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Entries in source (18)

Monday
Feb232009

And the Oscar goes to . . . Not these guys!

Sans Internet Storm is reporting on Anti-virus Scareware tactic. I'll quote from them:

[ad#ad2-right]
ISC reader Gary wrote in to let us know that searching for "oscar presenters" and "oscar winners" with Google brings up a prominently ranked result on a web server in Poland, on a subdomain of "beepl", which - surprise, surprise - includes a malicious JavaScript. The end result currently seems to reside on stabilitytracewebcom, and is yet another incarnation of the "Fake Anti-Virus Program" malware that we have covered repeatedly. Watch out, the EXE has a meager 6/39 on Virustotal.
[Via Sans]


I did my own research and it is true they are at least 3 sites with the .pl Domain that are used to send you to these fake sites. You should consider checking your system for possible viruses if you been to these sites and are worried. You should also report any site like this to Phishtank to fight this type of scare tactics. Please remember if you are worried about your system this is the best time to install software to prevent these types of scare tactics. Remember you don't always have to buy software to be safe. There are free anti-virus and Firewall solutions at your fingertips, use them well. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the latest updates from Microsoft while your at it.
Monday
Feb232009

You won't make money from W32:Sality.ao

People should be cautious of the making money because there is a variant out there trying to leverage the users into thinking they can make money.

McAfee Says "W32/Sality.ao is a parasitic virus that infects Win32 PE executable files. It infects files (*.exe and *.scr files) on the local, network and removable drives by overwriting code in the entry point of the original file and saving the overwritten code in its virus body. It then appends the virus body to the host file."

Aliases for this Virus is:



  • Virus.Win32.Sality.y (Ikarus)






  • W32/Sality.AE (Norman)



  • W32/Sality.AH (Panda)



  • W32/Sality.AK (F-Prot)



  • Win32.KUKU.a (Rising)




  • Win32/Sality.AA (VET)


These links should help people understand it it.   You can visit my Malware Resources to help remove this virus.  Something to consider before removing this is to disable your restore points.

Remember there's no easy to make money, the only real way is to work hard.  According to my research the Anti-virus companies have ways to remove this virus and as long as you update your database.
Wednesday
Jan282009

Phishing sites pop up for IRS!

Well, this just came to light with The Spywareguide blog. I've seen some activity about Where's my refund lately and I thought I tell you how to make sure you're on the right site. If you're expecting a refund check the OFFICIAL SITE. The Official Site is http://www.irs.gov and nothing else. If you want to find out about some of the most common Phishing attempts check out the Phishing advice from the IRS.

[ad#ad2-right]The Spyware Guide blog talks about sites that looks to be IRS but are actually just phishing for information.  Some of the ones they talk about are:
gicrisis.org/data/refundtax/SearchTAXERR.php

irs-2009.com/refund/refunds.html

collectrefund-irs.com/refund/refunds.html

cimaonline.ca/application/Internal/Revenue/Service/pas.php?certegy_vm=trueportlet_change_1_actionOverrideFchaseonlineFchangeFprocessDetails_windowLabel_portlet_process_pageLabel_page_process

jklabs.cz/phpayv2/admin/import/.secure/www.irs.gov/get-refund/refunds.php?Where_is_my_refund&Get_Refund

Although this list will most likely change this is just starting for people who filed there income tax. Some things to Remember are:
You can generally access information about your refund 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return, or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return

Via IRS.GOV

So if you've filed your Taxes it should be getting to you in 3 to 4 weeks although as you get closer to the March 15, 2009 Deadline it will take longer so you should consider filling early to prevent from having to wait to long for your return.  If you follow the rule that any email claiming  to be from IRS is not true and shouldn't click or install any software.  You should however tell the IRS as quickly possible about this attempt to get sensitive information.  If you want to protect your  system from virus or even think you have a virus, trojan, or Malware please check my Malware Resource for further information on removing it!!

.
Wednesday
Dec102008

Fix Shutdown Problems in Vista!

[ad]
In the Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft quietly released the patch to fix Windows Vista machine shut problems. This patch should of came sooner.

KB957388

Update for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Install this update to resolve a set of known application compatibility issues with Windows Server 2008. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

This was not a critical update and it seems to resolve so many issues with compatibility.  One thing it seemed to fix on my system has been the shutdown time.  It is now quite fast, it would normally take me 2 to 3 mins to shutdown, now it does it in less than a Minute.   So if you've not installed this update please install it soon.   I would like to know if people are seeing the same thing I am.   I've found a great resource on fixing it if you are still having problem, it talks about how to check your system performance. Although this is been doing it lately with these programs not loaded or even running, they still seem to cause problems so now I get the feeling it has to do with legacy programs.  This should fix most of the problem with older programs.
Tuesday
Dec092008

Google let your work from home with Task Lists!!

As the day go by we have all have tasks, and that means we have to keep a way to remember them.  Google decided to add that to there Google Mail.  Pcworld said it the right way:


[ad#ad2-left]If keeping Gmail open all the time just wasn't enough, Google gave us one more reason to stay glued to our computer screens. The Labs Team have released yesterday a new feature for Gmail - Tasks - basically a To-Do list manager. But besides the usual task list bonanza, the new feature can also associate emails with tasks and create multiple to-do lists.


[Via Pcworld]



[ad#ad2-right]So how do you get that to work.  Pcworld has a great resource for people to find out how to get it to work.   Just think it gives you one more reason to work from home.   Google actually did something quite nice when it comes to mail.   It can even convert email into tasks.  If you know of any good uses of this little feature leave a comment.
Tuesday
Dec092008

The Next big Wave of Layoffs is Sony. (9,000 workers)

In a report from Engadget, there seems to be more Layoffs going on.   One such one is Sony.  Here is what Engadget said:


[ad#ad2-right]


The bad news from the Japanese consumer electronics industry continues. Sony just announced plans to cut about 8,000 global jobs from its beleaguered electronics business while making unspecified reductions to its seasonal and temporary workforce. The move, as Sony explains it, comes "in response to the sudden and rapid changes in the global economic environment." Ominously, it looks like Sony will also be raising prices in the countries where "Sony makes significant sales" (read: US and Europe) if we're reading this statement correctly:


[Via Engadget]


[ad#ad2-left]In Today's economy, you need to be prepared.  So I thought I bring back some old Favorites of mine and talk about them.  To see the other layoffs that I've talked about CLICK HERE.   If you wanted to know what you can do to be prepared here are some great resources for people who are worried about there jobs:



If you have any others you would like to suggest please leave a comment and let everyone know.   These are hard economic times and we all could use the help.

Saturday
Dec062008

trojan.zlob removal tricks!!

[ad#ad2-right]
Aliases:
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qyl (Kaspersky)
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qzs (Kaspersky)
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Zlob.qzn (Kaspersky)
Trojan.Zlob.CPP (BitDefender)
Puper (McAfee)
SystemDefender (Symantec)


Trojan:Win32/Zlob.G is a component of Win32/Zlob that downloads rogue security programs, adware, and additional Win32/Zlob components.

[Via Windows Live OneCare]

[ad#ad2-left]This one just popped up today on my radar it seems to be a very low threat on everyone's radar according to my sources say "Trojan.Zlob.G is a Trojan horse that may download and execute remote files and redirect the Internet Explorer home page and search page."  So to remove this little Trojan you would want to download one an Anti-virus and firewall.   Once you install the software the program should fix the problem for you.   This one seems to be really easy to fix.   So Please read my post on how to better protect your self if you want to prevent this in the future.
Friday
Dec052008

Are you patched, Secunia Says NO

Secunia BlogThink you've got nothing to worry about, according to Secunia 98% of computers are not fully patched and are vulnerable to some kinda of attack. [ad#digg-right]So I wanted to talk about this a little and give you a few good ways to make sure you are patched.  There are several ways to get your system up to almost 100%.




[ad#ad2-left]Some things to do is make sure you have your Windows systems updated.  This is easy to make sure, if you have an internet connection you can just check for updates.  If you don't know how to do it, it is quite simple, Just go here.    If you have Windows Vista all you have to do is hit Start and type in the search box "Windows Update" and hit Enter and you will be taken to the update page.





If you have a system that is off of the Net you could use the Clone of Autopatcher Program to do it for you.   You also need to update all your secondary programs such as Audacity, Open Office, and other programs that you use weekly.




[ad#ad2-right]If you don't know what you need to update sometimes just having a program check for you can make a really good difference.   The one that I like to use is Appsnap and it actually searches you computer to see what might need to be updated.   I also suggest for the final suggestion is check out my Anti-Virus and Anit-Spyware Resources and make sure you have a firewall and anti-virus software.  This will greatly reduce your chances of getting a virus but that isn't all you have to be careful on what you click on read this article on Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!! Read that carefully to better understand how you can protect yourself in the future.
Wednesday
Dec032008

Apple's Immunity, Botnet sanctuary.

Apple Immune?  No way!
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.
Wednesday
Nov122008

A good free VPN Client -- OpenVPN & more

I've been doing some research on what might be good to use in case, I was away from my home network.  I was thinking how safe am I at Starbucks or other places that I might doing my web.  So I did a little looking around to see which one I liked and I came to the conclusions that only one I need right now is:

openvpn


The nice thing about this was the simple installation of the software and how easy it was to set it up. This service is in beta but seems to be really well done with regards to the end users. When you install this software and want to connect it uses the OpenVPN software with there configurations. OpenVPN, is a open sourced SSL VPN solution and is free to use. The way this this free is of Ad Supported banners. Now it is cheaper than paying monthly for a VPN service. The ones I've found so far are these few:




  • OpenVPN (FREE)(*advertisement)(Linux, and Windows)

  • Always VPN (Prepay) (5 GB to 80 GB limit) (Linux, Mac and Windows)*Out of Beta

  • Hotspot Shield (FREE) (*advertisement) (Windows) (3 gig Cap)

  • WiTopia (40$/ Year) (Mac, Linux, and Windows)


[ad]There is of course others out that but these are just a few that I saw that looks like the cheapest there is.  Others I've seen cost 40 to 50 dollars a month.   If you have any other ones that are free or cheap let me know.  I don't think we need to pay a lot just to have security on an open network. I'm certain that they're more out there but will keep looking for more later on. I did my initial research and will come back and find more.

*Update Feb 8, 2009*

As of recent a friend emailed me saying telling me to check the site out again and I did.  Not sure when they went out of Beta because I've not been using Always VPN lately due to my Broadband Cricket Prepay Internet.  I just checked and yes they are charging here's the break down:

  • 5GB - USD 8.50

  • 10GB - USD 15.00

  • 20GB - USD 26.00

  • 40GB - USD 33.00

  • 80GB - USD 47.00


So I must ask why they didn't just keep the 5 GB limit with the Advertising, I do not know but  I did want to let people know that it is no longer free and no longer in Beta.  I went from Always to OpenVPN which still works despite the fact they are using Always VPN back client.   It's open source so it will probably change to something else sooner or later.   If you see it changes let me know, I will update more when I find out more!!
Sunday
Nov092008

Rumor: GE to be the next to layoff its workers!!

GE to Layoff 11,000 Workers!! GE to Layoff it workers!

According to sources of friends close to me, their seems to be a consensus that there will be a major layoff coming from GE. My source is talking about it being a lot of people will be laid off and that it will start happening in the coming weeks.

According to Yahoo Finance saying this "52 week change of GE is -50.86% from last year. "

[ad#ad2-right-1]Now last year this time there Stock Price was 38.38 a Share and now they are 18.60 a share.  They dropped -19.78 over the year.   The seemed to get close to the 38.38 a share on April 4, 2008 with making  37.56 a share.  That was there highest this year, due to the fact that people were getting there income tax refunds in the mail.    Also NYSE says they had a slight increase in July and Aug, that is due to the Stimulus package that we got in 2008.



Now I'm not a financial expert in the least.  I just see what I see with stock prices.  These could mean they are doing extremely well, or they could indicate that the company is planning on laying people off.  I'm just trying to provide a background on why they might lay people off.  We are getting to he point of becoming a Depression and no longer a Recession.  What do you think?
Friday
Nov072008

Circuit City to layoff employees and might close several stores!

[ad#ad2-left]
Some sources are say this:
The newspaper cited one of the affected workers, who indicated that between 500 and 800 employees would be let go. The layoffs reportedly began yesterday with the departure of several “upper management” executives, the source said.


[via Twice]

Now I know people hate when I blog about this because it is so depressing but I do like to let people know about this stuff so you can know what to expect in the coming future. This is all due to the economy and the recession that is on our doorsteps. If you would like to find out what other companies are laying off that I know about just click this [LINK] and it will show you all the other blog posts that I talked about that have or are laying people off.  I keep telling people to keep there resume's ready for just this type of outcome.
Sunday
Nov022008

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.
Saturday
Nov012008

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.

Friday
Oct312008

IBM think Apple is Anti-Competitive!

[ad#ad2-left]In an uprecedented lawsuit, Apple is being sued by IBM due to the fact they have signed an agree with PowerPC chip maker.    According to Engadget:



IBM has filed lawsuits both against Apple in California (a state traditionally indifferent to non-competes) and against Papermaster, PA SEMI is the name of the aquired company, in New York.

[Via Endadget]

Noting Apple's saying "PA Semi have been competitors since 2006" meaning that they have the right to look for other sources of income.   I have the feeling this will not end anytime soon.  Some analysts are predicting that there will not make any difference either way.   I am wondering why they did this in the first The[ad#ad2-right]place.   Are they wanting to fight Apple?  Are they going to be able to do anything about it?  These are all just questions that I would like to see resolved in the next few weeks.

IBM is sueing because of an Non-compete clause.  clause stems from Mark Papermaster quiting IBM and joinin apple.  They claim that he can't be a competitor to IBM for at least a year.  Most companies in California don't bother with that clause because they don't care about the clause.  Apple is saying this is bogus and notes that the lawsuit might not make it all the way to through th system.  So now only time will tell.
Tuesday
Oct282008

Did you Recieve a Check from Shadow Shopper? (Scam)

I just got done checking my sources and here what I know and I will quote:
Will ShadowShopper.com ever send a job to me via regular mail?
Never. We will always contact you via email. If you do receive a letter in the mail claiming to be from ShadowShopper (with a realistic looking logo) and asking you to mystery shop by cashing a large check THROW THAT OFFER AWAY. It is a Nigerian check scam ring pretending to be Shadowshopper. The scam is run out of Canada and the UK, and the check will bounce. Remember, ShadowShopper provides you with hundreds of job opportunities, and for your protection, we do it only via email and our website.


[via Common Questions]

It is a Scam to send you money Via the postal mail and that is why you must not believe what you get in the mail. This is in response to someone telling me they got a check with a different name but for the same reason to cash the check and send money to them.

[ad]



If anyone has any information they would like to add about this by all means talk about it in the comments. I want to hear where the check cam from or who sent it. You should also check out my other article about Nationwide Marketing that is also a Scam.
Friday
Oct242008

Oprah Recommends the Kindle!

Today in Chicago, and on TV screens across the USA, Oprah Winfrey is going to recommend her new "favorite gadget," which is Amazon's Kindle ebook reader. A brief video has appeared on Amazon's website to plug the show -- as spotted by Chris Nuttall at the Financial Times -- which will also feature a guest appearance by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. (Not his first, by the way.)

[via Guardian.co.uk]


[ad]


I this recent turn of events I thought I recommend some great Kindle Reviews and let you decide if it is worth your money.  So Here are some fantastic Sources to help you decide for yourself:


[ad]




These are just a few that I could find to better help you make choices on if you would like to buy a Kindle.  I hope this better helps you decide if it is worth.
Wednesday
Sep032008

Fixing the Adobe Problem!!

If your have been having problems with Flash Players stoping after 2 seconds of playing.  I have a few ideas to try to get rid of the problem.  It used to happen all the time with Vista in the early days.  Here's what I did to occasionally get the flash player to work:

[ad]


  • Cleaning out the Prefetch Directory! -- Having seen this from time to time. If you have programs startup that might need to be refreshed this will refresh them so that they run like new. You occasionally can get programs that will load in a odd way and this will fix that also.






  • You want to be more anonymous? -- Cleaning out your cache on your browser can sometimes fix the problem. It's like anything else it can sometimes be corrupted.






  • Some Important programs to prevent yourself from having viruses and Malware!! -- Having seen this with my own two eyes, if you have a viruses or malware on your system that too can cause problems with playback of flash media.  So just double check making sure you don't have any viruses.




  • Adobe Flash tips and Tricks! -- Also having found this out.  Adobe actually keeps the flash video on there servers cached or sometimes somewhat buffered to help with playback.  Clean the cache out at the source sometimes fixes the problem also.




[ad]

Now having used some of these tricks to get flash players to run has on occasion worked for some strange reason or another.  Although I don't know if this will fix the 2 second playing video problem I get the feeling it should since in theory it has everything to do with cache and corruptions of the files. If you can come up with some other tips or tricks to fix the problem let me know!!