Digital Convert boxes for Feburary 17, 2008
Comments OffIt being close to the change over, I’d figure I’d show you some of them and talk about them. To better help people make up there minds on what might be there choice of a Digital Converter Box. This is to help people get the most out of there products.
The Specs for this Converter is:
Zenith DTT901 Digital TV Tuner Converter Box
- Digital TV Tuner Coverter Box
- Analog Pass-Through for Low-Power TV Stations broadcasts
- On-Screen Program Information with Remote Control
- Simple Connection to TV with supplied RF Cable
- Parental Control to Manage TV Programs and advanced Closed Captioning
It could be on sale so check the link for more price options. I also found this one that is a little more expensive but supposed to be better:
GE 23333 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box
- Smart Antenna Interface
- Simple Setup
- Analog Pass Through
- Dolby(R) Digital Sound
- Receives Over-Air Hdtv Signals
$76.99 Free Shipping
Signs of a Computer Infection!
Comments OffSo I was thinking this morning what I missed and I totally missed on how you might be able to tell if you have a computer virus. It does me no good to talk about a virus if you don’t know you’re infected. I was thinking of the times I had a client who had trouble but wasn’t what I thought.
So How do you know?
Some people would say it depends on factors but here are what I call clues that make me suspect a virus:
- Slow or Sluggish computers – Here is what I know if the computer is really slowing down and have a dual core or quad core. If you are running a system and sees a lot of hard drive activity even when the computer is idle then it might be a virus or it could be a program doing what it is supposed to be doing. So this is somewhat of an indication but not always.
- Slow internet connection on the computer or on the network — Due to the fact that most people have a router that is connected to all the computers and if you internet connection on all your systems are slower than normal then you could have a virus. I use Speed Test website to help determine this.
Fix Shutdown Problems in Vista!
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In the Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft quietly released the patch to fix Windows Vista machine shut problems. This patch should of came sooner.
Update for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista
Install this update to resolve a set of known application compatibility issues with Windows Server 2008. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
This was not a critical update and it seems to resolve so many issues with compatibility. One thing it seemed to fix on my system has been the shutdown time. It is now quite fast, it would normally take me 2 to 3 mins to shutdown, now it does it in less than a Minute. So if you’ve not installed this update please install it soon. I would like to know if people are seeing the same thing I am. I’ve found a great resource on fixing it if you are still having problem, it talks about how to check your system performance. Although this is been doing it lately with these programs not loaded or even running, they still seem to cause problems so now I get the feeling it has to do with legacy programs. This should fix most of the problem with older programs.
trojan.zlob removal tricks!!
Comments OffAliases:
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qyl (Kaspersky)
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qzs (Kaspersky)
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qzn (Kaspersky)
Trojan.Zlob.CPP (BitDefender)
Puper (McAfee)
SystemDefender (Symantec)Trojan:Win32/Zlob.G is a component of Win32/Zlob that downloads rogue security programs, adware, and additional Win32/Zlob components.
[Via Windows Live OneCare]
Are you patched, Secunia Says NO
Comments Off
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.
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.
Some program Vulnebilities Detected!!
Comments OffJust got done looking at some of my security sites and according to SecuriTeam there are are several programs that have vulnerabilities. here are the Ones that I’ve found:
Google chrome is vulnerable to URI Obfuscation vulnerability.
An attacker can easily perform malicious redirection by manipulating the browser functionality. The link can not be traversed properly in status address bar.This could facilitate the impersonation of legitimate web sites in order to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting users. The URI specified with @ character with or without NULL character causes the vulnerability.iPhone Configuration Web Utility for Windows Directory Traversal
iPhone Configuration Web Utility lets “you easily create, sign and distribute configuration profiles using a web browser”. A vulnerability in iPhone Configuration Web Utility allows remote attackers to access files that reside outside the bounding root directory of the program’s files folder.Streamripper Multiple Buffer Overflows
Streamripper “records Shoutcast and Live365 MP3 streams to a hard disk, creating separate files for each track. Runs under Unix and Windows.” Secunia Research has discovered some vulnerabilities in Streamripper, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user’s system.
How to disable autorun the easy way!!!
Comments OffI 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:
You have an undelivered UPS/FEDEX Package. (Virus)
Comments OffFrom 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.
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.
Avg detected Trojan Horse Generic 12.htc?
Just got a warning from AVG about, trojan horse generic 12.HTC, haven’t heard of it, anyone out there hear if this one? apparently it infects explore.exe, and after months of explore.exe crashing I’d say it’s a legit virus.
[Via Answer Bag]
Some tricks and tips to remove this little virus is quite simple. It is embedded in your system so how do you remove this threat? Easy follow these steps and you will have a better chance of getting rid of the virus:
- Find out all you can on the virus – Finding out the extent of where the virus lays is really a good idea. Just because you found one place doesn’t mean it isn’t also hiding some other place. Some good ways to figure out where it might be is to download Hijackthis and Then onces you download it and install. Run it, and when you get the LOG file you will want to go to HijackThis Log Analysis Site 1 and HijackThis Log Analysis Site 2, and see what it says.
AT&T smacks the gauntlet at you!
Comments OffAccording to Cnet News:
The test, which began being applied in the Reno, Nev., area on Saturday, limits customers of AT&T’s slowest DSL service to 20 gigabytes of monthly data transfers, while users of the fastest service will be limited to 150 gigabytes. Customers will have access to an online tool to track their usage and will receive notification when they reach 80 percent. Those who exceed their limits will be charged $1 per gigabyte.
[Via Cnet News]
So you just received the information that AT&T is doing this. How do you want to keep track of your online usage. I’ve got some good tools to help you. Although they will only help to a certain point you must remember a few tips and these tips are:
- Limiting use of your Bandwidth!!
- Understanding your Wireless Router
- 10 Ways to keep your wireless router secure!
With these steps you would greatly increase stoping unnecessary use of your bandwidth. Most people don’t understand that any program you use on your network will be counted on the total bill. If you know of any good ways to help stop bandwidth by all means tell people and if you find any good programs that might help, please leave a comment.
Time to Change your clocks.
Time to change those clocks of ours
Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time is extended one month and the schedule for the states of the United States that adopt daylight saving time will be:
2 a.m. on the Second Sunday in March
to
2 a.m. on the First Sunday of November.
So that saying goes it “Fall back, Spring Forward“ So now here are some great programs to better help you get your computer clock up to snuff:
Worldtimeclock Atomic Clock Sync Program – It is a free program for you to use with your Windows. Although you have to make sure your selected the right timezone once it is installed all you will need in an internet connection to sync your windows time with the atomic clock.
Microsoft Releases MS08-062 to the Public a Month Early!
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Vulnerability in Windows Internet Printing Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (KB953155)
This update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Windows Internet Printing Service that could allow remote code execution. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts.
This update is rated Important for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses this vulnerability by changing the way that memory is allocated within the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) service. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
[via Microsoft Bulletin]
Now from what I understand, if you have a Network attached printer on your system this would make you more vulnerable to someone taking control over your system. So this patch is supposed to fix that. I am recommending to all to update this and fix this update ASAP. I do not know if you don’t have one what that would do so just install this update, because you will undoubtedly still be runing the Internet Printer Protocol even if you don’t have a printer.
Help stop those slow boot up!!
Comments OffI was searching for a program to help boot up my system a lot quicker. I came across this little program call Startup Delayer. In a nutshell, it allows you to pick which programs to start up first and then lets you decide how many minutes between each program that is asking to load.
In the best way possible you can download this program and use it for yourself. Although they seem to be having a little server problem right now. Go download Startup Delayer, and decide for yourself.
What’s with Google trends?
Comments OffHaving been going to the Google Trends and keeping watching. I am starting to wonder something? Take a look at this and you tell me?
Very Simple, they’d watch what is trending and post accordingly. Now you as a reader would click on the website expecting to see what you want to see but instead it would popup with advertisements and maybe malware? Check these links to better understand it:
- Skype isn’t always safe!
- Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!!
Now even though these are just a few. You can see how someone might want to abuse it and get there site up on Google trends and be able to infect several to even millions of computers before Google sees that or stops. You could in theory take over a website high in Google rankings and do exactly that.
Backup your Mozzila Thunderbird profiles
Comments OffSo you have all this mail you want to back up in case something terrible happens to your hard drive. So here is ways to backup your email and other programs in Vista. I think Vista has a new way of keeping program profiles in an hierarchical setup. So what is the HIDDEN directory it is:
C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles
Now as you can see your Thunderbird profile is in a hidden directory in the AppData Directory. You can easily get to the hidden directory by typing %appdata% {enter} in the search bar of Vista. Now How do you backup and restore. The program I use to backup is GoodSync. I send the data to the cloud and when I need it I can restore it back to the directory. Now what about restoring, if you have to do a complete re-install of Thunderbird you can always copy over the back up to the Thunderbird Profiles directory and install Mozilla Thunder bird and it should see it. If by chance you load up Thunderbird and you have to re add everything you would have to delete everything in that directory and then restore from the back up.
Taking back Program Controls : For the Beginners!
So, let’s face it, this is one of the most annoying problems there are with programs. Programs that you think are shut down but are actually still active in the Taskmanager. So I figured I’d talk about some of the most common fixes for these problems. Now as you know there can be any number of programs or glitches as they say, causing the problems. So let’s talk about the why, shall we.
Most of the time programs don’t quit because they are waiting for some kind of response from the system or the System is waiting for the program to close by itself. It could also be a problem with a Virus or Root kit? How do you fix it?
Fixing the problem is somewhat just trial and Error. It isn’t always the hardest thing to do but sometimes people overlook the easiest solutions. So here are some easy ones:
- Check to see if one of the Microsoft updates are causing the problem – Sometimes you might not realize it, but having installed an update can cause problems like KB951748. That one caused a major Headache for Zonealarm. So it is wise to check each months updates when you start seeing problems, sometimes it could of been happening for a while but it can sometimes cause troubles.
Fixing the Adobe Problem!!
Comments OffIf your have been having problems with Flash Players stoping after 2 seconds of playing. I have a few ideas to try to get rid of the problem. It used to happen all the time with Vista in the early days. Here’s what I did to occasionally get the flash player to work:
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Cleaning out the Prefetch Directory! — Having seen this from time to time. If you have programs startup that might need to be refreshed this will refresh them so that they run like new. You occasionally can get programs that will load in a odd way and this will fix that also.
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You want to be more anonymous? — Cleaning out your cache on your browser can sometimes fix the problem. It’s like anything else it can sometimes be corrupted.
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Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!! — Having seen this with my own two eyes, if you have a viruses or malware on your system that too can cause problems with playback of flash media. So just double check making sure you don’t have any viruses.
Bandwidth Tools For Monitoring your bandwidth
Comments OffSo I’ve done some looking around for bandwidth programs. So here’s what I found so far. The programs I’ve got listed are not test and are therefore your responsible for any and all use of the programs.
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FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor For Windows – Monitor network bandwidth (C#.NET 2k/XP+). Desktop and Systray graph. Configurable connection speed, update interval, color, transparency. Monitor any or all network interfaces. Ping/Trace/UPnP utilities. Email notifier (POP/IMAP). Requires .NET 2.0.
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Pipelog – Windows Bandwidth Meter — Pipelog is a Windows bandwidth meter that gives live statistics of accumulated bandwidth usage. It is written in C# and runs on the .NET Framework.
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Windows Service Monitor – Monitor and automatically restart Windows Services with this small Win32 command line utility. Windows Service Monitor (WinSMon) can monitor several services, restart services that stop/fail and limit the number of restart times.
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iptotal — iptotal is an IP traffic monitor. It listens to a network interface in non-promiscuous mode, and measures IP bandwidth usage. After the specified number of seconds, the average throughput is printed at total, input and output usage.
Undeleting the Recycle Bin in Vista!!
Having been using Windows Vista there are some things you must remember with Vista. You can easily delete the recycle bin or even the Compuer icon with much thought. I recently had a problem with that. My son wanted to play on my computer and hit the delete key and hit enter. So there I was without a recycle bin. Thanks to a little figuring out, I’ve come to understand that it is just as easy to put back the icon. Unlike Ubuntu and other linux distros if you delete the recycle bin, you have to go through some hoops. I know I have used them in the past. So let’s start out with what vista says when you try to delete the recycle bin.
There it says you must go to the personalization menu to fix that. Ok so I go there and then I would need to click this:
You would have to click on “Change Desktop Icons” and then you are almost home. Here is where you have some choices.
Running old programs on Vista (tips and tricks)
Comments OffSo 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.
Tips and Tricks to Shut down Windows Vista!
Comments OffYes we will be talking about why Vista won’t shut down properly. It is a common problem in all models. It has been know to cause some issues with boot up. In the past, Vista when you hit the shut down or you did the short cut Windows key>Right Three Times>Enter, it wouldn’t shut down instantly. I’ve recently found out how to fix this problem and why it comes and goes. Here are some great ways to get Vista to shut down properly.
- Boot into Safe Mode – Yes booting into safe mode will fix the problem to a point. Here is what you need to do at start up of computer. Press F8 as soon as you see the screen flicker black and you will be given a choice. Choose Safe Mode. Once done booting into safe mode. Log into you user name. There you will want to check with Msconfig. Make sure you aren’t loading up anything that might stop shut down from happening. Once done they do the shut down procedure. By doing it in safe mode you have vista reset all procedures to shut down. This sometimes resolves the issue.
5 things Microsoft Vista doesn’t want you to Know!!
Comments OffI’m starting off on this little epic because I’ve been using Vista for the past year and half. I have had so much fun finding these little programs for Vista. They’ve helped with making Vista a much more enjoyable platform. These programs I’ve had to search the internet for all these tips and programs.
- Never Stop using MSCONFIG.EXE — This little program lets you do so many things in Vista it’s not funny. You can Enable or Disable UAC, pick the services you want to startup, or pick the startup programs. You can also use the performance monitor, or change the internet options in the Tools tab. You can speed up or slow down your start up time in vista with this little program.
- Shut down Auto-Defragmentation — Windows uses way to much resources with it constantly defragmenting the hard drive. This therefore slows down the startup and shut down time with Vista. This little process will greatly increase your speed. Just remember from time to time to do a manual defragmentation on your hard drive. Click Start>Click Drive>Click tools TAB>Un-Check Run on a Schedule.
5 things Microsoft Vista doesn’t want you to Know!!
Comments OffI’m starting off on this little epic because I’ve been using Vista for the past year and half. I have had so much fun finding these little programs for Vista. They’ve helped with making Vista a much more enjoyable platform. These programs I’ve had to search the internet for all these tips and programs.
- Never Stop using MSCONFIG.EXE — This little program lets you do so many things in Vista it’s not funny. You can Enable or Disable UAC, pick the services you want to startup, or pick the startup programs. You can also use the performance monitor, or change the internet options in the Tools tab. You can speed up or slow down your start up time in vista with this little program.
- Shut down Auto-Defragmentation — Windows uses way to much resources with it constantly defragmenting the hard drive. This therefore slows down the startup and shut down time with Vista. This little process will greatly increase your speed. Just remember from time to time to do a manual defragmentation on your hard drive. Click Start>Click Drive>Click tools TAB>Un-Check Run on a Schedule.
Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!!
Comments OffThis post is in response to Alertscan.net and how many people have seen my page. If you would like to protect yourself from the possible hi-jacking of your internet or Computer there are some programs to consider using:
If you would like to scan your system right now without downloading any files go to:
Kaspersky Lab Free Virus Scan
Firewalls:
- Commodo Firewall
- ZoneAlarm For Vista(Recommended)
- ZoneAlarm for Windows 2000/Xp(Recommended)
Now these are free but I tell you. You will only need one firewall even though windows has a firewall this helps as a better protection to know what is coming in and going out.
- SUPERAntiSpyware (Recommended)
- Malwarebytes (Recommended)
- Pctools Antivirus Free Software
- AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 7.5.503
- Avast Home Edition
- Clamwin Free Antivirus
Again these files are free but you will only need one of these. If you install more than one you will most like start slowing your system down to much!!
