Computer / PC Tips

Computer Maintenance | Tips or Trick | Tips or Trick Compute

2009-12-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

Computer Maintenance | Tips or Trick | Tips or Trick Compute

Thinking of a computer for your little one?

2009-11-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

Windows 7 Help

2009-11-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Windows 7: To upgrade or not

2009-11-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of hoopla with the recent release of Windows 7. Whether you wish to upgrade or not depends on how happy you are with your current operating system. Keep in mind that support for Windows XP will come to an end eventually. If you are still using XP a clean install will be necessary for the new OS. Remember to backup! Vista users can upgrade from the 32 bit version to the 32 bit version of Windows 7 and from 64 bit to 64 bit. If you wish to upgrade from 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Windows 7 a clean install is the only way to go.
Personally I bought the student version of Windows 7 Professional and could not install the download. I had a 32 bit version of Vista installed. My solution was to install the 64 bit version of Vista which I happened to have, then I installed Windows 7 on top of that. It was a pain but it worked.

Save Money by Upgrading Your Computer

2008-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

2008-12-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick tip that sometimes is forgotten. If you want to use the keyboard to copy and paste use Ctrl C to copy and Ctrl P to paste. I find this much faster than using the mouse. If you want to totally remove a section of text or move it somewhre else in a paragraph use Ctrl X to cut the text and Ctrl P to paste it where you want it.

2008-12-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the lack of posting in so long. I have been working diligently on my Master degree in Information Technology as well as spending more time with my family.

Changing the Text Size in Your Web Browser

2008-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

If the text on web sites is too small to read, you can change your settings through your browser menu by clicking on View (Page in Internet Explorer 7) then Text Size, and increase the size of the text. Since web sites are created differently, this may not work with all text on all pages. Sometimes web site text is programmed to stay at an exact size in order to keep it within a strict design layout.

Easy Computer Tips

2008-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Things you can do to keep your computer running smoothly.

1. Empty your recycle bin, delete the deleted files from Outlook, you can also delete files in your sent folder that are no longer needed.

2. Get rid of those cookies, they can take up alot of space. Marketers also use this information to track your buying patterns.

3. You can delete your Temp files these end with *.tmp you can use F3 in Windows to search for that extension.

4. Run Microsoft ScanDisk at least once a month.

5. Run Microsoft Defrag as well to keep your files in order on your harddrive.

6. Dust, dust is horrible for your system. If you smoke, dust more often, you can purchase canned air from Radio Shack to blow out your case, do it outside.

7. Purchase system utilities software such as Noton System Works or Registry Mechanic to keep your system running optimal.

8. Consider upgrading your RAM if your system is running sluggish.

9. Upgrading your video card can improve your gaming experience.

10. A new processor can do wonders to application performance.

11. Make sure Windows is done shutting down before you power off.

12. Use Anti-Virus Software and update your Anti Virus signatures.

13. If your using DSL or Cable use a firewall.

14. Install the latest drivers for your hadrware.

Benjamin Hargis CEO

Phuture Networks

http://www.phuturenetworks.com

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Home Wireless Network Security Issues

2008-04-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Running a business from home has its advantages, including no commute, a more accommodating work schedule, fresh coffee and home-cooked meals at any time you want.

But running a business from home using a home wireless local area network (WLAN) with your computer may lead to thievery of confidential information and hacker or virus penetration unless proper actions are taken. As WLANs send information back and forth over radio waves, someone with the right type of receiver in your immediate area could be picking up the transmission, thus acquiring access to your computer.

Here is a list of things that you should consider as a result of implementing a home wireless network setup used your business:

Viruses could be loaded onto your laptop which could be transferred to the company's network when you go back to work.

Up to 75 per cent of home wireless network WLAN users do not have standard security features installed, and 20 per cent are left completely open as default configurations and are not secured, but are made for the users to have their network up and running ASAP.

It is recommended that home wireless network router/access point system setups be always done though a wired client.

Always change the default administrative password on your home wireless network router/access points to a secured password.

Enable at least 128-bit WEP encryption on both card and access point. Change your WEP keys periodically. If equipment does not support at least 128-bit WEP encryption, consider replacing it. Although there are security issues with WEP, it represents minimum level of security, and it should be enabled.

Change the default SSID on your router/access point to a hard to guess name. Setup your computer device to connect to this SSID by default.

Setup router/access points so as to not broadcast the SSID. The same SSID needs to be setup on the client side manually. This feature may not be available on all equipment.

Setup your home wireless network router to block anonymous internet requests or pings.

On each computer having a wireless network card, network connection properties should be configured to allow connection to Access Point Networks Only. Computer to computer (peer to peer) connections should not be allowed.

Enable MAC filtering. Deny connection to wireless network for unspecified MAC addresses. MAC or physical addresses are accessible through your computer device wireless network connection setup and they are physically written on network cards. When adding new wireless cards / computer to the network, their MAC addresses should be registered with the router /access point.

Your home wireless network router should have firewall features enabled and demilitarized zone (DMZ) feature disabled. Periodically test your hardware and personal firewalls using Shields Up test available at http://www.grc.com. All computers should have a properly configured personal firewall in addition to a hardware firewall.

Update router/access point firmware when new versions become available.

Locate router/access points away from strangers so they cannot reset the router/access point to default settings. Also, locate router/access points in the middle of the building rather than near windows to limit signal coverage outside the building.

You should know that nothing is 100%. While none of the actions suggested above will provide full 100% protection, countermeasures do exist that will help. The good collection of suggested preventative actions contained herein can help you deter an intruder trying to access your home wireless network. This deterrant then makes other insecure networks easier targets for the intruder to persue.

Catalogue: Computer
Title: Home Wireless Network Security Issues By: Greg Lietz

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Surface Computing

2008-01-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

The future of computing? Occasionally I like to take a look at new products that will be surfacing and I wanted to share this with you.

5 Ergonomic Workspace Tips

2008-01-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

If you spend most of your working day in front of a computer, then creating an ergonomic workspace is essential if you want to ensure that you complete your tasks as quickly and efficiently as possible. Also, with an ergonomic friendly computer workspace area, you are far less likely to suffer from RSI. So, the following are 5 ergonomic tips for your computer workspace area:
Monitor
Try to always make sure that you line of sight to the computer monitor is at 45 degrees. Do not station your computer monitor so that you are always looking up as if you were in the first row of a cinema!
Computer case
Place the actual computer either under your desk if yo have a tall unit or under your computer monitor if yo have a slim line unit. Where possible, try not to place your monitor on your table separate from your monitor as this will likely result in you having a cluttered desk-top.
Paper
If you need to make reference to paper or need paper to write comments on, then make sure you have a ready source of paper close to your computer keyboard. Also, if you are touch-typing your bosses handwritten notes, make sure that you have a document reviewer that you can put next to you monitor so that it makes it easier to read than if you put the notes flat on the desk-top and try to read them from there.
Chair
Keep in mind that if you sit in a chair for hours on end then this could very well have a large impact on any back problems that you may have. Make sure you position the chair correctly to your height so that you can work at your work station safe in the knowledge that your chair’s positioning is not going to harm your health.
Plants
It is always nice to see plants at a person's workspace at it shows they have an interest beyond working all day! Although you may not automatically associate having plants near your workspace equates to an ergonomic working environment, in fact the peace they provide you with usually work wonders!

Phishing Tips

2007-12-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

Who hasn’t received an email directing them to visit a familiar website where they are being asked to update their personal information? The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number. You recognize the business name as one that you’ve conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient “take me there” link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been “phished”.

Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.

A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

Choosing a Digital Camera

2007-11-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Choosing a digital camera can be a very frustrating and time consuming experience with so many makes and models to choose from including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic and others. Although the most significant feature when choosing a digital camera is the number of megapixels, which determines the quality of your photos, it is not the only consideration when choosing a digital camera. Items to take into consideration when choosing a camera are cost, resolution, exposure control, type of memory card, and batteries.

The first thing to do is to determine how much you are willing to spend on your camera. You will more than likely find what you are looking for within almost any budget minus certain features, of course.

The hardest decision to make is that of the resolution to choose. A digital photograph is made up of thousands of pixels (little squares); the more pixels per inch, the better quality the photograph. A megapixel is the term used for a million pixels — and the more megapixels an imaging sensor has, the higher the camera's potential resolution. Your budget will be a consideration when choosing the resolution of your camera. Generally, the more you spend the higher resolution camera you can buy.

After considering cost and resolution, exposure control is the next big decision when purchasing a digital camera. Exposure values (and meter modes) may seem a little intimidating, but you can pretty much assume you'll have the basic assortment of meter modes. Most extended zoom cameras offer full exposure controls, so you can customize settings to fit your preferences. These modes help the camera determine the correct exposure (or best compromise) for tricky compositions, such as a backlit subject.

The next item to consider is the type of media card your camera will use. Media Cards are (in most cameras) the storage or memory card that holds the images until they are loaded onto your computer. Those that use proprietary card formats are often more expensive and less available than more standard card types such as Compact Flash or SD/MMD cards. If your digital camcorder and PDA all use the Secure Digital memory card, this may be a major deciding factor when purchasing a digital camera. Why buy a digital camera with a different format when you can switch the card with electronics you already own? When considering memory cards, you should buy the largest capacity you can afford: the higher capacity cards, while expensive, are cheaper than buying two cards of the next-lower capacity.

If you are a frequent shooter and your camera takes AAA batteries, you will blow through them. Digital cameras use a lot of power, so get rechargeable batteries. Finally, you'll definitely want to buy a battery charger and a couple of sets of batteries to go with it.

The basics of choosing a digital camera are to know your budget, know what type of pictures you want to take and how you intend to use the pictures. Consider the type of memory card your new camera will use and the type of battery. If you follow these simple rules you should have a much more pleasant buying experience.

Plasma and LCD Televisions - A Side-By-Side Comparison

2007-10-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

By Brian Stevens

Want to know if a plasma television or an LCD television would be best for your needs? Here's a side-by-side comparison that will help you make an informed decision ...

What's the difference between plasma and LCD TVs?

Plasma TV screens are made up of hundreds-of-thousands of gas-filled, colored light cells. When an electrical current passes through those cells they light up and produce a picture.

LCD TV screens consist of a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two glass plates. When electricity passes through the crystals, an array of tiny color pixels light up and produce a picture.

Which one has the best picture?

Plasma TVs produce a slightly more colorful picture than LCD TVs. This is due to the fact that plasma TVs display blacks better than LCD TVs, which creates better color contrast, and produces brighter colors.

LCD TVs produce a sharper picture than plasma TVs due to their higher resolution.

What sizes do plasma TVs and LCD TVs come in?

Plasma TVs range in size from 42" to 65" wide, while LCD TVs are as small as 2" wide and go up to 65" wide." LCD TVs are thinner and lighter than plasma TVs.

Which one is better for video games?

Plasma TVs can experience screen "burn in." This happens when a still image is left too long on a screen, resulting in a ghost of that image burned into the screen. LCD TVs do not have this problem and are therefore a better choice if you play lots of video games on your TV.

Does a plasma TV or an LCD TV last longer?

Plasma TVs have a screen life of 30,000 to 60,000 hours, whereas LCD TVs have a screen life of 60,000 hours or more.

How much do they cost?

I recently ran a price check for plasma and LCD TVs. The cheapest large-screen plasma TV was a 42" inch model for $999. The cheapest 42" LCD TV was $1,367.

The cheapest 27" LCD TV I found was $550, and the cheapest 32" LCD TV was $619. There were no plasma TVs smaller than 42."

So what's the bottom line?

If you're in the market for a 42" flat-screen or larger, a plasma TV will give you the most bang for your buck. If you want a smaller TV, or if you're really into video games, then I'd recommend an LCD TV.

Visit the http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com to get more information, to compare prices, and to get consumer ratings for plasma TVs and LCD Tvs.The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on plasma TVs and LCD TVs.

Computer Firewall Security Tips - What You Should Know About Firewall

2007-10-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Internet contains so much information and people can search any information from the comfort of their home. You can search and download software, e-books, ordering books, online ticket booking, doing online banking and so much more.

However, Internet also contains threats that will cost you more than buying a new PC. The hackers can hack into your computer and steal your private and confidential information by using malicious software. If the malicious software gets into your computer, it will attempt to send your private information to the hackers without you knowing.

So, how can we prevent the malicious software from sending our private information? The answer is firewall. Firewall can filter your ingoing and outgoing traffic. Therefore, if any malicious software is trying to send your information to the outside world, it will filter it and your information will stay in your computer safely.

Firewall is a very useful tool and it can take the forms of a router, stand-alone server or software. Some people think that if they have an antivirus installed in their system, they no longer need any extra protection. But without firewall, malicious software can easily send the private information to the hackers.
But how can we test that our firewall is working perfectly? Luckily there is a way to test the firewall. The LeakTest software was created to test if the firewall will be able to block outgoing traffic or not. Shockingly, there are big companies firewalls out there that fail this simple test and they claimed that this test does not prove their firewalls cannot block outgoing traffic.

In my personal opinion, this simple test is very useful to determine if you have a good firewall installed in your system. The LeakTest software is a freeware and you can download it for free. Google it and download and remember to read the instruction before performing the test.

About the Author
Azwan Asmat is the author of Chuang Computer Tips -http://chuangcomputer.blogspot.com - Want to know the secret of securing your PC from dangerous spyware, adware,trojan horse and malware programs that can ruin your PC, your finances, and your sanity?!! Visit http://www.chuangcomputer.com/5day for more info.

Get That Adware Outta There!

2007-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Adware, also known as spyware, is software embedded in free applications that reports a user´s Web usage patterns back to advertisers to help them customize advertisements sent to the user. Adware will often change the default home page of your Web browser, and sometimes it will even change the way your browser looks up a website by pointing you to remote Web directory. Adware sometimes includes code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. Adware and spyware are accumulated especially by browsing various mainstream and niche entertainment sites: movies, music, sites aimed at kids, and especially porn or other sleazy sites. Another way that adware can end up on your computer is through peer to peer file sharing.

Removing adware from your computer is important because this software has installed itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. Scanning for and removing these files can greatly improve your system's performance.

But how do you go about removing adware from your computer?

Removing adware, in many cases, can be done with the installation of anti-spyware programs.

If you believe you are infected with adware, the easiest way to detect and remove it is by the use of anti-spyware software or scanning software. Unfortunately, some of the supposed adware-removal programs that exist are of doubtful quality, or give inflated numbers of detection warnings to encourage sales, or even install their own adware. If the ads seem to pop up randomly, or if you see programs starting up in the Windows system tray that were not there before you downloaded free software, you may want to check your system for adware or spyware with a program like Microsoft's free Windows Defender.
There are many free adware removal tools out there but the two programs that work well for removing this software are SpyBot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft’s Ad-aware. Anti-spyware software is a different tool from anti-virus software but operates in much the same way, by scanning the hard drive looking for files associated with known adware programs.

Like antivirus software, spyware removal software relies on current information to protect you from the newest spyware packages; therefore it is crucial to keep adware removal products up-to-date for them to be effective
Removing adware from your computer is crucial as it tends to slow down system resources and bring your computer tasks to a crawl. Adware has also been known to change system settings. Although removing adware may seem challenging there are good free programs that will help get the job done.

Please remember, before downloading any "free" program from the internet, be sure to read the licensing agreement.

Getting The Most Out Of A Tablet PC

2007-09-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

by: Eve Larson
What is a tablet PC, how is it different from a laptop and is it the right computer for you? To find the answer to these questions lets take a look at tablet PC’s and how they work.

Tablet PC's were originally designed to put mobile computers in the hand of people working in the field. The people using them spent the majority of their time away from a desk and wouldn’t have access to a keyboard or mouse. Users would make entries via stylus or digitizer. The lightweight and highly portable nature of these types of computers made them perfectly suited to field technicians and health care workers. These original models are known as slate tablets do to their distinctive one piece design. The entire computer screen and all was encased in one small unit, usually weighing 4 pounds or less. All of the units came with ports for connecting an optional keyboard, mouse, CD/DVD drive, printer, monitor or other computer peripherals. By choosing not to include all of these peripherals computer manufacturers were able to shave off pounds and lengthen the battery life considerably.

Many people were attracted to these new tablet PC’s but still wanted a traditional keyboard setup. Manufacturers responded to consumers demand and the convertible tablet PC was born. A convertible tablet PC looks very much like a small notebook computer. Aside from the monitor it functions exactly like a traditional laptop computer. The monitor is attached on special hinge that allows the monitor to swivel, making it an extremely powerful tool for small customer presentations and demonstrations. The monitor is also capable of swiveling completely around and lying on top of the keyboard with its screen facing up. This gives it the appearance of the traditional slate tablet PC. Convertible tablet PC’s traditionally have a larger viewing screen, larger hard drive, larger battery, and other accessories. These extras make it a much more powerful computing platform, but they also make it heavier and more expensive.

Is a tablet PC the right PC for you? The real question is how portable does you’re computing lifestyle have to be? Do you spend a lot of time outside of a traditional office environment? Do you need to use a computer to record or makes notes while you’re walking, or moving from place to place, if so a tablet PC is the perfect choice for you? For salespeople or business men who spend a lot of time traveling a convertible tablet is probably a much better option. It gives them more power, and more features, with a more traditional computer setup.

© Copyright TabletPC.6LN.com, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:Eve Larson is the lead writer for the Six Level Network Tablet PC News and Review website (http://tabletpc.6ln.com).

Building Cheap Computers in 3 Easy Steps

2007-08-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

by: Nicky Pilkington

Just a decade ago, the only people who put computers together were those individuals who possessed an extensive technical background.
Advancements in technology have eliminated some of the complexities in how computers work. This change has resulted in average people who have a basic understanding of computers being able to build a system themselves. Whether you are interested in building computers to establish a new hobby or to start a business, you can so in only a few easy steps and on a shoestring budget.

The first step in building cheap computers is to determine the route you want to use to build systems. You basically have three choices when considering building cheap computers: build a system from scratch, expand on a bare bones computer, or upgrade an existing system. Building a system from scratch can be a rewarding experience. However, it is not for everyone. If you are impatient or are intimidated by mechanical tools, you are better to choose one of the other two options.

Regardless of the method you choose, you will follow three basic steps:

1. Plan
2. Assemble
3. Test

The planning phase of your project involves determining the specifications for the computer you want to build. Once you know this information you can start shopping for parts that meet those specifications. Your main considerations should be hard-disk, memory, and CPU (central processing unit). The harddrive is important because it determines how much information you are able to store on the computer. While you could build a computer with a harddrive smaller than 20 GB (gigabytes), it is not recommended.

The harddrive and memory work together. The amount of memory you place in your computer will directly affect how the system is able to complete the different processes that you request when using the system. If you have no idea what size hard-drive and the amount of memory you need, you should consider the type of operating system you intend to load on the system. You can consult the manufacturer of your hard-drive or review the information on Cheap-Computer-Guy.com, which features a list of minimum harddrive and memory requirements for various operating systems, and use this information as a guide.

The equipment presented in this article includes the basics of a computer system. Of course, nowadays people want far more than the basics and you undoubtedly feel the same way. There are optional components available that you may want to add to your systems, which include CD or DVD drives, a modem or other communication component for Internet connectivity, or a video graphics card.

Once you have decided on the specifications of the computer you want to build, you are ready to assemble the system. In addition to detailed information about the parts you will need to build your computer, cheap-computer-guy.com includes step-by-step instructions for assembling a cheap do-it-yourself computer.

When you have finished assembling the computer, you will then need to test to make sure that the system boots and that all components are functioning properly. Once you have completed all these tests you will have built your own cheap computer.

About the author:You can find detailed information about planning, assembling and testing computers at the Cheap-Computer-Guy.com website.

Do The Media Spread Computer Viruses?

2007-07-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

by: Joel Walsh

Summary: Could the mass media hype about computer viruses actually make the problem worse?

If you believe what you hear in the media, there are an awful lot of viruses going around. No, I'm not talking about the make-you-sick kind of virus, though they get plenty of airtime, too. I'm talking about the kind of virus that enters via your internet connection rather than your nasal passages.

What the mainstream media often don't tell you--at least, in most radio and television newscasts and in the crucial headlines and opening paragraphs of newspaper articles-- is that many of these "viruses" are not viruses at all.

What Computer Viruses Really Are

The main reason the mainstream media always are in alarm over viruses is that they tend to call any malicious computer program a virus. In reality, there are at least eleven distinct types of malicious software, or malware, commonly affecting computers today. The most common of these are worms, Trojans, and spyware.

So, what's the difference between computer viruses and the other types of malware? The difference is that computer viruses are just about the only ones that regularly shut down computers and cause other obvious damage. The most common of the other kinds of malware--worms, Trojans, and spyware--are usually only detectable with a special scan.

The Real Danger of Computer Viruses

If the other types of malware are so unobtrusive that they can only be detected with a special scan, then what's to worry about? For starters, these programs are called malicious for a reason: they are designed to cause some kind of damage, if not to your computer, then to someone else's.

Worms are most famously used to damage, destroy, or disrupt other computer networks than the one on which the host computer is located. For instance, worms have been used by website owners to shut down rival websites by sending overwhelming numbers of requests to the computer that hosts that website. Worms have also been used to send out viruses to other computers, often without infecting the host machine--after all, what would it benefit the worm to shut down its host computer?

Trojans, in turn, are often used to insert worms and other malware on your computer, even if the Trojan itself does no damage.

But even if you don't care what happens to anyone else, you should still be concerned about one kind of malware: spyware, a kind of malware that, true to its name, collects data from your computer and sends it back to a remote host.

Most spyware is only interested in monitoring your internet usage so it can tell other programs, called adware, what advertising to popup on your computer. However, there are criminal spyware programs that steal financial data, or perform a thorough identity theft. Don't think you have personal or financial data on your computer? Some spyware programs contain a keylogger, which is a program that copies whatever you type, usually in order to snatch passwords. Even if you keep no financial information on your computer, if you ever buy anything over the web, the keylogger would allow its owner to buy stuff using the same information you typed in to buy stuff yourself.

Why Blame the Media?

Given the danger of all these different types of malware, isn't it a good thing that the mass media are becoming hysterical about it? And can't they be forgiven the sloppy reporting of calling Trojans, worms, spyware, and other malware "viruses"?

No, no, no.

This is a classic case of bad reporting doing more damage than no reporting at all. In this case, the damage bad reporting has done is to promote a common myth that goes something like this: "The only malicious software is a virus. Viruses damage your computer. Therefore, if my computer is working OK, my computer has no malicious software. I only need to scan my computer for problems when there is a sign of problems."

Thanks to this myth, many people complacently let their antivirus software go months out of date, not wanting to be bothered with scheduling an automatic update. Just as bad, many people don't have any extra software to combat the other types of malware that may not be covered by antivirus software.

In fact, it's not uncommon for people who have found malware on their computers after a scan to say, "but I never had malware on my computer before!" But how would they have known if they had never scanned!

Malware Quiz

2007-07-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

by: Joel Walsh

Most people who think they know all about spyware, Trojans, viruses, and other malware really don't. Take this quiz to make sure you know who your enemies are.

This quiz tests your knowledge of five of the most common kinds of malware, the software you don't want on your computer: Trojan, worm, virus, spyware, and adware. Keep in mind that there are at least seven other kinds of malware we know about.

The answers are located at the end of the quiz.

1. Which of the following is most likely to make your computer stop working?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

2. Which of the following is not a stand-alone program?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

3. Which of the following is most likely to send spam emails from your computer?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

4. Which of the following is least likely to be detected with standard antivirus software?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

5. Which of the following is most likely to come with other malware?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

6. Which of the following is bundled with the peer-to-peer file-sharing software, Kazaa?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

7. Which of the following is most likely to install a "backdoor" internet connection?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

8. Which of the following is most likely to be involved in a denial-of-service attack?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

9. Which of the following is the only malware publicly documented as having been employed by the FBI to bring a suspect to trial?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

10. Which of the following is most likely to steal your identity?

a. Trojan

b. Worm

c. Virus

d. Spyware

e. Adware

Answers:

1. c. virus. Trojans, worms, spyware, and adware all depend on your computer staying up and running. They use your computer's resources to accomplish whatever their designer intended, such as sending emails, displaying advertising, or stealing information from your computer. Viruses, however, are usually created by vandals who just want to damage as many computers as possible.

2. c. virus. Viruses are not stand-alone programs. Just as biological viruses must take over the cells of their host in order to function and reproduce; computer viruses must take over one or more files of the computer on which they are stored. Trojans, worms, spyware, and adware are all stand-alone programs that can run without the help of another application, though they often come bundled with other applications as a decoy, or with other malware.

3. b. worm. Worms are stand-alone programs that are often used to send spam emails, or emails containing viruses. Trojans often contain worms which are then installed for the purpose of sending spam emails, but the worms are what actually send the emails.

4. e. adware. In the strictest sense, adware is rarely patently illegal or destructive, and so antivirus software makers have traditionally avoided treating it as malware. Adware designers are usually large advertising companies with hundreds of millions of dollars, and they take care to insert end-user licensing agreements (EULA) that supposedly mean that the software is installed with permission. Also, adware will not usually do anything more destructive than show advertising. Nonetheless, adware can quickly multiply on a computer, hogging system resources and causing a computer to slow down or even malfunction. That's why most anti-spyware software makers target adware as well.

5. a. Trojan. By definition, Trojans bear other malware within them, just as the mythical wooden worse bore Greek warriors. The malware can be viruses, worms, spyware, or adware.

6. e. adware, though d. spyware, is also correct. Kazaa's developers, Sharman Networks, make most of their money from the advertising shown by the included adware. The adware typically runs even when the Kazaa software is not in use. Sharman Networks has adamantly denied that the adware that comes with Kazaa is spyware, since, like most adware, it comes with an end-user license agreement that says the user grants permission for the software to be installed. In reality, few Kazaa users, until recently, were aware of just how much adware was being installed on their machines (as much as a dozen or more). Plus, the adware does monitor your internet usage, and so is spyware in the strictest sense.

7. b. worm. Worms most commonly install a "backdoor" internet connection in order to send out data (for instance, spam emails or requests to remote servers) undetected.

8. b. worm. Worms, which most commonly install a "backdoor" internet connection on the host computer, are perfect for sending out the millions of server requests needed to achieve a denial-of-service attack. A denial-of-service attack is when a server is maliciously sent so many hits that it is overwhelmed and cannot continue to operate.

9. a. Trojan. The Trojan "Magic Lantern" was famously used to install monitoring software on the computer of a suspect who was later brought to trial partly on the strength of the evidence gathered.

10. e. Spyware. Spyware is malware that collects information from your computer and sends it to another remote machine, so by definition any software that steals your identity is spyware. However, spyware is often installed on your computer by a Trojan, or sent to you by another computer infected with a worm, so other kinds of malware pose an indirect threat of identity theft as well.

About the author:

Joel Walsh writes for spyware-refuge.com about spyware, viruses, Trojans, adware, worms, and other malware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com/?Computer Viruses[Publish this article on your website! Requirement: live link for above URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "Computer Viruses" OR leave this bracketed message intact.]

Barebones Systems: Alternatives to Buying Discount Computers

2007-07-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Buying discount computers is something easy to do nowadays that computer prices have dropped. Despite the low prices, you may still find it difficult to settle on a single computer. Computers are built with so many varying features that finding exactly the right one for you may be difficult. Building your own system from a barebones system is an option to buying discount computers that will enable you to get what you want exactly and still enables you to save money.

Don’t think you can build a computer system? It’s true that building a computer system takes some time and a bit of knowledge about how computers work. When you start the building process with barebones systems you deduct some of the complication associated with building a computer system. Barebones systems have the basic components that you need to get started with building a computer system. Most of these systems include a motherboard, CPU (computer processing unit), and power supply encased in a computer case. Choosing a barebones systems is similar to buying discount computers. You will need to determine your needs to find just the right system for you.

Barebones systems are typically classified according to what they offer. While they contain the same basic components, the components enable you to perform different levels of tasks. Low-level barebones systems, which range in price from $100 to $200, will have components that are not as advanced as those in high-end barebones systems. Of the components in a barebones system, the processor is your main concern. There are basically two types of processors: Pentium and Athlon.

There is much debate about which processor is the best. Pentium is probably the most popular name in processors. Its name is synonymous with speed and power. With the introduction of the Pentium 4 processor, Intel suggests that pure multi-tasking is possible. Athlon may not be as popular with general consumers, but those individuals who understand the components of processors, such as clock speed, know that Athlon is at the very least in step with what the Pentium processor offers. Athlon 64, the most current processor that AMD offers.

Once you select the barebones system with the essentials you need, you basically upgrade the barebones system to include the additional parts you need to create your ideal computer. After the processor, you want to consider memory, a hard-drive, and CD/DVD writer. Essentially, just as with the processor, you will need to determine what tasks you intend to perform with the computer. As a rule of thumb when buying discount components, you don’t want to build a system with the most high-end components. For starters, you will end up spending a significant amount of money (negates the purpose of choosing an alternative to buying discount computers) and the components will more than likely soon be replaced with a more high-end component.

About the author:Detailed information about each component is available at http://discountcomputers.us/.You can find also find recommendations of just about all the parts you need by visiting this website.

A Basic Introduction to Spyware

2007-07-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

by: Philippa Smith

Spyware is the most troublesome software to appear on the Internet in recent times. When spyware infects a computer system, it may be relatively harmless or it may be devastating.

Spyware like coolwebsearch and new.net are capable of paralyzing a computer system. Laws to regulate spyware are pending in many states and may take years to enforce.

What Is Spyware?

Spyware is any software that collects information about computer usage and/or the computer user. It is installed on one computer and sends information to another computer. Some spywares like the Weather Bug, Bear Share and Kazaa are knowingly downloaded and installed by users. Other spyware is installed without the knowledge or permission of the user.

How Does Spyware Affect A Computer?

Symptoms of spyware infection includes:

* Very slow system performance while browsing the Internet.
* Your homepage changing mysteriously on its own.
* Excessive appearance of pop-ups, on sites likes Google, Yahoo and MSN, which don't use them.
* You can only get your browser to visit sites, which are trying to dupe you into buying spy ware removal software.

Many spyware detection and elimination programs are easily available for free on the Internet.

How Does One Deal With Spyware?

There are many tools and catalogues available to deal with spyware. One of these tools is Spybot Search and Destroy. It scans computers for spyware and harmful programs. It shows a list of problem areas to the user and allows him to delete any or all of them.

A user can leave legitimate programs installed by him. These may include peer-to-peer file sharing software or software installed to monitor the on-line activities of children.

A Comprehensive Solution

It may be a good idea for most computer owners to get a comprehensive PC security solution as a bundle. Norton and McAfee, now offer a complete security suite consisting of anti-virus, personal firewall, anti-spam and privacy offerings, and anti-spy ware.

They are quite easy to install and allow parents to monitor children who use the computer. There are many threats on the Internet, from which these suites can protect your computer. ===========================================================
Click to find a daily updated blog of articles and news about spyware ! Get advice and information about how to protect your computer from attack, and disinfect it.. Click http://www.spyware-101.com/ About the author:Philippa Smith runs a home business in los angeles. The constant attacks on here computer caused her to learn all about spyware & viruses, and how to deal with them.

Virus Removal Basics

2007-07-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

The day you learn your computer is infected with a virus or spyware is a lonely yet aggravating day. You’ll be angry that you fell victim, and may feel helpless because of your lack of knowledge about virus removal or pc repair. But don’t worry - you’re not alone! Unfortunately, you’re actually part of a club of tens of thousands of people who feel the same way every day!

According to AVG, virus protection usually doesn’t detect adware or spyware both of which can wreak havoc on a computer. Thousands of people each day are infected with malicious programs! Worry no longer and stop feeling helpless because this guide is a basic computer virus repair guide that will help you identify and remove viruses and malware.

Are You Running Antivirus Software?

If you already have virus software perform an update for the latest version and then run a system scan. If you do not have such software, download a free copy of AVG virus protection at http://www.grisoft.com/doc/40/lng/us/tpl/tpl01. This will give you free real time virus protection, email scanning and virus removal tools.

Next, download and run Ad-Aware to remove spyware, adware, and other troublesome programs http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/. Then download SpyBot Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html. By using Ad-Aware and SpyBot you will have excellent protection against files that are often missed by virus protection.

To check for and eliminate browser hijackers, download and run CWShredder at http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html.

With the above programs simply run a scan and follow the prompts to remove any infected files or unwanted programs. Once that is done, upgrade your operating system, or download any needed patches, then reboot your computer.

These steps won’t solve every problem, but they will fix a large percentage of the things that cause your computer to act up.

About the author:John Lenaghan writes about solving computer problems for the Computer Help Squad website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about internet security, computer upgrades and other computer related topics.

3 Simple Ways To Save A Bunch Of Money When Buying A New Computer!

2007-07-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Looking to buy a new computer?

Overwhelmed by all of the options available to you?

Stressed by the high cost of computers today?

For most people, buying a new computer does not have to be as stressful as buying a new car. Nor does it have to be as expensive. If you’re like most people, and you have a limited budget for buying a computer, then you need to try to get as much computer for your money as possible.

Here are 3 simple ways anyone can save money when buying a new computer:

1) Shop around for best deal.

Sounds pretty obvious. But many people don’t realize they don’t need the fastest, most expensive computer with the most “extras”. In fact, if you are already using an older computer, even the least expensive new computer will be a big upgrade. If you don’t know a lot about computers, you can learn a lot by shopping around. Ask lots of questions, compare prices, compare features, then find the best price. Shop at your local electronics store, and look for the best deals online. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save by shopping around!

2) Install your own “extras”

Many computers you will find in a store have a lot of extra software already installed. While this is convenient, it is not always the best way for you to save money. Also, while many of these extras sound good, you don’t always need them. You can often find better deals by shopping around separately for your own software extras (such as a word processor, anti-virus, popup blocker, spyware removal, games, etc). And some of these you can get for free. So before you buy the “fully loaded” computer, ask yourself if you really need all the extras, then shop around to see if you can buy a scaled down computer - and get the extras yourself for much less!

3) Don’t buy extended warranty.

If you are not a computer “techie”, the extended warranties offered by the computer retailers often sound like a good idea. After all, who wants to be bothered paying for service on a computer after you buy it. But keep in mind that most computers come with a warranty, and most computer problems will either happen at the beginning (when you still have the warranty in effect) or much later (when it might be cheaper to buy a new computer). Technology changes very quickly these days. So consider whether or not it’s worth the inflated price of the extended warranty. And, if you really feel you need the extended warranty, then ask to purchase it at a lower price. Not all retailers will negotiate on the warranty, but some will. And whether you buy the extended warranty or not, make sure you back up all your files periodically, just in case!

If you have an unlimited budget, consider yourself lucky. And if you do business on the computer, make sure you get what you need, while trying to keep the price down. At any price, buying something that does not fit your needs is not a good deal.

Hope you find these tips helpful, and happy computer shopping!

About the author:

Kris Bickell is the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com, a helpful site for consumers comparing high speed internet services. For information on high speed DSL, Cable, and Wireless Internet, visit: http://www.hi-speed-internet.com,/and sign up for the free email course “5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed”. © 2005 Hi-Speed-Internet.com

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