from infected accounts to the “friend” list for that account. Clicking the link usually takes users to a page that looks like YouTube, and a pop-up message advises the user to download a Flash plug-in. The download contains the virus, which replicates by contacting everyone on the victim’s Facebook friend list and advancing the hoax.

[Via Boston Media]

This is a good social engineered attack, they seem to have you download a virus into your system. I Keep talking about how you need to be careful with emails. I also suggest that you do a complete Virus scan if you think you’ve been hit with this. There is only one way to prevent yourself from getting this little facebook virus and that is not to click it. Some other things to consider if you found out this was a virus is to contact the person who sent this to them so they to could do a virus scan on their system.

Viacom and ATT layoff some people. (12,850 People)

By Paul | Dec 4, 2008

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Today, we are announcing a company-wide restructuring plan that includes staffing reductions in all divisions. This will result in a reduction of our worldwide workforce of approximately 7 percent, or about 850 positions. We are also suspending salary increases for the Company’s senior level management in 2009. In addition, after a comprehensive review of our operations, we will write down certain programming and other assets. These three actions will bring us significant cost savings and other efficiencies.

[via Gawker]

This is a Sad day for the telecommunications industry both AT&T and Viacom are laying off people. According to reports Viacom will lay off around 850 people. ATT will layoff 12,000 Jobs. Here’s the quote from Associated Press:

AT&T Inc. joined the recession’s parade of layoffs Thursday by announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force.

[Via Associated Press]

So in all today total that is 12,850 people who are going to be laid off. This is another set of layoffs but isn’t the last to see the whole list of of Layoffs in the Tech industry that I’ve talked about please click this link. You may find some usefull tidbits if you search my blog enough, I’ve got some great tips on getting hired and what you should do to be prepared.

Adobe Lays off 600 people

By Paul | Dec 3, 2008

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Adobe might also hire new workers within Europe, he said. The cuts will be formally announced on Dec. 15 when the company releases its fourth-quarter financial report.

[via Infoworld]

This is another technology company to lay off people, there are some talks that it would be around 600 workers on some blogs. Others are just talking about the Management shakedown, and some workers are going to be moved around. I don’t know who is going to be laid off, or if there will be a tremendous amount of people who will need to start looking for a job. I do know that Adobe is looking for ways to cut cost, and I expect they are having problems just because of the Recession. If you want to check out other jobs that have laid people off, just click this link.

Adobe also announced the implementation of a restructuring program, and has taken steps to reduce its headcount by approximately 600 full-time positions globally. The restructuring will result in anticipated pre-tax charges totaling approximately $44 million to $50 million. The Company expects approximately $28 million to $30 million of the restructuring charges to be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008.

How to disable autorun the easy way!!!

By Paul | Nov 21, 2008

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I read a report from Cnet about USB devices spreading Virus and I will quote:

The bad guys are intentionally developing new flavors of malware designed to propagate through USB devices,” said Gunter Ollmann, chief security strategist for IBM’s ISS security division. “They are today’s floppy drives.”

An infected computer can spread a virus to a clean USB thumb drive that is inserted. That USB drive will then be spreading the virus onto other computers if the operating system on those machines has an AutoRun-type feature enabled. The AutoRun function in Windows launches installers and other programs automatically when a flash drive or CD is inserted. The Mac has an equivalent function, according to Ollmann.

[Via Cnet]

In order to disable “autorun“, which in Vista is called Autoplay. In order to disable Autoplay from starting when you insert media into your computer here is how you do it:

You will need to be Logged in as Administrator before this can be done:

Next click start and type “Autoplay” without quotes. It will bring up a screen but all you have to worry about is this:

Get your Cricket Broadband to Activate Manually!

By Paul | Nov 18, 2008

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I recently bought a Cricket Broadband USB for 40$ a month. I tried to get the system to activate it automatically but that kept on failing. Finally called the tech support and found out this little tip. So here is how you manually activate it:

Once your are to the Quicklink Mobile Menu you will want to hit Control-D:

It will bring up this:

The Password to get into manually activate your Broadband USB card is six zeros no more no less!!

Once your enter the password your will get this screen:

Activation Code : Same from above Six Zero’s

Phone Number : The Phone number that is your broadband card

The IMSI (Min) Code : You will find that in the Indirect Dealer Copy. It will be the one telling you another number. In mine it said this:

“In order to program your phone, you will also need the following number (###)###-#### (MIN)”

Enter that number in there without any special characters it would be ########## and then press enter. Close out the Quicklink Mobile menu and reload it. Then click Connect and you should be ready to go!!!

You have an undelivered UPS/FEDEX Package. (Virus)

By Paul | Nov 12, 2008

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From what I’ve seen so far. There seems to be a new rash of email going around with the heading that makes it look and feel like either UPS or Fedex. Saying that you have an undelivered package from them and to either print the order confirmation or to click a link. I will say this once, if you get this delete it. Fedex and UPS will never hide the link and tell you have an package waiting in the email. They will leave a note your door. You must ask yourself how Fedex/UPS found out your email address to tell you have a package waiting? They don’t and they won’t, just a fact.

UPS/FedEx Delivery Failure : Snopes

TROJ_DLOADR.GG and TSPY_ZBOT.NM Trojan, which will Monitor and try to steal your data. The other one is a ZBot and will try to steal you data also. If you need help removing this virus, I’d suggest checking out my other virus article Avg detected Trojan Horse Generic 12.htc?. There are a lot of ways to remove this virus but the first step is never click on any links in your emails. I also wrote about Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!! This will help prevent and fix the common virus problems you might have.

Circuit City to layoff employees and might close several stores!

By Paul | Nov 7, 2008

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Some sources are say this:
The newspaper cited one of the affected workers, who indicated that between 500 and 800 employees would be let go. The layoffs reportedly began yesterday with the departure of several “upper management” executives, the source said.

[via Twice]

Now I know people hate when I blog about this because it is so depressing but I do like to let people know about this stuff so you can know what to expect in the coming future. This is all due to the economy and the recession that is on our doorsteps. If you would like to find out what other companies are laying off that I know about just click this [LINK] and it will show you all the other blog posts that I talked about that have or are laying people off. I keep telling people to keep there resume’s ready for just this type of outcome.

Alien Ware Extreme Gaming Notebook M17 17 Inch

By Paul | Nov 3, 2008

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Looks like they are out of stock on this Laptop but they do have Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black) which looks to be an upgraded version of this one!!!

Windows Vista® Home Premium (32- and 64-bit)(default)
Windows Vista® Ultimate (32- and 64-bit)
Intel® Core™2 Duo Or Quad and Extreme Processors (12MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Intel® PM45 + ICH9M-E Chipset up to 4 GB
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3870 (Also Comes with CrossfireX Enabled)
Dual Harddrive In Raid 0 Config or you can have a single hard drive
1. 5400 RPM – Up to 1TB (2 x 500GB)
1. 7200 RPM – Up to 640GB (2 x 320GB)

So I saw this and had to tell people this is a sweet laptop for people who like to go and play games in a large group. You would be able to play for hours on end, all you would need is an power cord. I would love one of these to try out. If you want to go check it out or buy it. Here’s the Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black).

Find Other Alienware Products

Windows update is getting a revision!

By Paul | Nov 2, 2008

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According to Computer World, dated Oct 31, 2008 and I’ll quote:

“Over the next couple of months, we’ll be rolling out another infrastructure update to the Windows Update agent (client code),” said an unidentified Microsoft employee on the Windows Update team’s official blog. “This update makes it possible for users to install more than 80 updates at the same time.”

[via Computer World]

Now if your like me and have several computers who need to be updated at a given schedule, you sometimes worry about these updates that come along that might just break your system. I have been using a program call Offline Updater, which does what Autopatcher does really nicely. So why is Microsoft sending out this patch? Two reasons, one they want you to be able to update your operating System without hurting your system integrity.

Now lets talk about the integrity of having to reboot your system. You see, every time you reboot the system, it causes the system hardware some strain. It is something like having starting up a car, sooner or later you will have the starter go out, because of to much start up.

The Magazine Time, plans to elimate 600 jobs in the near future!

By Paul | Oct 29, 2008

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According to Time Inc. Editor in Chief John Huey is planning on Laying off over 600 jobs:

Time Inc., the world’s largest magazine publisher, plans to cut 6 percent of its work force — more than 600 positions — and will revamp the organization in a way that could radically alter the culture at the company.

[via Nytimes.com]

With the way the economy is, we have more and more people who are having trouble with Layoffs. I got a list of companies right now who is laying people off. If you want to check it out just CLICK HERE.

Now let’s talk about the bigger picture, people are worried and want to get through this with out getting hit hard. So what is true hardship, that comes when you least expect it and want it. I’ve come to the conclusion that it will happen in the best of times. You see most people don’t know what hardship is until it hits them in the square on the head.

Adobe released the latest version of shockwave.

By Paul | Oct 22, 2008

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Just saw this on the net, thought people would like to know where to get the information for the latest updates to shockwave. Some stuff that they improved upon are:

New [3D effects]
New [Custom filters and effects]
New [Advanced text support]
New [Dynamic sound generation]
Updated [Drawing API]
Updated [Hardware acceleration]
And much more

Brought to you by Adobe. To see all the features of what is new with Shockwave 10 please click link.

Download it now

Silverlight 2.0.31005.0 Is release today.

By Paul | Oct 21, 2008

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I woke up this morning and found there was an update. I thought to myself this isn’t the second Tuesday, that was last week. So I click on my update tab to see what it was all about? Wouldn’t you know it, an update to Silverlight 2.

I will be looking into the new Microsoft Silverlight. I have heard on the wind, that this might be due to the PDC coming Oct 27-30. This has something to do with Windows 7, I’m almost sure of it. I am sure as you can see this is most interesting. I’m also sure this has to do with some security fix but why push it out now when there is no need too. This update effects Windows Xp/Vista/and 2000 so we will see what they have in mind the coming weeks.

Running old programs on Vista (tips and tricks)

By Paul | Aug 20, 2008

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So We’ve talked about how to get Vista to shut down better. So I thought we talk about getting Windows XP programs to run on Vista and be more stable. You can do this with Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT,. and 95 programs.

Run the program in compatibility mode – This is something Vista comes with now for running old programs in Vista. To do this you will have to do some minor things. Go to where the program is and right click on the program. Select properties>compatibility. Select “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” Select windows Operating System that you think would work with the program.

Run the program as Administrator – This is a really good tip and trick to sometimes get programs to run with vista. It goes hand in hand with the last one. Right click on the program and select “Run as Administrator”. I find some old programs don’t know about the kernel protection in Vista and you need to give them permission to use the kernel for the program to work.