"...Da Vinci code, Microsoft style..."
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Digg's Page
By the way, Vista really suck, I tried it for four months and now back to XP!]]>
First, you need to know some definitions:
1. Virus, Worm, Trojan - A virus is computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user. A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or the Internet, or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. Additionally, viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer. A worm can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer. Trojan horse is a file that appears harmless until executed. Trojan horse installs malicious software while under the guise of doing something else. Trojan horses are more notorious for installing backdoor programs which allow unauthorized non permissible remote access to the victim's machine by unwanted parties - normally with malicious intentions. Unlike a computer virus, a Trojan horse does not propagate by inserting its code into other computer files. (wikipedia)
2. Spyware - computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. (wikipedia)
3. Adware - Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware. (wikipedia)
4. Rootkit - is a programs which work to subvert control of an operating system from its legitimate operators. Usually, a rootkit will obscure its installation and attempt to prevent its removal through a subversion of standard system security. Techniques used to accomplish this can include concealing running processes, files or system data from the operating system. Rootkits is used by malware to help intruders maintain access to systems while avoiding detection. Rootkits often modify parts of the operating system or install themselves as drivers or kernel modules. (wikipedia)
5. Malware - software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a portmanteau of the words "malicious" and "software". Malwares include Virus, Spyware and Rootkit. (wikipedia)
Where all this viruses and malwares coming from?
1. Toolbars - Do not install excessive additional toolbars to your browser, as they may slow down the browser or become a source of adware or spyware. One of the popular spyware toolbar is Hotbar.
2. Messenger/Chat software such as Yahoo Messenger, Live/MSN Messenger, mIRC - These softwares are not malwares by themself but very vulnerable to malwares and I have seen many cases where these messengers were hijacked by malwares and became zombies. (Uhh.. Scary..) When using this messaging applications, never click on any link sent by unknown 'friend' or user. Also never click on a link that look slightly weird or "out of place" even it is from your real friends or family member. What usually happen when you click on those links is that your computer will automatically download malwares (like virus or spyware) into your computer and make your instant messaging application a zombie that spreading the 'weird link' to your friends without your knowledge. Imaging how embarrassing to send "Hey Sexy! Look at my sexy picture at http://www.***.***/mysexypictures" to your ex or your parent.
3. CD-R/Ws, CD-Rs, USB/Pen/Thumb Drive, Floppy or any portable storage - This is usually how trojans and viruses being transferred from a computer to another computer. To prevent viruses and trojans from infecting your computer, do a "Virus Scan" on the portable storage before you open any files on the storage. How to do this? If you have anti-virus installed in your computer follow these steps. In "My Computer" right click on the storage device and click on "Scan" or "Scan with XXX Antivirus" or "Check for Viruses" or "Scan for Viruses" or anything similar. It is also a good idea to install Portable Apps ClamWin in your USB Drive and use it whenever needed.
4. Emails - NEVER open or download any attachment from unknown sender. In fact never open any email from unknown sender, and mark those email as Spam by clicking "Mark As Spam" or "Spam" or anything similar. If you are using POP/IMAP protocol to open your emails, use a less popular email client such as Mozilla Thunderbird since viruses usually target popular email client such as Microsoft Outlook.
5. Peer-to-peer softwares - Some p2p softwares are known for its notoriety as "adware agent" such as Kazaa. Stay out of this kind of software and use only software that are known "adware/spyware free" like uTorrent, Azureus and Deluge. Also, scan for virus on every file you download before opening it.
6. "Useless Crap Software" such as Bonzi Buddy, Huntbar, Hotbar and all other useless software/bloatware. NEVER install any software like this. In fact never install any software that you do not need (no matter how cute the monkey is).
7. FAKE Anti-Spyware program - Malicious programmers have released a large number of fake anti-spyware programs, and widely distributed Web banner ads now spuriously warn users that their computers have been infected with spyware, directing them to purchase programs which do not actually remove spyware — or worse, may add more spyware of their own. Known FAKE Anti-Spyware/Virus include: errorsafe (AKA system doctor), Pest Trap, SpyAxe, AntiVirus Gold, SpywareStrike, Spyware Quake, WorldAntiSpy, Spylocked, SpyShredder, SysProtect, Spy Sheriff, Spy Wiper, PAL Spyware Remover, PSGuard, Malware, WinAntiVirus Pro 2006, WinFixer, Spydawn, ContraVirus, UltimateCleaner, MagicAntiSpy, AV System Care, Registrycleanerxp.com, SecurePCcleaner, PCSecuresystem and many more. AVOID these softwares at all cost. Instead, use a known good anti-spyware such as "Microsoft's Windows Defender" and "safer-networking.org's Spybot Search & Destroy." (wikipedia)
8. Networking - Use firewall. Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Vista came with built-in firewall. Make sure you turn on the firewall on your computer. Never allow other user on your network to modified your sharing folder.
What you can do to prevent your computer from infections?
1. Install an anti virus software such as Trend Micro/PC-Cilin AV, Mc Afee AV, Norton AV and regularly update the virus definitions. There are also free antivirus available such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, ClamWin Free AV and Norton Security Scan (available with Google Pack). ClamWin Free Antivirus and Google Pack's Norton Security Scan does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware. I personally recommend you to use AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition together with free Norton Security Scan(Google Pack). Once a week, do a full scan on your computer with the anti-virus sofware.
2. Install anti-spyware software and update it regularly. Three most excellent anti-spywares are free: safer-networking.org's Spybot Search & Destroy, Microsoft's Windows Defender and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. Download, install and update it regularly. Full scan your computer weekly. It is a good idea to use two anti-spyware software if you have a fast computer. I use both Spybot Search & Destroy and Windows Defender.
3. Update your Windows regularly. The updates usually contain "security patch" to make your computer more secure. (Click on Start->Programs->Windows Update)
4. DON'T use Internet Explorer especially IE6 or below. Instead use a less popular browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera. This is because most internet related malware target Internet Explorer. If you are using Mozilla Firefox, consider using AdBlock Plus Add-on to block advertisements and also adwares.
5. Install an anti-rootkit: Free AVG Anti-Rootkit
6. STOP using Micro$oft Windows and start using Apple Mac or Linux. I prefer Linux since it is totally free. The top three linux distros that are also user friendly are Ubuntu/Kubuntu, openSuSe(by Novell), and Fedora (by RedHat). [according to Distrowatch.com]. Most of malwares are targeting Microsoft product, so if you avoid Microsoft product, there is a good chance your computer never infected by a malware forever.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_Horse_%28Computing%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware
http://distrowatch.com
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
http://www.ubuntu.com/]]>
1. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is a free web browser developed by the Mozilla Corporation and a large community of external contributors. Why I prefer Firefox? It is because of security, speed and a lot of useful plugins. I like the way Firefox differ from Internet Explorer. Until now, Firefox still remains the reigning champ in secure browsing. Another great reason for using Firefox is the advertisement filter, Adblock Plus plugin. It is a great way to get rid of those flashy ads.
2. Spybot - Search & Destroy
Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behavior to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" or changed without your knowledge, your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.
3. VLC Media Player
VLC media player is a free media player by the VideoLAN project. It is a highly portable multimedia player, encoder, and streamer supporting almost all audio and video codecs and file formats as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It is able to stream over networks and to transcode multimedia files and save them into various different formats. It is one of the most platform-independent players available, with versions for GNU, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, BeOS, BSD, Windows CE, and Solaris, and is widely used with almost 30 million downloads for version 0.8.5.
4. uTorrent
Ever wanted to download Friends, Gilmore Girls, James Bond or any movies with DVD quality for free? uTorrent is the answer. The original BitTorrent client is good for files sharing files, but the uTorrent client is a lot more better than the original BitTorrent client; It has lots of extras, such as a configurable bandwidth scheduler and global and per-torrent speed limiting. Plus, it also has small footprint (less ram and processor resource) compare to Azureus.
5. FileZilla
If you were a webmaster like me, you need FileZilla. FileZilla is a fast and reliable free FTP client and server with lots of useful features and an intuitive interface. It supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS). As of March 1, 2007, it was the 13th most popular download of all time from SourceForge.net.
6. OpenOffice
OpenOffice.org is a free software office suite available for many different operating systems including Linux, Microsoft Windows, MacOS X, Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenVMS and IRIX. It compatible with all other major office suites including Microsoft Office. OpenOffice is free to download, use, and distribute (Compare to Microsoft Office Profesional 2007 - USD 499.95). For me, OpenOffice is at least as good as Microsoft Office without the huge price tag. It also has cool feature like "Export as PDF" function.
7. ClamWin Free Antivirus
Don't have McAfee or Norton? ClamWin is the answer. ClamWin is a free, open source antivirus software for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista. It is almost similar with most antivirus softwares except it doesn't have on-access real-time scanner. However, it is possible to add this functionality by using Winpooch or similar products to call ClamAV. Firefox browser extensions are also in development, to allow automatic scanning of any retrieved file from the web.
8. Infra-Recorder
InfraRecorder is a free CD/DVD burning solution for Microsoft Windows. It offers a wide range of powerful features; all through an easy to use application interface and Windows Explorer integration. InfraRecorder offers features similar to most CD and DVD authoring software, including the creation and burning of data and audio disc images, the ability to work with rewritable and multisession discs, and the ability to extract WAV and ISO image files from discs. One can also use the LAME MP3 encoder to save Audio CD tracks. The program also provides the InfraRecorder Express, a quickly and easy panel of tasks similar of Nero Express. InfraRecorder is available in 31 languages.
9. PIXresizer
PIXresizer is a photo resizing program to easily create web and e-mail friendly versions of your images with reduced file sizes. The reduced files are saved in a different folder, so your original images are not altered at all. PIXresizer offers several different resizing methods to choose from and can automatically recognize image sizes to calculate the best fit. In addition, it can convert between image formats (JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG and TIFF), rotate images, convert to grayscale and resize multiple images in batch mode. A great companion for webmasters and digital photographers.
10. Cygwin
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If you need a UNIX/Linux environment for a programming assignment but doesn't have Linux installed, Cygwin is the answer. Cygwin is a collection of free software tools originally developed by Cygnus Solutions to allow various versions of Microsoft Windows to act similar to a Unix system. It aims mainly at porting software that runs on POSIX systems (such as Linux, BSD, and Unix systems) to run on Windows with little more than a recompilation.
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as the title says...
Apple claims their Safari is way faster than IE7 or Firefox 2.
Links:
Digg it
Official website]]>
"Ban Sony products...."]]>
Enjoy the show...
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After hours of working hard we finally successfully built this robot.
5 axes mechanical arm.
Inside: I wrote most of the robot programming.
I will post the video later.]]>
XGL-Beryl 3D Desktop]]>
http://www.msfirefox.com/ Check it out!(No, I'm not kidding.=P) ]]>
This time, for real!
Good news: On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs announced that the iPhone will first be available in June 2007 in the US, H2 2007 in Europe, and in 2008 for Asia and Australasia.
Bad news: (monopoly)Cingular Wireless(AT&T) will be the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the United States.
Another bad news: (Can't afford it!)The initial U.S. release will be offered in two configurations with two different prices, based on a 2-year phone service contract: a 4 GB model for $499, and a 8 GB model for $599.
Read the news here]]>