Wiki

Telegram: A secure clone of WhatsApp

2014-02-10T23:04:00.001-08:00

Telegram is another messaging app with other popular apps in market like WhatsApp. In a fast quick look you will find no difference with well known WhatsApp.

SIMILARITY:

Telegram works very similarly to WhatsApp. After starting the app, you must first verify your mobile number. You will then receive a code via SMS. This is either automatically confirmed or you must enter it by hand.
You can write to people, who are in your phone contacts and have Telegram. Your contacts, who have Telegram, are shown at the top of your Contacts. They also have pictures similar concept like WhatsApp.
Telegram, by design, is very much reminiscent of WhatsApp. Telegram has a simple neat & clean user interface. Profile information of your chat partner can be accessed with a quick tap on the small profile picture at the top right. You will also find their last-seen status, phone number, and you can set a custom notification ringtone for each contact. Previously exchanged media such as videos, photos and location data can be found under "Shared Media", very oriented towards WhatsApp.

How is Telegram different from the popular messaging app, Whatsapp? Why Switch to Telegram?

FREE: On top of that, Telegram is free and will stay free without ads or subscription fees, forever. Telegram is a non-profit project. The team says they do not intend to sell ads, bring revenue or accept outside investment.

SECRET CHAT: What makes Telegram so special is "Start Secret Chat" which is a new chat window with end-to-end encryption. No data is stored on the Telegram servers. When a secret chat is created, the participating devices exchange encryption keys using two layers of secure encryption based on 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, RSA 2048 encryption and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange. After the secure end-to-end connection has been established, the app generates a picture that visualizes the encryption key for your chat. Telegram is claiming any Secret Chat will be 200% secure, which certainly sounds confident.

SELF-DESTRUCT FEATURE: However, the most interesting thing about these new settings is the self-destruct timer. If you choose to enables this, you can specify how much time will elapse between sending a message from your device to the receiver before it self-destructs. This means not only are the messages never cached but they are also irrevocably destroyed after a set period of time. The selectable duration is between one week and two seconds configured in various set stages. In the test the destruction of the messages worked immediately, leaving traces nowhere on either device.

FAST: Telegram servers are distributed all over the world which enhances the speed and security of your messages. Telegram ran with very stable and reliable performance and the messages were delivered without delay due to its decentralized cloud based mechanism. The messenger stood up to its claim to be one of the fastest messenger apps available. Even with the self-destruction mode enabled all chats worked flawlessly.

GROUP CHAT & SHARING: With this app's group chat you can carry on a conversation with up to 100 people, which is double of WhatsApp. Also, by using the paper clip icon you can send your pictures and videos from your gallery with a size of up to one gigabyte and also documents (doc, zip, mp3, etc). You can share your real time geographical location with your friends too.

CUSTOMIZATION: In the settings you can edit your profile, set the text size and activate animations. Background, Notifications and sound options can also be customized here.
CROSS PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: The final cherry on top is that Telegram can be used on multiple devices, something WhatsApp still can't do. It has cloud based decentralized messaging system. That means all your messages and contents are backed up in Telegram’s server. Due to this they have also created the desktop client for Windows and Linux. It works same as the mobile application. You need no emulator to install on your pc unlike WhatsApp. It works with no lagging no crash on Windows XP, 7 and 8. The app works in Windows 8.1 too.

Desktop version of Telegram

UNLIMITED CLOUD STORAGE: Telegram offers free unlimited cloud storage for all your Telegram messages and media that you can securely access from multiple devices. In result, you will never loose your data again.

SUPPORT: For real-time support, please go to settings in Telegram and select “Ask a Question” to send a message directly to teams support staff (phone number 333). You can also email at support@telegram.org.

DISADVANTAGE

No voice chat: Voice chat is absent in Telegram. No facility for audio chatting is disappointing the Telegram users. While this feature make WhatsApp popular among messengers. But Telegram team assure they will add the features in coming versions.

No migration: Each new phone number is a new Telegram account. So if you change your phone number, you won't be able to access your messages until you re-login. Where WhatsApp allow you to migrate your cell-phone number along with all your account information.

All About Windows Registry

2012-04-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

All About Windows Registry

What is the Windows Registry?

The Windows Registry, usually referred to as "the registry," is a collection of databases of configuration settings in Microsoft Windows operating systems.

What is the Windows Registry Used For?:

The Windows Registry is used to store much of the information and settings for software programs, hardware devices, user preferences, operating system configurations, and much more. The registry is constantly being referenced by Windows and other programs. When you make changes to nearly any setting, changes are also made to the appropriate areas in the registry. In many ways, the registry can be thought of as a kind of DNA for the Windows operating system.

How To Access the Windows Registry:

The Windows Registry is accessed and configured using the Registry Editor program, a free registry editing utility included with every version of Microsoft Windows. Registry Editor can be accessed by executing regedit from the Command Prompt or from the search or run box from the Start menu.

Registry Editor is the face of the registry, and is the way to view and make changes to the registry, but it's not the registry itself. Technically, the registry is the collective name for various database files located within the Windows installation directory.

How To Use the Windows Registry:

The registry contains registry values, located within registry keys, all within one of several registry hives. Making changes to these values and keys using Registry Editor will change the configuration that a particular value controls.

Registry Key:

A key in the Windows Registry can be thought of like a file folder. A key that sits within another key is called a "subkey". Registry keys may contain additional registry subkeys and registry values and will always exist under the highest key in the hierarchy called a registry hive. In Registry Editor, keys and subkeys are shown as the folders on the left hand of the screen.

Registry Value:

A value in the Windows Registry contains specific instructions for your Windows installation. Many kinds of registry values exist including string values, binary values, DWORD (32-bit) values, QWORD (64-bit) values, multi-string values, and expandable string values. In Registry Editor, a value is located on the right hand side of the screen. Registry values are located under registry keys or subkeys, and ultimately within a registry hive.

Registry Hive:

A hive in the Windows Registry is the name given to a major section of the registry that contains registry keys, registry subkeys, and registry values. All keys that are considered hives begin with HKEY and are at the top of the hierarchy in the registry. In Registry Editor, the hives are the set of registry keys that appear as folders on the left hand side of the screen when all other keys have been minimized.

Here is a list of the common registry hives in Windows:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_USERS
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG

HKEY_DYN_DATA is a registry hive that was used in Windows ME, 98, and 95. Most of the information stored in that hive is stored in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE in later versions of Windows.

Windows Registry Availability:

The Windows Registry and the Microsoft Registry Editor program are available in nearly every Microsoft Windows version including Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 95, and more.

Note: Even though the registry is available in almost every Windows version, some very small differences do exist between them.

Danger: Remote Access Trojans

2011-08-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

My friend's PC had been experiencing strange symptoms that included slow performance, a CD-ROM tray that opened and closed at random, strange error messages, and inverted screen images. After I severed his Internet connection and followed my typical malicious software (malware)—hunting steps, I located the culprits: two Remote Access Trojans (RATs)—the infamous Cult of the Dead Cow's Back Orifice and the lesser-known The Thing. In this case, the malicious intruders were kids who seemed more interested in causing online problems and trading pornography than in doing real damage. If they'd been more sophisticated, they could have gathered confidential financial information from my client's computer and network. RATs are more dangerous than all other types of malicious code. To protect yourself, become familiar with the types of RATs, how they work, and how to detect and prevent these pests.

Scurrying RATs

RATs are malicious programs that run invisibly on host PCs and permit an intruder remote access and control. On a basic level, many RATs mimic the functionality of legitimate remote control programs such as Symantec's pcAnywhere but are designed specifically for stealth installation and operation. Intruders usually hide these Trojan horses in games and other small programs that unsuspecting users then execute on their PCs. Typically, exploited users either download and execute the malicious programs or are tricked into clicking rogue email attachments.

Most RATs come in client and server components. Intruders ultimately launch the server program on a victim's machine by binding the installing component to some other legitimate program. (Intruders can use a program called a binder to combine RATs with legitimate executables so that the RATs execute in the background while the legitimate applications run, leaving victims unaware of the scurrilous activities.) In many cases, intruders can customize the server program: set IP port numbers; define when the program starts, what it's called, how it hides, and whether it uses encryption; customize logon passwords; and determine when and how the program communicates. After defining the server executable's behavior, the intruder generates the program, then tricks the host machine's owner into running it.

The process can send the intruder (aka the originator) an email message announcing its latest takeover success or contact a hidden Internet chat channel with a broadcast of the exploited PC's IP address. (I've watched hundreds of victim PC addresses appear in an hour on these channels. I've also seen intruders collect thousands of compromised machine addresses and use them as online currency.) Alternatively, after the RAT server program is launched, it can communicate directly with an originating client program on the intruder's PC by using a predefined TCP port. No matter how the RAT parts establish connectivity, the intruder uses the client program to send commands to the server program.

RAT originators can explore a particular machine or send a broadcast command that instructs all the Trojans under their control to work in a symphonic effort to spread or do more damage. One predefined keyword can instruct all the exposed machines to format their hard disks or attack another host. Intruders often use RATs to take over as many machines as they can to coordinate a widespread distributed Denial of Service (DoS) attack (known as a zombie attack) against a popular host. When the traffic-flooded victim tries to track down the intruder, the trail stops at hundreds of innocent, compromised DSL and cable-modem users, and the intruder walks away undetected.

A Unique Danger

After you remove most malware programs, the damage is done and the worst of the crisis is over. Not so with RATs. Like their virus and worm cousins, RATs can delete and modify files, format hard disks, upload and download files, harass users, and drop off other malware. I often find compromised PCs that intruders used to store games and other cracking tools, taking up nearly all the user's available hard disk space. But RATs have two unique features—content capturing and remote control—that make them a higher order of particularly dangerous malware.

First, the ability to capture every screen and keystroke means that intruders can gather users' passwords, directory paths, drive mappings, medical records, bank-account and credit card information, and personal communications. If your PC has a microphone, RATs can capture your conversations. If you have a WebCam, many RATs can turn it on and capture video—a privacy violation without par in the malicious-code world. Everything you say and do around the PC can be recorded. Some RATs include a packet sniffer that captures and analyzes every packet that crosses the PC's network card. An intruder then can use the information a RAT captures to create future back doors, cause privacy violations, perform identity theft, and create financial problems—problems that might not be readily identifiable for months. Whether you can ever trace these problems back to the RAT is debatable.

Second, an unauthorized user's ability to remotely control the host PC is a powerful tool when wielded in the wrong hands. Remote users not only can manipulate PC resources but can pose as the PC's legitimate user and send emailon behalf of the user, mischievously modify documents, and use the PC to attack other computers. A home-based user hired me 2 years ago to prove to E*TRADE that he didn't commit an obviously money-losing stock trade. E*TRADE tied his PC's IP address to the trade, and I found direct evidence of the disputed trade in his browser's cache. I also found signs of the SubSeven (aka Backdoor_G) RAT. I wasn't able to tie the RAT to the bad stock trade, but I could tell that the RAT had been active during the trading period. (For information about legal RATs, see the Web-exclusive sidebar "Legitimate RATs," at http://secadministrator.com, InstantDoc ID 26104.)

Types of RATs

The most popular RATs, such as Back Orifice or SubSeven, are all-in-one intruder toolshops that do everything—capture screen, sound, and video content. These Trojans are key loggers, remote controllers, FTP servers, HTTP servers, Telnet servers, and password finders. Intruders can configure the IP port the RATs listen on, how the RATs execute, and whether the RATs contact the originator by using email, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), or another chat mechanism. The more malicious RATs contain rogue mechanisms that hide the Trojans from prying eyes, encrypt communications, and contain professional-looking APIs so that other intruder developers can insert additional functionality. These RATs' aggressive functionality makes them larger—often 100KB to 300KB—and somewhat riskier for the intruder to install without anyone noticing.

Intruders intentionally keep limited-function Trojans small (10KB to 30KB) so that they can quickly activate the programs without being noticed. These Trojans often function as keystroke loggers, storing each keystroke the exploited user makes in a hidden file that the intruder can download remotely and analyze later. Other Trojans install themselves as FTP, Web, or chat servers and steal computing resources. Intruders use some small RATs solely to secure the hard-to-get initial remote access to a host so that they can later upload and install a larger, more powerful RAT at a time when they are less likely to get noticed.

Type the keywords Remote Access Trojan into any Internet search engine. When you do, you'll find hundreds of RATs—so many that most Trojan Web sites sort them alphabetically, with dozens to more than a hundred per alphabetic letter. Let's take a brief look at two of the most popular RATs: Back Orifice and SubSeven.

Figure1: Back Orifice Interface

Back Orifice. The Cult of the Dead Cow created Back Orifice in August 1998. The program raised the bar for RATs by adding a programming API and enough new features to make legitimate programmers jealous. Back Orifice 2000 (BO2K), released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), has attempted to gain a following with legitimate users and compete against programs such as pcAnywhere. But its default stealth mode and obviously harmful intent mean the corporate world probably won't embrace it anytime soon. Using the BO2K Server Configuration utility, which Figure 1 shows, an intruder can configure a host of server options, including TCP or UDP, port number, encryption type, stealth activities (which works better on Windows 9x machines than on Windows NT machines), passwords, and plugins. Back Orifice has an impressive array of features that include keystroke logging, HTTP file browsing, registry editing, audio and video capture, password dumping, TCP/IP port redirection, message sending, remote reboot, remote lockup, packet encryption, and file compression. The program comes with a software development kit (SDK) that extends its functionality through plugins. The default bo_peep.dll plugin lets intruders control the remote machine's keyboard and mouse. In practice, the Back Orifice Trojan is unforgiving of mistyped commands; it crashes frequently in the hands of new users but glides unseen in the hands of experienced operators.

SubSeven. Even more popular than Back Orifice, the SubSeven RAT is always near the top of antivirus-vendor infection statistics. This Trojan functions as a key logger, packet sniffer, port redirector, registry modifier, and microphone and WebCam-content recorder. Figure 2 shows a few SubSeven client commands and server-configuration choices. SubSeven contains many features to aggravate the exploited user: An intruder can remotely swap mouse buttons; turn the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock off and on; disable the Ctl+Alt+Del key combination; log off the user; open and close the CD-ROM drive; turn the monitor off and on; invert the display; and shut down or reboot the computer. SubSeven uses ICQ, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), email, and even Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripting to contact the originating intruder. The program can randomly change its server port and notify the intruder of the change. SubSeven has specific routines that capture AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, RAS, and screen-saver passwords.

Figure 2: SubSeven client commands and server-configuration choices

Detecting and Removing RATs

If a computer virus or email worm has ever infected your company, the company is a prime candidate for a RAT. Typical antivirus scanners are less likely to detect RATs than worms or viruses because of binders and intruder encryption routines. Also, RATs have the potential to cause significantly more damage than a worm or virus can cause. Finding and eradicating RATs should be a systems administrator's top priority.

The best anti-malware weapon is an up-to-date, proven antivirus scanner. Scanners detect most RATs and automate the removal process as much as possible. Many security administrators rely on Trojan-specific tools to detect and remove RATs, but you can't trust some of these products any more than you trust the Trojans themselves. Agnitum's Tauscan, however, is a top Trojan scanner that has proved its efficiency over the years.

A clear clue to RAT infection is an unexpected open IP port on the suspected machine, especially if the port number matches a known Trojan port. (See Web Table 1, http://www.secadministrator.com, InstantDoc ID 26103, for a list of these ports.) When you suspect that a PC has been infected, disconnect the PC from the Internet so that the remote intruder can't detect the security probe and initiate more damage. Using the Task List, close all running programs that connect to the Internet (e.g., email, Instant Messaging—IM—clients). Close all programs running from the system tray. Don't boot to safe mode because doing so often prevents the Trojan from loading into memory, thus defeating the purpose of the test.

Table 1 Common Remote Access Trojan IP Port Numbers

Trojan Name	Port
BO jammerkillahV	121
NukeNabber	139
Intruders Paradise	456
Stealth Spy	555
Phase0	555
NeTadmin	555
Satanz Backdoor	666
Attack FTP	666
AIMSpy	777
Der Spaeher	1000
Silencer	1001
WebEx	1001
Doly Trojan	1011
Doly Trojan	1015
Netspy	1033
Bla 1.1	1042
Psyber Stream Server	1170
Streaming Audio Trojan	1170
SoftWar	1207
Ultors Trojan	1234
SubSeven	1243
VooDoo Doll	1245
GabanBus	1245
NetBus	1245
Maverick's Matrix	1269
FTP99CMP	1492
Psyber Streaming Server	1509
Shiva Burka	1600
SpySender	1807
ShockRave	1981
BackDoor	1999
Transcout	1999
Der Spaeher	2000
Trojan Cow	2001
Pass Ripper	2023
Bugs	2115
Deep Throat	2140
The Invasor	2140
HVL Rat5	2283
Striker	2565
Wincrash2	2583
The Prayer	2716
Phineas	2801
Portal of Doom	3700
Total Eclypse	3791
WinCrash	4092
FileNail	4567
IcqTrojan	4950
Sockets de Troie	5000
Sockets de Troie 1.x	5001
OOTLT Cart	5011
NetMetro	5031
Firehotcker	5321
BackConstruction 1.2	5400
BladeRunner	5400
Blade Runner 1.x	5401
Blade Runner 2.x	5402
Illusion Mailer	5521
Xtcp	5550
RoboHack	5569
Wincrash	5742
The thing	6000
The thing	6400
Vampire	6669
Host Control	6669
DeepThroat	6670
DeepThroat	6771
DeltaSource	6883
Heep	6912
Indoctrination	6939
GateCrasher	6969
Priority	6969
Remote Grab	7000
NetMonitor	7300
NetMonitor 1.x	7301
NetMonitor 2.x	7306
NetMonitor 3.x	7307
NetMonitor 4.x	7308
Qaz	7597
ICQKiller	7789
InCommand	9400
Portal of Doom	9872

Netstat is a common IP-troubleshooting utility that comes with many OSs, including Windows. You can use it to display all the active and listening IP ports—UDP and TCP—on a local host. Open a DOS command prompt and type

netstat -a

to list all the open IP ports on the local computer. Investigate any unexpected ports. (This step assumes you have an understanding of IP ports and which port numbers particular programs use.)

Figure 3 shows the output of a sample Netstat test. The results reveal that a port that Back Orifice uses (port 31337) is active on my PC (ROGER). The client portion of the RAT is using port 1216 on the remote machine (ROGERLAP). In addition to looking for known Trojan ports, be highly suspicious of unknown FTP server processes (port 21) or Web servers (port 80). The Netstat command has a weakness, however: It tells you which IP ports are active, not which programs or files are initiating the activity. You need to use a port enumerator to find out which executable is creating which connection process. Winternals Software's TCPView Professional Edition is an excellent port enumerator. Tauscan can tie a program to a port connection as well as identify the Trojan. Windows XP's Netstat utility includes a new —o parameter that will show the process identifier (PID) of the program or service that's using the port. You can look up the PID in Task Manager to identify the specific program.

Figure 3: Netstat test results

If you don't have a port enumerator to easily show you the culprit, follow these steps: Look for unknown programs in startup areas such as the registry, .ini files, and the Startup folder. Then, boot the PC into safe mode if possible, and run the Netstat command to make sure the RAT isn't already loaded into memory. Then, one by one, execute any suspicious programs you found during your investigations, and rerun the Netstat command between each execution. If a program initiates a connection to the Internet, I give it even more scrutiny. Incidentally, during my hunts for Trojans, I've found and deleted many spyware programs that freeware programs installed. Research the programs you don't recognize, and delete the programs you're unsure about.

The Netstat command and a port enumerator are great ways to check one machine, but how do you check an entire network? Most Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) contain signatures that can detect common Trojan packets within legitimate network traffic. FTP and HTTP datagrams have verifiable structures, as do RAT packets. A properly configured and updated IDS can reliably detect even encrypted Back Orifice and SubSeven traffic. (Seehttp://www.snort.org for information about popular open-source IDS alternatives that can look specifically for known RATs.)

The Morning After

After you detect and eradicate RATs, a larger question looms: Did the remote intruder collect information that could harm you in the future? Answering that question in the confines of this article is difficult, but consider the following information to determine risk. How long has the RAT been around? Although you can't always rely on file-creation dates, use Windows Explorer to see when the RAT executables were created or last accessed. If the executable was created in the distant past and the last access was recent, an intruder could have been using the RAT over a long period. What type of activity did the intruder perform on the compromised machine? Did the intruder access confidential databases, send email, or access other remote networks or directory shares? Did the intruder have administrator rights? Look on the compromised machine for clues, such as files and programs with access dates and times outside the end user's usual business hours. In low-risk environments, most end users eradicate the RAT and work hard to prevent the remote intruder from returning. Compromised users might want to consider changing all passwords and other potentially revealed information (e.g., credit card numbers, PIN).

In a strict security environment with little toleration of unknown risks, alert the administrator or network security author if necessary, search the rest of the network, change all passwords, and make a thorough secondary-risk analysis. Completely reinstall and reformat compromised machines.

RATS have the potential for significant damage. Their ability to remotely control PCs and capture screens, keystrokes, audio, and video makes them far more dangerous than typical viruses and worms. Educating yourself, your staff, and your end users about RATs and taking the appropriate defensive steps can significantly minimize your risk.

Defining Malware: FAQ

2011-08-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Abstract

This document is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding "malware," a general term coined for all forms malicious software

Questions about Malware

Q: What are malware, viruses, spyware, and cookies, and what differentiates them?

A: Let us take the easy one first. "Malware" is short for malicious software and is typically used as a catch-all term to refer to any software designed to cause damage to a single computer, server, or computer network, whether it's a virus, spyware, et al.

Q. What exactly is a virus? Is a "worm" also a virus?

Viruses are computer programs or scripts that attempt to spread from one file to another on a single computer and/or from one computer to another, using a variety of methods, without the knowledge and consent of the computer user. A worm is a specific type of virus that propagates itself across many computers, usually by creating copies of itself in each computer’s memory.

Many users define viruses simply as trick programs designed to delete or move hard drive data, which, strictly speaking, is not correct. From a technical viewpoint, what makes a virus a virus is that it spreads itself. The damage it does is often incidental when making a diagnosis.

Obviously, any incidental damage is important, even when authors do not intend to create problems with their viruses; they can still cause harm unintentionally because the author did not anticipate the full effect or unintentional side effects. The most common method used for spreading a virus is through e-mail attachment. Sending a virus, even if designed to be harmless, can cause unforeseen damage.

Q. How can I prevent a virus from infecting my computer?

A virus scanner is the most common tool for prevention. This utility attempts to scan a computer program before it runs, and if it recognizes the signature of a malicious code, it shuts it down. Many scanners also evaluate programs to determine if it contains any virus-related characteristics.

The best way to stop viruses is to use common sense. If an executable computer program is attached to your e-mail and you are unsure of the source, then it should be deleted immediately. Do not download any applications or executable files from unknown sources, and be careful when trading files with other users.

Q. What is a "Trojan Horse"? Isn't this a virus by any other name?

I have heard some arguments that Trojan Horse malware is a virus subset (and vice versa) but there are differences worth mentioning.

A Trojan Horse meets the definition of virus that most people use, in the sense that it attempts to infiltrate a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent. A Trojan Horse, similar to its Greek mythological counterpart, often presents itself as one form while it is actually another. A recent example of malware acting as a Trojan horse is the recent e-mail version of the "Swen" virus, which falsely claimed to be a Microsoft update application.

Trojans typically do one of two things: they either destroy or modify data the moment they launch, such as erase a hard drive, or they attempt to ferret out and steal passwords, credit card numbers, and other such confidential information.

Trojan Horses can be a bigger problem than other types of viruses as they are design to be destructive or disruptive, as opposed to viruses and worms where the coder may not intend to do any harm at all. Essentially this distinction does not matter in the real world. You can lump viruses, Trojans, and worms together as "things I don't want on my computer or my network".

Q. How do I prevent a Trojan Horse attack?

The methods for dealing with Trojans are generally the same as for those for dealing with viruses. Most virus scanners attempt to deal with some of the common Trojans with varying degrees of success. There are also specific "anti-Trojan" scanners available, and your best weapon is common sense yet again. Score another point for safe computing!

Q. What are cookies and spyware? How are they different?

A cookie is just a bit of text in a file on your computer, containing a small amount of information that identifies you to a particular website, and whatever information that site wanted to retain about the user when they are visiting.

Cookies are a legitimate tool used by many websites to track visitor information. As an example, I might go to an online computer store and place an item in the basket, but decide not to buy it right away because I want to compare prices. The store can choose to put the information about what products I put into my basket in a cookie stored on my computer. This is an example of a good use of cookies to help the user experience.

The only websites that are supposed to be able to retrieve the information stored in a cookie are the websites that wrote the information in that particular cookie. This should ensure your privacy by stopping anyone other than the site you are visiting from being able to read any cookies left by that site.

Q. Do some websites use cookies to exploit user information?

A. Unfortunately, yes. Some may deceive users or omit their policies. For example, they may track your Web surfing habits across many different websites without informing you, and then use this data to customize the advertisements you see on websites, etc., typically considered as an invasion of privacy.

It is difficult to identify this and other forms of "cookie abuse," which makes it difficult to decide if, when, and how to block them from ones system. In addition, the acceptable level of shared information varies between users, so it is difficult to create an "anti-cookie" program to meet the needs of everyone.

Q. How does spyware exploit user information?

The spyware problem is similar to the cookie problem from the point of view that both are an invasion of privacy, although spyware is different from cookies, technically speaking. Spyware is a program that runs on your computer and, again, tracks your habits and tailors these patterns for advertisements, etc. Because it is a computer program rather than just a bit of text in a cookie, spyware can also do some nasty things to ensure that the spyware keeps running and keeps influencing what you see.

Q. How do I know if spyware is running on my computer?

You can use detection programs such as Ad Aware and others. Similar to antivirus software, these programs compare a list of known spyware with files on your computer and can remove any that it detects. But again, what some consider unacceptable is perfectly acceptable to others.

Q. How does spyware install itself on computers?

Common tactics for surreptitious installation include rolling up advertising programs into "free" shareware program downloads, and once the spyware is installed it can download advertisements 24 hours a day and overlay them on websites and programs you are using. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware from being installed, but the best strategy is to discriminate what you choose to download and install.

Q. Can spyware send tracked information to other people?

Some forms of spyware monitor a target’s Web use or even general computer use and sends this information back to the spyware program's authors for use as they see fit. To fight this kind of problem, a spyware removal tool is obviously helpful, as is a firewall that monitors outgoing connections from your computer. Other forms of spyware take over parts of your Web browsing interface, forcing you to use their own search engines, where they can track your browsing habits and send pop-up advertisements to you at will.

The biggest concern regarding spyware is that most of them are poorly written or designed. Many people first realize their computer is running spyware when it noticeably slows down or stops responding, especially when doing certain tasks such as browsing websites or retrieving e-mail. In addition, poorly written spyware can often cause your computer to function incorrectly even after it has been removed.

Quick summary of how to prevent malware problems?

Two of the biggest concerns for computer users today are viruses and spyware. In both cases, you can defend yourself against them easily enough with just a little bit of planning:

Keep your computer’s software patched and current. Both your operating system and your anti- virus application must be updated on a regular basis.
Only download updates from reputable sources. For Windows operating systems, always go tohttp://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/ and for other software always use the legitimate websites of the company or person who produces it.
Always think before you install something, weigh the risks and benefits, and be aware of the fine print. Does the lengthy license agreement that you don’t want to read conceal a warning that you are about to install spyware?
Install and use a firewall. If you are running Windows XP you can use the built-in software firewall under Control Panel, and there are free versions of firewalls that work on all versions of Windows.
Prevention is always better than cure.

E-mail Wiretapping

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

Several recent news reports have discussed a potential privacy issue involving a particular type of e-mail, known as HTML e-mail. If users are using the most recent version of Outlook, or if they've applied the previously-released Outlook Email Security Update, they are not affected by the issue. Other customers can easily configure their mail programs to prevent it.

The issue involves the ability to create an HTML e-mail that, each time it's read, could send back to the originator a copy of the mail's contents. This could potentially give the author of the e-mail an opportunity to see who the mail was subsequently forwarded to, and to see any forwarding comments that had been added to it. The Microsoft Security Response Center investigated this issue when it was reported to us, and we confirmed that it would indeed be possible to create such an HTML e-mail. However, as is often the case in privacy issues, the problem arises because a useful and properly-implemented technology - in this case, HTML e-mail - can be misused. Fortunately, it's easy to block this misuse.

HTML mail is a technology that, in essence, allows web pages to be sent as e-mail. Like a web page, an HTML e-mail can include dynamic functions like animation, voting buttons, forms, and so forth. Also like web pages, this functionality is sometimes effected via small programs called scripts. Just as the script in a web page executes each time it's opened in a browser, the script in an HTML e-mail executes each time it's opened in a mail client. This behavior is a property of the HTML e-mail technology, and operates the same way in a number of mail clients produced by different vendors, including Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express.

With this as background, it's probably no surprise to learn that it's possible for an HTML e-mail to send copies of itself to the originator. The script can, of course, access the contents of the mail because it's part of the mail. Once it's done that, it can send the information back to the originator using the same commands that allow forms to be submitted to a web site. None of the commands used to do this are flawed in any way. The problem lies in the circumstances under which they're used.

The good news is that you could only be affected by this issue if scripts are allowed to run in your mail client, and it's easy to disable scripting. All web content, regardless of whether it's on a web page or in an e-mail, is processed within one of the security zones defined in Internet Explorer. Outlook and Outlook Express always open HTML e-mails in one of these zones, and by changing the zone that's used, you can regulate the actions HTML e-mails will be able to take when they're opened.

If you're using Outlook, you may already be protected against this issue. In particular, you cannot be affected by this issue if any of the following are true:

You're using Outlook 2000 Service Pack 2. The default configuration of Outlook 2000 SP2 opens HTML e-mail in a zone where scripting is disabled.
You've applied the Outlook Email Security Update. The Update reconfigures Outlook 98 or 2000 to open HTML e-mail in a zone where scripting is disabled.
You're using a version of Outlook prior to Outlook 98. These versions didn't support scripting in HTML e-mails under any conditions.

Microsoft encourages all customers who haven't already done so to download and install Outlook 2000 Service Pack 2 or the Outlook Email Security Update. In addition to preventing this issue, both options also provide enhanced protection against other classes of e-mail based attacks.

If you're using Outlook Express, or if you're using Outlook but aren't covered by any of the cases above, you can configure it to prevent scripts in HTML e-mails from running. You need to do two things:

Move mail into the Restricted Sites Zone. In Outlook Express, select Options from the Tools menu and select the Security tab. Select the radio button labeled "Restricted Sites zone", then click OK. If you're using Outlook, select Options from the Tools menu and select the Security tab. Select "Restricted Sites" in the pull-down box labeled "Zone", then click OK
Ensure that Active Scripting is disabled in the Restricted Sites Zone. Open Internet Explorer, then select Internet Options from the Tools menu and select the Security tab. Click on the Restricted Sites icon, then click on the Custom Level button. Scroll to the section labeled Scripting, then check the setting for Active Scripting and make sure that Disabled is selected. Click OK twice.

Additional information on configuring Outlook and Outlook Express is available in the online help for each product. For more information on using and customizing security zones, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article How to Use Security Zones in Internet Explorer (174360).

HOW TO REMOVE REGSVR.EXE MANUALLY ?

2011-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Regsvr.exe is a W32.Imaut worm which creates folders and a registry entry to enable its automatic execution at every system startup.It also creates Autorun.inf file for its auto execution.One of its salient feature is, it speards easily into exernal USB harddrives when plugged into the infected system.
SOLUTION

First search for autorun.inf file.It would be in Read Mode normally you need to change it by right clicking the file , selecting the properties and un-check the read only option.
Now Open the file in notepad and delete everything and save it.
Change the file status to read only mode so that the virus could not get access again.
Click on Start->run and type msconfig
Search for regsvr and uncheck any options, click OK.
Now goto Control Panel -> Scheduled Tasks, and delete the At 1task which would be listed here.
Now type regedit in the Run dialog to open the registry editor.
Select on Edit -> Find and search for regsvr.exe
Delete all the occurrences of regsvr.exe
Now browse to entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon and modify the entry Shell = Explorer.exe regsvr.exe to delete the regsvr.exe from here also.
Now finally goto System 32 Folder and search for regsvr.exe. But before that uncheck Hide Protected System Files and Folders for viewing it.

Do leave your comments and any other way to approach this problem, and i will be glad to add that too with this article. Thanks for reading.

MediaFire link

: Source code of this Regsvr.exe

COMPUTER VIRUS WITH HUMAN VOICE

2011-07-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

This seems a very first virus that his been built with the Human Voice. Its BotVoice.A which prevents users from working with the computer properly, as it does not allow the files with certain extensions from being run: BAT, COM, EXE and MP3 files, among others. It disables the Task Manager and the Windows Registry Editor. It does not spread automatically by its own means.

Affected Platforms: Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

Detected On: June 28, 2007

Additionally, it disables the Task Manager and the Windows Registry Editor.

BotVoice.A does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs an attacking user’s intervention in order to reach the affected computer. The means of transmission used include, among others, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, email messages with attached files, Internet downloads, FTP, IRC channels, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks, etc.

BotVoice.A is easy to recognize, as once it is run, the following message is heard repeatedly:

You have been infected I repeat You have been infected and your system files has been deleted. Sorry. Have a Nice Day and bye bye

If you want to listen to the message that BotVoice.A is continuously repeating, click here.

PROCESS EXPLORER: FORCEFULLY QUIT UNWANTED PROCESS IN YOUR WINDOWS PC

2011-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Process Explorer is a freeware from Microsoft. It shows information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded.Helps while the virus stops access to taskbar manager and registry editor.

“The Process Explorer display consists of two sub-windows. The top window always shows a list of the currently active processes, including the names of their owning accounts, whereas the information displayed in the bottom window depends on the mode that Process Explorer is in: if it is in handle mode you’ll see the handles that the process selected in the top window has opened; if Process Explorer is in DLL mode you’ll see the DLLs and memory-mapped files that the process has loaded.Process Explorer also has a powerful search capability that will quickly show you which processes have particular handles opened or DLLs loaded.”

Source : http://technet.microsoft.com

REMOVE RECYCLE BIN FROM YOUR DESKTOP

2011-07-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

What is Windows Registry ?

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user interface and third party applications all make use of the Registry. The registry also provides a means to access counters for profiling system performance.When first introduced with Windows 3.1, the Windows registry’s primary purpose was to store configuration information for COM-based components. With the introduction of Windows 95 and Windows NT, its use was extended to tidy up the profusion of per-program INI files that had previously been used to store configuration settings for Windows programs.

Goto Run->type “regedit” without quotes
Registry

Key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\BitBucketModify/Create the Value Data Type(s) and Value Name(s) as detailed below.

Data Type: DWORD

Value Name: NukeOnDeleteSetting for Value Data: [0 = Use Recycle Bin / 1 = Permanently Delete] Exit Registry and Reboot

Another Method:
start->run->gpedit.msc-> user configuration ->desktop->remove recycle bin from desktop->double click->change it not configured to enable->apply and ok.
Now come to start->run->gpupdate.exe and press enter.
Your recycle bin icon is gone from desktop and you will need to revert your settings for get that back.
After reverting setting make sure to run gpupdate.exe command .

HOW TO HIDE HARD DISK PARTITIONS IN WINDOWS ?

2011-07-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Want to hide your hard disk partition fully in windows operating system ? There is a command available to do this task. It is “diskpart” command which needs to be used in command prompt to get the job done. This technique works only in windows operating systems.

Using this command you can hide the hard disk volumes such as C:\ ,D:\, E:\. Here is the step by step method to carry over it.

1.Type “diskpart” in run command box without quotes. (A command window will get opened)

2.Then type “list volume“. (Your hard disk partitioned volumes will be listed)

3. Now type “select volume <volume number>” – (Volume number is the numeric variable which is shown in the volume listing)

4. Type “remove letter <volume letter> – (Volume letter is the alphabetic character of the drive such as C,D,E,F…Z)

Thus your hard disk partition is hidden. If you need to resume it then follow the first three steps as usual and

in the fourth step replace “remove” with “assign“. I hope this technique helps.

HOW TO PROTECT A FOLDER? [WITHOUT TOOL]

2011-07-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

It is important to protect important folders when more than one users use the same system. There are huge number of ways for protecting folders such as

Hiding Folder
Folder Lock Tools
System Security Tools
Coding

Here we see the simple method for hiding folders using some set of bath file codes not tools. Follow the steps to do so.

Note: Batch File should be saved in folder location.

Lock Folder Code:
1. open a notepad and type the code
ren foldername foldername.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
2. save the file as lock.bat, then double click to lock the folder.

Unlock Code:

1. open a notepad and type the code

ren foldername.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} foldername

2.  save the file as key.bat, then double click to unlock the folder.

GENERATING HEXAGONAL CELL SITE WITH RANDOM USERS IN MATLAB

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

This code will generate Hexagonal Cell Site in Matlab.

I’d used this Cell generation code in one of my Projects in which I’d to perform Monte Carlo simulationwith users being generated in a hexagonal cell site

In this code, the cell radius was 1.4 units.

You can alter this. For eg. If your cell radius needs to be 1 unit then replace

1.40 by 1
2.42 (1.4 x 1.732) by 1.732 (1 x 1.732)
1.21 (1.4 x 0.866) by 0.866 (1 x 0.866)
2.10 (1.4 x 1.500) by 1.500 (1 x 1.500)

Also adjust xa, xb, ya & yb accordingly.

01% Yogesh Mhatre || IGOY.IN
02clc;
03clear all;
04%close all;
05 
06%Generating a hexagon with centre (0,0)and radius 1.4
07 
08t=linspace(0,2*pi,7);
09ahx=0+1.4*cos(t);
10bhx=0+1.4*sin(t);
11plot(ahx,bhx);
12plot(0,0,'ro');
13grid on
14hold on
15 
16% To generate 6 adjacent hexagon
17 
18a1=0+1.4*cos(t);                        % Upper hex
19b1=2.42+1.4*sin(t);
20plot(a1,b1);
21plot(0,2.42,'ko');
22 
23a2=0+1.4*cos(t);                        % Lower hex
24b2=-2.42+1.4*sin(t);
25plot(a2,b2);
26plot(0,-2.42,'ko');
27 
28a3=2.1+1.4*cos(t);                      % Right lower hex
29b3=-1.21+1.4*sin(t);
30plot(a3,b3);
31plot(2.1,-1.21,'ko');
32 
33a4=2.1+1.4*cos(t);                      % Right upper hex
34b4=1.21+1.4*sin(t);
35plot(a4,b4);
36plot(2.1,1.21,'ko');
37 
38a5=-2.1+1.4*cos(t);                     % Left upper hex
39b5=1.21+1.4*sin(t);
40plot(a5,b5);
41plot(-2.1,1.21,'ko');
42 
43a6=-2.1+1.4*cos(t);                     % Left lower hex
44b6=-1.21+1.4*sin(t);
45plot(a6,b6);
46plot(-2.1,-1.21,'ko');
47 
48    for i=1:250
49        xa=-0.75+1.5*rand(1,1);
50        ya=-1.2+2.4*rand(1,1);
51        xra(i)=xa;
52        yra(i)=ya;
53 
54        xb=-1+2*rand(1,1);
55        yb=-0.65+1.3*rand(1,1);
56        xrb(i)=xb;
57        yrb(i)=yb;
58 
59        figure(1)
60        plot(xra(i),yra(i),'k.');
61        hold on
62        plot(xrb(i),yrb(i),'k.');
63 
64   end

Best Books of C Language

2011-07-16T05:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934015253?ie=UTF8&tag=ciw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1934015253

IBM’s Next-Gen Phase Change Memory (PCM) Is 100 Times Faster Than Flash

2011-07-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology--one of the new forms of faster, smaller, and denser memory chips destined to replace flash--has been on the table for a while now. Now IBM has come up with a breakthrough making PCM data transfer “instantaneous” and 100 times faster than flash memory.

IBM scientists in Zurich came to these new breakthroughs for their PCM chips while solving two major problems with the architecture. PCMs work by using a specialized alloy that can change its physical state, between a low-resistance crystalline to a high-resistance amorphous phase, by applying voltage.

When the resistance of the chip goes up the chip can store multiple bits of data over the one bit that flash can handle. Combine this with a write latency of 10 microseconds and PCM performs 100 times better than flash.

However, changing parts of the chip into the amorphous phase creates a problem of continual resistance increases called resistance drift, which eventually leads to read errors. To combat the problem, IBM developed an advanced modulation-coding technique, or software that can pick out and correct for drift-based errors.

The technology probably won’t be in computers and smartphone for a while but the fast next-generation data-storage technology could be ready for use with servers in 2016.

[IBM via Engadget and CNET]

Repair a CD or DVD

2011-07-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Try cleaning the disc. In my experience, dirt, smudges, and fingerprints cause most of these problems.

You can buy disc-cleaning kits in all sorts of stores, but you don't really need to spend that much money. The main tool for the job is a microfiber cloth. If you wear glasses, your optometrist's office has probably already given you one. If not, you can buy one at any camera store for a few dollars.

Wipe the disc gently in straight lines from the center of the disc out. Don't wipe in a circular motion.

If that doesn't do the trick, moisten the cloth with a little distilled water. And if that doesn't work, try isopropyl alcohol. If there's any residual liquid on the disc when you're done, wipe it off with a dry corner of the cloth, then let it air dry.

Cleaning a disc won't help if it's scratched. I've tried numerous scratch-repair kits and tricks, but have yet to find anything that worked.

However, you can sometimes successfully copy the contents of a scratched disc onto your hard drive, after which you can burn another disc.. The copying will probably take longer than usual, and the new disc will have some missing information. But unlike the damaged original, it might still play.

But remember that the copy protection on commercially-made DVDs and Blu-rays, and even some CDs, will keep you from making a copy with legally-distributed software.

If nothing else works, you may have to consider getting another copy.

CD/DVD REPAIR KIT :

http://www.deltamedia.com/cd-dvd-repair-kit.html

http://www.dvdrepairtips.com/cddvd-repair.html

Repair a CD or DVD

2011-07-10T04:29:00.001-07:00

Try cleaning the disc. In my experience, dirt, smudges, and fingerprints cause most of these problems.

Wipe the disc gently in straight lines from the center of the disc out. Don't wipe in a circular motion.

Cleaning a disc won't help if it's scratched. I've tried numerous scratch-repair kits and tricks, but have yet to find anything that worked.

But remember that the copy protection on commercially-made DVDs and Blu-rays, and even some CDs, will keep you from making a copy with legally-distributed software.

If nothing else works, you may have to consider getting another copy.

CD/DVD REPAIR KIT :

http://www.deltamedia.com/cd-dvd-repair-kit.html

http://www.dvdrepairtips.com/cddvd-repair.html

How do you access internet history after deleting it?

2011-07-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

The easy and quick way to restore file and activity History is the System Restore feature. Since much history is saved into the Windows Registry, restoring it to a previous state will restore file and program History. Revert your computer back to the desired date and enjoy restored History.

If a user has used eraser track programs such as Ad-aware or Spybot, this method will not work and you will need to access the lesser known log files that Windows keeps (the "index.dat" files). Search for "index.dat" on your computer, you will need to download Super WinSpy to view them.

If a user has used advanced tools to erase usage tracks, program logs, registry history and the index.dat files such as CCleaner restore is more difficult. Try using a disk editor to directly access hard disk sector, but even this may not work if the user has chosen the "secure" delete option in CCleaner or has used programs such as BCWipe.

Source(s):
http://www.wikihow.com/Recover-Deleted-History-in-Windows
http://www.acesoft.net/winspy/
http://www.ccleaner.com
http://www.jetico.com/

Coral Player

2011-07-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

CoralPlayer is a scam. If you go to their web site (which you really have to search for to find a way to get to the page) you will find a link that says that you can "purchase" CoralPlayer for only 95 cents. But if you read the rest of the site you will find that what you are "purchasing" is a 3 day trial. After that you are charged $19.95/month. By "purchasing" it you automatically agree to be billed after 3 days and then monthly after that. It is ludicrous that you would rent a piece of software to do something so simple as play a video and the per month price is what you would expect to pay for the average video player which you then own forever. I have seen reports of some videos claiming to require CoralPlayer to play. Apparently your ordinary player can play the part that says you need CoralPlayer to play the video. What this means is that the makers of CoralPlayer have invented a market for their software. A small portion of the file will play with any player. The rest of the file is presumably in a proprietary format which they created for the sole purpose of distributing videos which you then have to pay them monthly to view. Complete scam, total waste of money.

http://www.filebuzz.com/findsoftware/Free_Coral_Player_Download/1.html

How do you speed up your computer?

2011-07-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

Do you hear a lot of disk noises while this is happening? If so, you may be very low on memory and disk space.

Right-click on My Computer and select properties. This will tell you how much RAM (memory) you have. If you don't have at least 512 for WinXP/2000, you're probably low on memory.
Open up My Computer and right-click on your C: drive. You should have many MB available (like over 50). If you don't, then your computer is probably suffering from low memory and excessing "paging" (swapping real memory to disk and back.)

You may be able to add more memory with an upgrade. But first try to take care of the disk. If you are indeed low on disk space, look for things you no longer need and delete them. Clear your temporary internet files and delete off-line content. Clean out your temp folder. Archive (write to CD or other device) files you don't need to open all the time.

Once that's done, reboot the computer and defragment the drive. (Right-click on the drive, select properties, then Tools, then defragment.)

Using registry cleaner can fix your pc and then make your pc fast,Why?the reason is that there are some regsitry errors in your PC to cause "Computer slow".
Every time you install and uninstall software on your computer and surfing online you create junk in the pc registry.You need to scan and clean your PC with registry cleaner to make it fast.Good Regisry Cleaner will improve your PC and Internet performance dramatically.It even can speed up your PC by 300% or more!
There are some comparisons and reviews of TOP 5 registry cleaners.
http://www.registry-Cleaners.info

Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

2011-07-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

-:TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA:-
Customer guide for availing the facility of Mobile Number Portability

Request for porting
I. Contact the new mobile service provider to whom you want to port your
mobile number.
II. Obtain Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) & Porting Form.
III. Read the eligibility, probable reasons for porting rejection and other
conditions carefully.
IV. If eligible, fill up the CAF and Porting Form. For filling up of porting form
you need a ‘Unique Porting Code’ (UPC)
V. To obtain UPC send SMS from the mobile number you want to port to
the number ‘1900’ with text ‘PORT’ followed by space followed by your
10 digit mobile number you want to port. [ As pre-paid SMS is not
permitted, in Jammu & Kashmir the subscriber has to dial ‘1900’ to get
an UPC, the operator at ‘1900’ provide the UPC after verifying
subscriber number with CLI. ]
VI. It may be noted that you will receive an auto generated 8 digits UPC
from the Donor operator. The first two characters of the UPC consists of
‘Alphabets’ and remaining 6 digits will be numerical characters except
zero. The UPC is valid for 15 days (30 days in case of J&K, NE &
Assam Service Areas).
VII. Submit the duly filled Porting Form and CAF along with requisite
documentary proof to the mobile service provider.
VIII. If you are a post paid subscriber, submit a paid copy of the last bill
issued along with Porting Form and CAF.
IX. Obtain new SIM card from the new service provider
X. Service provider may charge porting charge maximum upto j 19/-
You can withdraw your porting request within 24 hrs of applying.
However, the porting charge is non-refundable.

Activation of ported number:
XI. Your new mobile service provider will intimate you the date & time of
porting on your mobile phone.
XII. Change over takes place on the 7th working day (15th working day in
case of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North East service areas).
XIII. The service disruption time shall be around 2 hrs during night time of
the date/time of porting.
XIV. Replace the old SIM with the new SIM provided by your new mobile
service provider after the specified date and time.

Eligibility and Other Conditions
You are allowed to move to another mobile service provider only after 90
days of the date of activation of your mobile connection or from the date
of last porting of your mobile number, which ever is applicable.
You are allowed to change mobile service provider within the same
service area only.
If you are a postpaid subscriber, please ensure that you have paid all
the dues as per your last bill (You will have to sign an undertaking in the
Porting Form also).
If you are a Pre-paid subscriber, please note that the balance amount of
talk time, if any, at the time of porting will lapse.

Break the password of windows XP user account

2011-07-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

To make a new account with Administrative privileges....reboot the computer
when you see the black screen...tap f8 repeatedly till you see a black screen with white lettering
select with your keyboard arrows Safe Mode....then hit enter
the administrators screen should appear..click on and enter
no password is required
the go to start > control panel > users accounts...and click on make new account........from there you can make a new account with admin rights and password protect it
once done...log off
follow the instructions above and log in Normal Mode instead of Safe Mode.

Another way is...

Press CTRL+ALT+DEL at the log in screen.
The normal screen will be replaced by the old style text box.
Type 'administrator' in the top box and leave the bottom one blank.
If no password has been set then this will get you logged in as the administrator
and you'll be able to set a new password for your own account.
You can often get logged in by typing 'guest' in the top box and leaving the bottom one blank, but you'll be restricted in what you can do.

How to break a Computer Administrator password without knowing Password?

2011-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Power off the box, open the case, careful here, remove the PWD Jumper from the Motherboard, it is usually near the CMOS battery, restart the machine, should say All Passwords Cleared, power off again, replace the jumper, case, power on, hold F4,F8 or Del key, enter BIOS and put in new passwords, done.

You can create a Windows password Crack disk to reset your password. Follow this 5 easy steps:

1. Enter a computer that can link to Internet. Search " Windows Password Cracker " in Google or directly visit the site http://www.windowspasswordcracker.com . Download and install the software on that computer.
2. Run the software and create windows password crack disk by follow the instructions.
3. Eject the created CD/DVD and insert it into the locked computer.
4. Reboot the locked computer (it's necessary for you to change your locked computer's BIOS setting to make it boot from CD drive) and then follow the instructions to crack your password.
5. Now login Windows and set a new password.

Method to identify a mobile call, from where it come from?

2011-07-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

There is a specific no/code for each zone..if you know the code you can trace the location.

Viz: +91 is the code for India. This is International Number Plan (INP) maintained by ITD [For more :http://www.numberingplans.com/]. And India has also a National Number Plan (NNP) maintained by TRAI.

You also locate online the area from where it come.

http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=phonenr

http://www.internet4mobile.com/mobile_number_information.aspx

http://mobilenumberlocator.in/mobile-number-locator.php

http://www.mobilenumbertracker.com/default.aspx

There also some software which enable you to trace offline.