Scareware sites being sent through email!

Chrome Scareware site on a Linux system!

Don't try this home!

If you are not careful you could easily get infected with spyware, or worms. I on the other hand know how to fix the problem if it happens or how to prevent it in the first place. I was using a live Kubuntu CD to do my test with the link that was given to me, so I didn't have to worry to much about infections.  The URL which was given to me was "[Website]/wp-content/plugins/(random letters and numbers)".   You could easily tell that it was just spam because there was no subject or anything else but a link in the email.   I did this a number a times and I got some very interesting websites:

• http://scan27.delfasd.co.in (scareware site, See picture above)


• http://wikimedicinepatients.eu (Canadian Pharmacy) [WHOIS]


• http://systemtestnow.com  (Scareware site I think) [WHOIS]


• http://scan7.oggnot.co.in


• http://update17.oggnot.co.in

Never Run an unexpected Program!

I knew this was scareware site because it automatically sent me a file "setup_security_defender_622.exe".   I decided to check it out even more so I submitted to Jotti and you can see what they said by clicking the filename.   I also submitted it to the Virustotal to see what it said and I wasn't surprised but again, you should never run programs that your not expecting.    This is a really old scareware tactic that is still being used today and your self be taken advantage of.

Antivirus is KEY!

To prevent viruses, if your on a computer you really should consider buying an Antivirus.  There is even Antivurs for Macintosh machines, and Linux if your interested.   I don't know if you really need a Linux antivirus but I guess it wouldn't hurt to have it.   I think they are far behind Mac/Windows Antivurus programs but yet they are getting better.   You never really know what is needed in the future but you should be ready when it comes.

Which Antivirus Software do you use?

I am quite curious as to which you use when it comes to having an antivirus software.   By all means leave a comment and tell me which one you use or if you found another website that you have found, and I'll investigate it and tell others about it.

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Android users hit by scareware scam (zdnet.com)


• Android Malware, Ridiculous! (paulstechtalk.com)


• How to avoid the nasty fake antivirus scam (msnbc.msn.com)


• Microsoft kills botnet that hosted MacDefender scareware (zdnet.com)


• Fake Antivirus 'Scareware' Scams Decline (pcworld.com)


• Antivirus (google): Scareware Distributors Start Targeting Smartphone Users, Experts Warn - PCWorld (pcworld.com)

Android Malware, Ridiculous!

Image via Wikipedia

Malware for Android??

Nothing I have read from what people have said or done indicates that it is actually malicious in being installed.   Yet, Everyone keeps saying it is malware!

Software is considered to be malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, scareware, crimeware, most rootkits, and other malicious and unwanted software or program.

[Via Wikipedia]

What is with people saying Android has Malware!   I don’t understand that and I have been scratching my head when I read this.   It really burns my buttons on my computer when I read it.

Use your Head!

If you haven’t been keeping up with my blog, you will know that it isn’t really unwanted.      Most programs you download using your android device is something that is being sought out but yet it isn’t going to be truthful when it comes to something you don’t know.    I can’t understand for the life of my why they are trying to scare people into thinking that you need antivirus for Android for security.   I’ve talked about this in past post but I will say it again:

This is something I tell my friends and family when buying an Application on the Market place from anywhere there is usually a bunch of reviews of it from various users and thus will help you determine if this application is worth the money or could be a problem.

My Underware!

I’m calling anything that is unwanted and stuff you didn’t know what is being rune’d on an OS.   I call this underware due to the fact that is programs that you installed on your OS but didn’t know that it is doing something it shouldn’t.  This is something that I called it because when you say malware, it makes me think of software that is being forced to be installed and running under the radar.   You really don’t know it is running and thus that is why you call it malware, but if you install a program accepting the consequences then, it should just be called underware.

What should it be called?

I’m really not sure what else to call it but the idea of underware is UNDER the radar programs.   If you can come up with something better please let me know but I don’t want it to be called malware.

Paul Sylvester

Have you tried Glasses USA!   

Related articles

• Report: Over 3,200 Android Malware “Victims” respond to Windows Phone offer (tabletscooptoday.wordpress.com)


• Google Pulls Malware from Market; Microsoft Has Another Solution (pocketnow.com)


• Got Android malware? Microsoft wants to give you a free Windows Phone (thenextweb.com)


• Who is rooting your Android? (daniweb.com)


• Android’s growing malware problem (tech.fortune.cnn.com)


• Malicious Android Apps Grow Two-fold in Six Months (devicemag.com)

Backing up in Linux is so easy!

Why Do I need to back up in Linux?

This is something near and dear to my heart because of just how important it is to back up you important data.  I've already talked about backup before but I never really thought about back up for Linux until recently.  Let's face it when you came to Linux, you probably didn't think you would need to back but you really do.   I learned the hard way on this.   My Story so others can learn from my mistake, I have been working on a big database for to keep track of who comes in and what they usually order but I had a problem today, and thought I had backed up my database before I re-installed the Linux distro.   In reality, I didn't actually.   I wasn't happy when I found out that the Database wasn't their after I had wiped the drive and re-installed.

Are you ready for a Disaster?

I ask that because I know I wasn't ready and I know most of you are probably the same way.   You probably didn't even think about backing up in Linux.   I am not really worried about backing up the distro but to back up the important data.   I wanted to share some of them with you and so you can update yours accordingly.   So here are a few good Ubuntu/Kubuntu back programs:

• KBackup -- This is the one that I am using right now but will be looking for a way to do offline back up in the cloud. (apt-get install KBackup)


• Simple Backup Solutions -- Another one that I have found that will be playing with later on this month.  (apt-get install simplebackup)


• fwbackups -- This is one of the more easier backup programs, that can do single and scheduled backups.   This might be the one for me but only time will tell.  (apt-get install fwbackups)


• Amanda -- If your have several different clients who need to have offsite backups this would be one way to do.   Allows you to have mulitple backups to a single server.   This might be good for my clients, will have to look into this one.


• And more . . . . . .

There are even more out there but these are the ones that interest me and I thought they would interest your also.    I will look online for some cloud storage later on this week.   You should always have more than one backup plan.   I always like the Rule of 3's when it comes to backup:

1. In the Home


2. A pen drive


3. Off site

It's time to change

If you haven't already started a backup plan for your Linux machine, it is always time to change.   You probably have something you want to keep and not lose.   You could have Pictures, documents, and client information that you need later on.   So what are you waiting for?

I'm backing up Now!!

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Linux will never have a Virus, Some say! (paulstechtalk.com)


• With Linux, All you Really need is Google! (paulstechtalk.com)


• Does Linux need an Anti-Virus? (paulstechtalk.com)


• Deja Dup Makes Backup A Simple Task [Linux] (maketecheasier.com)


• How to customize your WordPress Theme : Overview! (paulstechtalk.com)

Apple Needs to Worry about Security and Virus!

Let's Face It, Mac isn't Virus Free no more!

I know I've been saying this for a few years, but In all truthfulness it is more of a fact than a few years ago.   Apple needs to change their policy on how they do commercials.   I don't say that light hearted because I actually think the commercials are really funny sometimes but that is besides the point.  They have not in the past changed their tactics because of the new malware that is going about.   Some experts are saying this malware doesn't require you to enter a password or even have you allow or deny the installation.  Although, I have no Apple computer to test this observation, it seems quite possible depending on how people have their system setup.   Thought most Mac users are not thinking about security or even the possibility of a virus because of the advertisements that Apple has put up in the past.   More and more their seems to be a growing number of viruses and malware for the Macintosh.

Security Through Obscurity is No More with Apple!

I say that know that in the past most Apple users always thought since the Operating system of the Apple was not well known that they could get away with installing unknown software or programs that Windows users would think twice on.   I honestly don't see how people would download bit torrent files thinking that they were safe on the Mac because "Apple Could never get a Virus" advertising has stuck in their minds.   Yet Apple has in the past fought this through new changes to their advertising but the fact remains anytime you think of a Macintosh, you first thought would be about it being Virus.   I know some of you probably though the first thought would be the speed and ease of the Operating, and although that is true that isn't my thought when I think of a Apple Operating System.

Don't Presume anything!

I might not be a Mac User but I don't presume anything when it comes to running a Windows or even a Linux Operating System.   That Being said when Apple finally realizes that they are no longer able to hide from the bad guys, then we will see them start fighting back.   Until then though, most Mac Users will make the mistakes they have always done because of Apple stance and the ignorance of the problem.  I have said how hackers will start targeting Apple Users and this seems to be the case even now.   If you have a Mac Machine, I suggest looking for a good Antivirus and sticking with them.   You are not longer safe not having an Antivirus software installed on your system.

Stay Safe!

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• 5 ways to stay safe from fake anti-virus malware attack on Macintosh (infoworld.com)


• My final word on the whole "Macs don't get viruses" thing (technovia.co.uk)


• Apple finally acknowledges malware; readying software fix (thestar.com)


• Do You Use a Mac? Safeguard It Against "MacDefender" Malware by Understanding the Scam and Getting the Fix! (managemypractice.com)

Why you should use Linux!

I've been using Kubuntu 11.04

Hey let's

PolyMorphic Win32:Vitro Most Viraulent Virus

This seems to be an virus that is getting some people hit hard.   I wanted to blog about this because of the nature of Virus and Trojans.   I have read reports that this might be from Online Movies, and I have to say this is one reason why you must stay away from certain online movies.  I am going to take a guess that this virus requires a special CODEC, and you downloaded it and installed it.  It Could also be the update the Adobe Flash player idea to but still results in getting the Virus.

As I said before you take a risk when you go to sites you don't trust or know anything about.   You also should know that if you need a "SPECIAL" codec, you should just go on to another site.  These sites that claim they need this special codec means only one thing they want to install something without your Knowledge.

So what is this Virus:

The Virut family of viruses uses polymorphism to hide from all anti-virus protection, it infects executable files. File infection makes it very hard to repair a system that has been infected. W32/Vitro injects code in running processes and hooks the following functions in ntdll.dll which transfers control to the virus every time any of these function calls are made.

* NtCreateFile
* NtCreateProcess
* NtCreateProcessEx
* NtOpenFile
* NtQueryInformationProcess

[via Avast Forums]

After you get this very bad Virus you are done for.  You would need to install the Operating system from backups or even start a new.   This seems to be building this week and there isn't much you can do once your infected.  I do recommend a good Anti-virus and Firewall but that wouldn't fix the problem right now.  You will need to pull your backups out and start the process.  I suggest a complete wipe and then do the Restoring the backups.  This little virus likes to infect any .EXE it can so just restoring the Windows Directory will not help.  Remember only you can prevent from getting infected.

First Impression of Windows 7 Beta!!

As of getting this beta from Windows Download server, and yet having to activate it. I'd thought I share some of my impressions of this Operating System. Although I must make sure you all know this isn't the final version of Windows 7, and it will undoubtedly go through some major changes before it is over.



As you can see I've installed this onto an Intel System 2 core system 1.6ghz and 2 gigs of ram.  I must say that this was a really smooth transition from Vista to Windows 7.   I don't think it has ever been this good with Vista.   Something that I noticed right off is that now I can have User Account Control Customized.   Yes you've heard it right some things you can do with Windows 7 is turn it all the way off(Do not Notify Me) to Always on (Always Notify Me).



With this one I can now not have it Dim all the time when It wants to warn me.  This is the best part of this UAC no longer will I get annoyed every time it warns me.   I'm liking the feature more and more.

[ad#ad2-right]So I've just installed this and wanted to see what would work and what wouldn't, so far here's what I've found to work without a hitch:

• Roboform


• AVG Free 8.0


• Cricket BroadBand Software and Card


• Mozilla FireFox

and what doesn't seem to work right now is:

• Zonealarm Free Vista Version

Later on I'll do a more complete list of items that will or will not work with this beta.  Although this is something that really surprises with most of the programs right now.  I've not had any major issue installing the software for the ones that work.  Only small hitch was for the Cricket Broad band software I had to tell it to install the driver anyway.   I am really liking this and hope they keep it the same all the way through.  I like the speed of access and the preview panes for finding what I need to find.  I also like the backgrounds they have installed as default but that is one thing that will most definitely change as they progress they will find even better ones.  Now all I have to do is get the Beta Key and I'll be set until August.

Disaster preparation 101 -- Data backup

In this one I will talk about Disaster, it happens to all of us from time to time. A fire, a earthquake, a stolen laptop or any number of ways. So what happens to your data, is it stored on the laptop? Is it important very sensitive data? Could you get fired if you lost that data?

[ad#ad2-right]These are all questions you must ask yourself when you have laptop. How do you backup your data or even do you have a backup? Having seen this with my own clients, I must wonder if there are people out there who just don't care. I had a client the other day who gotten a virus and this was a really mean virus. Deleted some very important files when you tried to clean the virus out. She called me in a panic because she couldn't load up windows? I asked if she had any backups, she said "what's a backup" . So I sat there discussing this with the client for over 20 minutes. Finally she started to understand, she said she had the OEM Backup DVD but nothing else. She also said she needed help with getting data off the computer. I told her that I would be able to come the next day and I was lucky the virus didn't do anything else to her data. We were able to retrieve the data from her system. That is where I start my rant , Why would anyone not have backup of there most important data?

So How do you backup your data? This is controversial and somewhat depends on how much people want to spend to keep there data safe and not loose pictures or music. There are several ways to do it, each way has it's pitfalls or short comings and requires a little more effort:

Kinds of Backup

Hard Medium - DVD, CD, External Hard drive

• Wikipedia's List of DVD backup Software -- This is good for beginners who want to explore how to backup options.


• Free Hard Disk Backups and Restore Software -- Gives you a list of great free backups and restore software to help you backup your system.


• GoodSync Backup --  This isn't free but helps you backup your software to an external drive and makes sure you have the most current files on your system.


• Some other Backup Software -- This is a variety of good backup software from Amazon.

Although,  The hard medium is usually used that doesn't mean you can have a backup other than hard.   Here are some ways to back up on the internet.

Internet Medium:

• Jungle Disk -- Provides online storage through the Amazon s3 service.   Only pay for what you use.   It works well with most Operating system.  I've used it on Vista so it is really nice.


• Carbonite Online backup --Another good Online storage.


• Some Other Online backup -- Here a list from Amazon to better help you find the type of software that you might need.

These are just a few options, if you want to look for other you can.  The important thing to do is BACKUP because if you need some data that gets wiped or destroyed.  You will be kicking yourself for not backing up.

What is a Virus and Why do I have one

After seeing more and more the updates coming from the net.  I wanted to talk about what a Computer Virus or Trojan is and how you get it.   So how did  you could of gotten a Virus in the first place.   So here are some information to consider:

The vulnerability of operating systems to viruses

So what does that mean to you?  Most of the times when you get a virus you have a vulnerability in some place in your Operating system and it is either something that has not be known by Microsoft, Apple, and Linux or is know as a Zero-day Exploit. [ad#ad2-right]

A zero-day (or zero-hour) attack or threat is a computer threat that tries to exploit unknown, undisclosed or patchfree computer application vulnerabilities. The term Zero Day is also used to describe unknown or Zero day viruses.

[Via Wikipedia]

This is one of the most used because if it is an unknown exploit by the Operating System creators then they have a longer to us the exploit.  Most of the time hackers like to use this because that means there is a possibility of finding even more vectors to infect other systems.  You see if they can get on one system they can then find ways to get on other systems.

In the Old days, you'd ask

How Did I Get This Virus, Anyway?

You get a virus when you copy infected files to your computer, then activate the code inside by running the infected application or opening an infected document. How you copy the infected files is irrelevant: Viruses don't care if you get them as an e-mail attachment, a download, or via a shared floppy disk, though e-mail attachments are the most prevalent (and easiest) mode of transport.

[via PcWorld] (Dated Oct 13, 2000 11:00 pm)

That was before hackers wanted to infect for more personal gains.   There is a list of things that hackers want to get when they Infect a system and it is usually very few things.   In the Old days they wanted the fame but now they want money and to take control over the internet.  They usually want to infect for Money or to have computers become botnets.  Now We aren't talking about the Movie, I Robot.   Once a system becomes a bot it doesn't think for itself but follows a line of command from the Command and Control center.  So lets say we have  several hundred bots on one net, and the hacker blacked mailed a server saying if they didn't pay up they'd get DoS attacked.  With enough bots going to one site at one time can slow or even bring down a site, that is how A hacker sometimes uses a virus or trojan to get into a system.

Viruses & Trojans try to Avoid detection

So you have a virus, it wouldn't do a virus any good to be detected right after getting onto a system.   More and more, viruses are trying to avoid being seen and heard.  Most hackers who program are wanting to infect more than one system so they have to make really sure that you don't find out your infected.    So with that said there are several ways  and I won't try to explain them because I think the link talks about it better than I could.   It however will give people something to think about.


In the next few days there will be another post on How you will be able to figure out if you have a virus.  I had to talk about this first so people could understand how to figure out if you have in the next post.  So stay tuned for more

WordPress 2.7 is available.

Having installed the latest update, I must say this new dashboard is quite good.  I love the new dashboard.  So lets take a quick look at what you can do:

Click Image to View it in full screen!!

After I installed it, this is what it was like.   I then decided to change it around to show you what it looks like now.  You have the option of changing the right row and also the windows to where you want.  Like this:

Click Image to view it full screen.

As you can see you can change so much stuff on the dashboard it is like having your own very wordpress operating system on your system.   You can customize what you want where you want.   I like this new look.   I'd thought I show you the Wordpress 2.7 Dashboard and show just how nice this looks.   I want to hear everyone  thoughts on this new dashboard do you like it or hate it?

[ad#ad2-right]My Opinion is this is so nice and easy for the blogger and people who use the Podpress, it makes it even easier and quicker.  Oh and you can now use Google Gears to speed up the dashboard so you don't have to wait for the page to load.   You can also use it offline and post it online when you get a signal.  That is  my understanding of Google Gears although I've not tested that part out.  I am almost sure you could do that with Wordpress.

Apple's Immunity, Botnet sanctuary.

But is Apple projecting a false sense of security just to save face? Many experts repeatedly warn that all operating systems are susceptible to viruses, and as the Mac becomes more popular OS X will inevitably become a bigger target for malicious attacks.

[via Pcworld]

Having said that I feel the notion that Apple is trying to keep there reputation as a virus free system. I can only hope that they stay that way. Which as much as I know, Apple will most like start to be the main source for botnets, because of the lack of security.


[ad#ad2-right]According to reports on this blog, people are worried Apple stance on it being the safest and having so much immunity to viruses. Apple in the past has stated they have mislead people with there firewall. Yet Apple takes down that suggestion of having an Anti-virus(Quietly).

[ad#digg-left]Everything I've seen suggest that virus writers and Malware writers will MOST likely start targeting the Mac OS X, they know Apple sense of security is Vulnerable to attack and they will exploit it more and more. So what does that mean for Apple, it just means that soon every hacker who has a botnet will want a piece of the Apple Pie and is right now.

[ad#ad2-left]As PC Trojans go, the programming features of RSPlug.E look fairly basic. PC malware is more highly evolved and usually cleverer. But a programmer - probably a Russian - with knowledge of OSX had taken time to create a Trojan that hits Macs instead of PCs, James pointed out.

[via Techworld]

Which looks like it has already begun. So what can Mac users do, get an Anti-virus and maybe Apple will have to start backing down from the Virus commercials and actually admit it. Sooner or later someone will have to challenge Apple to get them to start admitting to it.

How to disable autorun the easy way!!!

I read a report from Cnet about USB devices spreading Virus and I will quote:

The bad guys are intentionally developing new flavors of malware designed to propagate through USB devices," said Gunter Ollmann, chief security strategist for IBM's ISS security division. "They are today's floppy drives."

[ad#ad2-right]An infected computer can spread a virus to a clean USB thumb drive that is inserted. That USB drive will then be spreading the virus onto other computers if the operating system on those machines has an AutoRun-type feature enabled. The AutoRun function in Windows launches installers and other programs automatically when a flash drive or CD is inserted. The Mac has an equivalent function, according to Ollmann.

[Via Cnet]

In order to disable "autorun", which in Vista is called Autoplay. In order to disable Autoplay from starting when you insert media into your computer here is how you do it:

You will need to be Logged in as Administrator before this can be done:

Next click start and type "Autoplay" without quotes. It will bring up a screen but all you have to worry about is this:



You will need to make sure there  is no check mark for "Use AutoPlay for all media and Devices".   Click save and close.

[ad#ad2-left]Once that is done, you will have no more Autoruns from USB devices.  If you want to disable Autorun in XP, I'd suggest reading some of these articles for XP.

• Wikipedia - AutoRun


• How to Disable Autorun

These are just a few and are really nice to articles but there are others out there that might be more to your liking.  I suggest searching Google for them.   I hope this helps you out!!!

Fake Wordpress update 2.6.4 steals data!

[ad#ad2-left]

The hacked version of the file pluggable appears to be stealing the content of cookies on larger installations of WordPress. Sophos are now detecting this file as Troj/WPHack-A.


[Via Sopho's]

Apparently this little update is a rogue update.  According to Sopho's and Craig Murphy’s blog, it is said to steal your data and send it to another site.  This hacked version of Wordpress is coming from wordpresz.org so if you happen to stumble onto this fake update, just delete it and go on with your blogging.   Craig talked about how when he logged it this fake update popped up.  So sometimes it is safer to do some digging before you apply an update especially to your Operating system.  Thanks to Sopho's for telling people about this fake and dangerous problem.

Windows update is getting a revision!

[ad#ad2-right]According to Computer World, dated Oct 31, 2008 and I'll quote:

"Over the next couple of months, we'll be rolling out another infrastructure update to the Windows Update agent (client code)," said an unidentified Microsoft employee on the Windows Update team's official blog. "This update makes it possible for users to install more than 80 updates at the same time."

[via Computer World]

Now if your like me and have several computers who need to be updated at a given schedule, you sometimes worry about these updates that come along that might just break your system. I have been using a program call Offline Updater, which does what Autopatcher does really nicely. So why is Microsoft sending out this patch? Two reasons, one they want you to be able to update your operating System without hurting your system integrity.

Now lets talk about the integrity of having to reboot your system. You see, every time you reboot the system, it causes the system hardware some strain.  It is something like having starting up a car, sooner or later you will have the starter go out, because of to much start up.

[ad#ad2-left]Second reason for this is, basically the update software needs to be update yet again for any security flaws or features that might be exploitable.  I am sure there are some and Microsoft probably knows about that we do not.   So that is the second reason, which it is the most obvious reason yet to push out another revision of the Windows update.

What about stopping the update from effecting your system.  The only way that I know of is to prevent Windows from checking for updates.  Which is simple:

Windows XP Version:

[Category View and Classic View]


<Start> / Control Panel / Security / Click Windows Updates

For Windows Vista:

<Orb> / Control Panel/ Security Center/ Windows Update / click "change Settings"

With both ways, you will be able to control four ways to handle Windows updating and they are:

• Automatic - Will download all necessary updates and install them without your permission or knowledge.  Note some of the updates will automatically reboot your system.  Most commonly they are set to do this every day in the 12am to 4 am period of time.   So when you wake up you would see an log in screen.

[ad#ad2-right]

• Download updates but let me choice which ones to install and when -  This is most commonly used by people who don't want to bother having to check manually.  It will check and download, then it will let you know.




• Check for updates but don't Download them -  This is like the previous one but this will only tell you.  The rest of the decision is in your hands not the computer.  This is good for people who have limited system resources, like Hard drive space.  It still reminds you like the previous one but won't download any updates.




• Never check for updates -  This is used for people who don't want to be bothered with updates and have a way to update manually.  This is commonly used by businesses who have several systems on and don't want to risk an update causing trouble or weigh down the companies internet by downloading updates un-necessarily.   This option is not to be messed with because it leaves your system with quite a lot of vulnerabilities.  You do this one if you have a set schedule to update each and everyone system. (Extremely Dangerous to do)

With what I talked about, I am hoping you find this useful and to share your discoveries with other people who might want to be able to change how Windows updates are handled on other systems.  If you have comments or questions, please post them in the comment section and someone will be more than glad to help you out.

Time to Change your clocks.

Time to change those clocks of ours

[ad#ad2-right]Having been looking at one of my old clocks that would automatically change for Daylight Savings Time, I've had to keep reminding myself that it is an hour off. Starting tonight at 2 PM, it will be right. So I thought I would help people keep there computer clocks up to date by suggesting some good programs to us to keep your system having the right time.  So people know what dates are being affected according to the Greenwichmeantime they say  this:

Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time is extended one month and the schedule for the states of the United States that adopt daylight saving time will be:

2 a.m. on the Second Sunday in March
to
2 a.m. on the First Sunday of November.

So that saying goes it "Fall back, Spring Forward"  So now here are some great programs to better help you get your computer clock up to snuff:

[ad#ad2-left]

Worldtimeclock Atomic Clock Sync Program - It is a free program for you to use with your Windows.  Although you have to make sure your selected the right timezone once it is installed all you will need in an internet connection to sync your windows time with the atomic clock.

PC Atomic Sync - It is an atomic clock synchronizer with some useful features (time offset, synchronize periods, etc.). The main idea of the program is to synchronize your PC's clock in the most reliable and resource-saving way.

These programs will help keep your system from having the wrong time.   Don't forget to install the Microsoft updates(Window XP and Server 2003) to fix your operating system with the new Daylight Savings Time dates.

Some bloggers are Hyping Windows 7 operating System.

After looking around the blogosphere, I've come to the realization that people are starting to get hyped up over Windows 7.   In one blog post from it.toolbox.com:

[ad#ad2]Windows 7 is due to hit beta and release in 2009, and odds are likely that if the pundits, all of us on the blogosphere and other places like PC World, Cnet, and others all agree that this works the way a computer was supposed to work will help drive sales. What is also interesting is that Microsoft is really pushing to get this puppy out. Along with the bloat are gone the five years of development.

[Via It.Toolbox.com]

I totally agree with what he is saying on the possibility to have an operating system actually do what it is told. Some things people have been looking for in there Searches in regards to Windows Vista are:

• Vista Shutdown Problems


• User Account Control


• Vista SuperFetch


• Vista and Battery Life


• What Microsoft Doesn't want you to know!!

From what I can tell people are really having problems with Vista and Shutting down.  It always hangs for about 10 to 20 minutes.  I've come up with a few tricks to shutdown vista little more.    So let's get back to why people are so interested in Windows 7, that is easy they want to have a OS that will make them have a better experience with Vista.  I also think it was the Vista and Macintosh aids that also made people not like Vista.  Microsoft is just now starting to fight back but the Damage is done and people feel Vista is just not worth using or buying.   I tend to disagree, with the flaws of this Operating system, I've learn so much from diving in and getting my hands dirty so to speak.

[ad#ad2-1]Where is the future of Window Vista, I say the next Operating system will "Windows 7" but it will be  Vista Version 2.  It should be far better than Version 1, because of having all that time to fix the most common mistakes and programming errors.   It is likely going to create a smoother transition for people from XP to Vista V.2.   I am not going to call it Windows 7 because it is so similar to Vista and it just doesn't seem right.  What are you going to call it when it comes out?


I will leave the specualation for WIndows 7 for some others and how they will want to hype up this new operating system because people want something better than Vista.  I can not deny them, there will always be people to find flaws in any Operating System.  I do want want to be in the Windows 7 Beta just so I can test it out and keep people up to date on what might or might not be in the system when it comes out.   I think it has a lot of potential, don't you?

Taking back Program Controls : For the Beginners!

Image via Wikipedia

So, let's face it, this is one of the most annoying problems there are with programs.   Programs that you think are shut down but are actually still active in the Taskmanager.  So I figured I'd talk about some of the most common fixes for these problems.    Now as you know there can be any number of programs or glitches as they say, causing the problems.  So let's talk about the why, shall we.

Most of the time programs don't quit because they are waiting for some kind of response from the system or the System is waiting for the program to close by itself.  It could also be a problem with a Virus or Root kit?  How do you fix it?

Fixing the problem is somewhat just trial and Error.  It isn't always the hardest thing to do but sometimes people overlook the easiest solutions.   So here are some easy ones:

• Check to see if one of the Microsoft updates are causing the problem --  Sometimes you might not realize it, but having installed an update can cause problems like KB951748.  That one caused a major Headache for Zonealarm.  So it is wise to check each months updates when you start seeing problems, sometimes it could of been happening for a while but it can sometimes cause troubles.


• Do a Hijackthis scan -- Just in case it is virus this will tell you what programs might be the virus.  You will need to go Analyze the logs so go HijackThis Log Analysis Site 1 and HijackThis Log Analysis Site 2. Check the logs to see what viruses might be on your system.   Just Remember that if you delete something important to your system you will have to install the Operating System.


• Boot into Safe Mode and Clean out your Prefetch Directory -- Yes that is right, if you boot into Safe Mode and clean the cache you sometimes help fix problems.  You see most programs loaded in cache sometimes get corrupt and might cause problems.


• Uninstall any programs that you think might problem --  This one is easily overlook because most people don't realize that a program is loading up with your knowledge and might cause a variety of problems.  You can also check the Msconfig for that programs that might not need to be loaded up when you start windows.

These are just a few ways to fix the problem and I think if you do this most of your problems will go away.  There are of course other solutions depending on your system configuration.   As with any changes to your system, please talk to your computer care specialist if you have any questions.

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