BitWise Computer Repair offers free e-waste drop off for residential, government, business and corporate clients. We can schedule a pickup for certain items or large amounts of PC’s. We also offer the following services:

• IT asset Disposition
• Data Destruction
• Refurbishing
• Pick-Up
• Un-Installation

• Computers
• Monitors
• Televisions
• Cell phones & Pagers
• Satellite Receivers
• Battery Back-up Systems
• Cables & Wires
• MP3 players
• Printers
• Stereos
• Keyboards & Mice
• Speakers
• Radios
• Projectors
• Scanners, Printers, Fax Machines
• Video game consoles
• Video games
• Telephones
• CD players
• VCRs

There are many great utilities in existence to rip, encode, duplicate or play movies. Here are five popular utilities to get the job done.

Handbrake (Win/OS X/Linux)

Handbrake is a free, very simple program, with many great features. It will select recommended settings for whatever device you want to put the video on, if you are not too familiar with encoding. Handbrake is great in conjunction with other programs.

DVDShrink (Windows)

DVDShrink is a favorite ripping, decrypting, and compressing utility. Although it hasnt been updated since 2005 it can still handle many discs just fine. DVDShrink is well known for making its files very small and therefor very portable. Its completely free and very easy to use.

MakeMKV (Win/OS X/Linux) 

MakeMKV is your one-click solution to convert video that you own into free and patents-unencumbered format that can be played everywhere. MakeMKV is a format converter, otherwise called “transcoder”. It converts the video clips from proprietary (and usually encrypted) disc into a set of MKV files, preserving most information but not changing it in any way. The MKV format can store multiple video/audio tracks with all meta-information and preserve chapters. There are many players that can play MKV files nearly on all platforms, and there are tools to convert MKV files to many formats, including DVD and Blu-ray discs.

Additionally MakeMKV can instantly stream decrypted video without intermediate conversion to wide range of players, so you may watch Blu-ray and DVD discs with your favorite player on your favorite OS or on your favorite device.

The Windows 8 operating system is the newest member of the Microsoft Windows family. It differs from earlier Windows releases as much for what it does not change as for what it does change. That is, the features that IT pros loved about Windows 7 are still there in Windows 8—just better. The same keyboard shortcuts, management tools, security features, and deployment options are available in Windows 8. But in many cases, Windows 8 improves them in intuitive and significant ways. Some examples are the ribbon in File Explorer and faster disk encryption when using BitLocker Drive Encryption. This book describes these enhancements plus many of the new features in Windows 8.

Get a headstart evaluating Window 8—guided by a Windows expert who’s worked extensively with the software since the preview releases. Based on final, release-to-manufacturing (RTM) software, this book introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based insights demonstrating how to plan for, implement, and maintain Windows 8 in an enterprise environment. Get the high-level information you need to begin preparing your deployment now.

Topics include:

• Performance, reliability, and security features

• Deployment options

• Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit

• Windows PowerShell™ 3.0 and Group Policy

• Managing and sideloading apps

• Internet Explorer® 10

• Virtualization, Client Hyper-V, and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack

• Recovery features

Acting on a Federal Trade Commission complaint, a federal court has imposed a $163 million judgment on a woman who allegedly helped run a scareware ring that tricked over one million consumers across six countries into purchasing fake security software. That decision, announced by the FTC Tuesday, came after a two-day bench trial last month. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett, who presided over the case, also wrote in his related judgment that the defendant, Kristy Ross, shall be permanently restrained and enjoined from the marketing and sale of computer security software and software that interferes with consumers computer use as well as from engaging in any form of deceptive marketing

Social-engineering scamdesigned to trick users into thinking their PC contains viruses, system errors, spyware, or pornography. The software then advertises information security software to help, which is available for immediate download. But in reality, the results of the system scan, as well as security software’s cleaning power, is fake. Cyber crooks use of server-side infrastructure used to infect PCs is increasing. Online Criminals Best Friends: Malnets. According to the FTC, Kristy Ross, together with defendants Sam Jain, Daniel Sundin, Marc D’Souza, and James Reno, served as officers and directors of two businesses: Belize-based Innovative Marketing, Inc. (IMI), and a subsidiary, Cincinnati-based ByteHosting Internet Services. The businesses were used to conduct a massive scareware scheme that marketed a variety of computer security software via deceptive advertising. According to the FTC, the operation used elaborate and technologically sophisticated Internet advertisements placed with advertising networks and many popular commercial websites, which purported to display the results of a system scan that invariably detected a host of malicious or otherwise dangerous files and programs on consumers computers.

Source: Informationweek.com

There is a new “drive-by” virus on the Internet, and it often carries a fake message—and fine—purportedly from the FBI.

“We’re getting inundated with complaints,” said Donna Gregory of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), referring to the virus known as Reveton ransomware, which is designed to extort money from its victims.

Reveton is described as drive-by malware because unlike many viruses—which activate when users open a file or attachment—this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. Once infected, the victim’s computer immediately locks, and the monitor displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.

The bogus message goes on to say that the user’s Internet address was identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock their machines, users are required to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.

“Some people have actually paid the so-called fine,” said the IC3’s Gregory, who oversees a team of cyber crime subject matter experts. (The IC3 was established in 2000 as a partnership between the FBIand the National White Collar Crime Center. It gives victims an easy way to report cyber crimes and provides law enforcement and regulatory agencies with a central referral system for complaints.)

“While browsing the Internet a window popped up with no way to close it,” one Reveton victim recently wrote to the IC3. “The window was labeledFBI and said I was in violation of one of the following: illegal use of downloaded media, under-age porn viewing, or computer-use negligence. It listed fines and penalties for each and directed me to pay $200 via a MoneyPak order. Instructions were given on how to load the card and make the payment. The page said if the demands were not met, criminal charges would be filed and my computer would remain locked on that screen.”

The Reveton virus, used by hackers in conjunction with Citadel malware—a software delivery platform that can disseminate various kinds of computer viruses—first came to the attention of the FBI in 2011. The IC3 issued a warning on its website in May 2012. Since that time, the virus has become more widespread in the United States and internationally. Some variants of Reveton can even turn on computer webcams and display the victim’s picture on the frozen screen.

“We are getting dozens of complaints every day,” Gregory said, noting that there is no easy fix if your computer becomes infected. “Unlike other viruses,” she explained, “Reveton freezes your computer and stops it in its tracks. And the average user will not be able to easily remove the malware.”

The IC3 suggests the following if you become a victim of the Reveton virus:

• Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
• Contact a computer professional to remove Reveton and Citadel from your computer.
• Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background. Certain types of malware have been known to capture personal information such as user names, passwords, and credit card numbers through embedded keystroke logging programs.
• File a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus on the IC3 website.

Today Phil Schiller took to the stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, where he announced the long-expected iPhone 5. The casing is made entirely of glass and aluminum, and it’s 7.6mm thick, which is 18% thinner than the iPhone 4S. It weighs in at 112 grams, which is 20% lighter than the 4S. Schiller confirmed that the iPhone 5 has a 4″ display, with a resolution of 1136×640. It’s a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen is the same width as a 4S, but it’s taller. To accommodate older apps, they either center the app or add black bars to make it look right. The new device also has LTE support. Tim Cook spoke earlier about the iPad, making some interesting claims: “Yes, we are in a post-PC world.” He also claimed 68% tablet market share for the iPad, and says iPads account for 91% of tablet-based web traffic. The event is continuing, and we’ll update this post as further announcements appear. A real-time liveblog is being quickly updated at Ars Technica. Update: 09/12 18:16 GMT by S : Further details below.Further details: for the iPhone 5, Apple also added support for HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA. The dynamic antenna is an improvement over the 4S, and can switch connections. In the U.S. LTE partners are AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. On toprocessing: the iPhone 5 runs an A6 chip that’s twice as fast as the A5, in addition to being 22% smaller. Rob Murray from EA got up on stage to show a racing game, claiming that the graphics “have been built to full console quality.”Battery life for the phone will be roughly 8 hours for either 3G talk-time or browsing. Engadget has a feature-by-feature comparison to the 4S.

The new phone’s camera has an 8-Megapixel sensor, with a resolution of 3264×2448. It includes a hybrid IR filter, an f/2.4 aperture, and a five element lens. And a sapphire crystal lens cover, for whatever that’s worth. There’s a new feature for taking panorama shots (claimed ‘breakthrough software,’ though similar software already appears on actual cameras), and new software for automatically sharing pictures.

Apple also detailed the new connector, dubbed ‘Lightning.’ It’s entirely digital, and 80% smaller than the old connector. It can be plugged in in either direction. Apple has created a bunch of adapters to let old cables and hardware work with Lightning. They then spoke at length about iOS 6, which will run on the iPhone 5, and demonstrated their new Maps app, which includes turn-by-turn directions (also in 3D using a ‘cinematic camera’). “Apple is betting heavily on Passbook and other features to give it a leg up in the competition over Google Android and the upcoming Windows Phone 8.” Pre-orders for the iPhone 5 start on Friday, and the device will start shipping on September 21. iOS 6 will roll out on September 19.

Apple’s Eddie Cue went on stage to discuss changes to iTunes and the iPod. iTunes has been redesigned to work better on the iPad, and, more importantly, iCloud integration has been built in. They’ve also made a ‘mini-player,’ which takes up much less screen real estate. The new iTunes will be available in late October. Changes are coming for iPods as well. The new iPod nano looks like a mini iPod Touch. It’s 38% thinner than the previous model, but has a bigger, 2.5″ multitouch display. It contains an FM tuner with DVR functionality, it has a Home button, and it uses the Lightning connector. The iPod Touch is now 6.1 mm thick and weighs 88 grams. It has a Lightning connector port too, in addition to the headphone jack. The screen is bigger; it’s a 4″ display, the same as the iPhone 5. It runs on a dual-core A5 processor that’s twice as fast as the previous model. Graphics are claimed to be seven times faster. The battery allows for 40 hours of audio playback or 8 hours of video playback. The camera has been upgraded to a 5MP sensor. The iPod Touch comes in colors now. But not grape. Apple also took the wraps off what they call “EarPods.” They’re like earbuds, but they don’t form a seal within the ear. They let air flow continue, and a tiny speaker directs the sound into the ear. The EarPods will come standard with the iPhone 5 and with the new revisions of the iPod Nano, and iPod Touch.

Source: Slashdot

One part of his talk that’s going to draw a lot of scrutiny was when he was talking about the company’s search efforts.

Zuckerberg said that Facebook has one billion queries on a daily basis and it’s basically doing that without trying.

He then hinted that Facebook is going to start trying.

He said that search is increasingly headed towards answering people’s questions. Facebook, which has a trove of data on users, is “uniquely positioned” to deliver answers for users.

Facebook has a team of engineers working on improving the search engine.

He said, “At some point, we’ll do it.”

Google’s highly lucrative business is built on search. If Facebook could capture even a fraction of the revenue Google captures it would be a huge boon for the company’s top and bottom lines.

Source: Business Insider

In a post to its Facebook Security page, the social network has explained that the public can now report Facebook-related phishing emails directly to the company.

All you have to do is forward the phishing email to the following email address:

phish@fb.com

Facebook says in its post that by forwarding the message you are helping combat attacks, and could assist in forcing phishing websites offline:

By providing Facebook with reports, we can investigate and request for browser blacklisting and site takedowns where appropriate. We will then work with our eCrime team to ensure we hold bad actors accountable. Additionally, in some cases, we'll be able to identify victims, and secure their accounts.

They don’t say so in their post, but I would imagine that Facebook’s security team would appreciate it if you would forward any phishing messages you receive *with* the full email headers if possible, as that helps determine where the emails have really come from.

Of course, regular Naked Security readers would hopefully never click on a link in an unsolicited email purporting to come from Facebook. Or, at the very least, would have some alarm bells ring and be able to tell that they had reached a *fake* Facebook login page.

For a bit of fun, here is a screenshot of a Facebook phishing webpage. Would you and your friends be able to see why this page is clearly bogus?

If you bought a new Mac anytime between June 11 and now, you’re entitled to a free copy of OS X 10.8—as long as you request it from Apple within 30 days.

June 11 was the first day of this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple introduced its latest updates to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro line. So, if you purchased any of those new machines after Apple’s announcement, you qualify for a free copy of Mountain Lion.

But it’s not only those people who own brand new machines who qualify. Anyone who bought any Apple computer—either directly from Apple or through an Apple Authorized Reseller—after June 11 also qualifies. That includes iMacs, Mac Pros, or even Mac Minis that have not been updated recently but are currently available from the Apple Store.

In order to obtain your free copy of OS X 10.8, you have to submit a request through Apple’sMountain Lion Up-to-Date page. After entering the details of where you bought your Mac and when, Apple asks for your contact information and your Mac’s serial number. Once you submit your claim and Apple verifies you in the system, Apple will send you a download code via e-mail where you can grab Mountain Lion from the App Store—no purchase required.

Source: ArsTechnica