MTCI Computer Services-El Paso

Windows 7 no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall

2011-08-11T20:22:00.002-06:00

An interesting walk through in re-installing Windows 7 without losing any user accounts, data, installed programs,or system drivers. This one was written by Fred Langa of windowssecrets.com.

Win7's no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall

How-to-Geek site

2011-07-27T10:12:00.006-06:00

I've learned a great deal from an excellent resources called How-to Geek. Tons of information, laid out with excellent organization. Highly recommended!

Microsoft Safety Scanner

2011-04-28T14:09:00.007-06:00

Looks like Microsoft did sneak a new on demand anti-malware scanner past us. Most would have been unaware of the new application if not for keeping up with various IT newletters, blogs and web sites, such as I do on a daily basis. This small application is downloaded as an .exe file and instead of being installed onto your Windows enironment, it is just ran directly from the .exe file to start the scanning process. One of the downsides to the program is that you have to re-download the file again, after ten days, to include the latest definitions for the program. If your willing to live with the small inconvienence, it looks like a good additional on-demand malware scanner, in additional to you main persistant anti-malware program. Just don't depend on this one alone as your main anti-malware program for your Windows OS environment.

Microsoft Safety Scanner download

32 bit vs 64 bit

2011-03-24T09:40:00.004-06:00

A good overview of 32 bit vs 64 bit systems

32 bit vs 64 bit

Increase in Rougeware infections

2011-03-01T08:59:00.004-07:00

I've recently noticed an increase in Rougeware infections. Within the last week I've assisted in two cases of similar description. Rougeware come in various names (Internet Security Essentials, IE Antivirus, AV Security Suite....etc) but they all seem to behave similarly. The most obvious symptom are the prompts and pop ups that one would get indicating a severe virus infection has been found, and the only way to remove this is to purchase the indicated "rouge" anti-virus program.

The other obvious sign is browser hijacking and rerouting when doing a search within your browser(Internet Explorer seems to be especially vulnerable.)

Two ways in attempting to clean Rougeware would be to use two scanning applications that I've found to be successful most of the time.

Malwarebytes-This one will take at least 1 hour or more, depending on the size of your Hard Drive and will usually clear all signs of noticeable Rougeware/Malware. The free version doesn't offer a background, continuous stay resident scanning option, but for temporary use, this one works well.

Superantispyware-This one will work very similar to Malwarebytes and is a good second choice for removal of Rougeware/Malware. Once again the free version only offers manual scanning and will not run in the background as most anti-virus programs will.

These two are usually a good first step in attempting to remove annoying Rougeware and Malware from a personal PC running Windows OS.

When these applications fail, it may be time to try to manually remove, which usually involves modifying the registry and can prove to be time consuming and a bit complex. If one wishes to be totally certain that they have fully removed all signs of Rougeware/Malware or Viruses, a full Format and Reinstall of the systems OS(Operating System) made be in order.

Pingtest.net

2011-03-01T08:47:00.003-07:00

I quick and reliable way to test out your personal broadband connection is by using Pingtest.net

Pingtest will connect to the closest available server to administer the test and then quickly give the result on the quality of your boadband connection.

Cutting Cable TV out?

2011-01-10T10:10:00.007-07:00

I recently learned about some options as alternatives to traditional cable television. Sometimes I'm not sure if paying $80-$90 extra a month for a large number of unused channels is justified. It really is nice having the optional channels to watch if ever needed, but I usually don't.

The cost savings over time are attracitve, compared to paying the monthly cable television fees, so I am still debating to see if some of these options whould be best for me and my family.

This article by Jason D. O'Grady & David Morgenstern on ZDNet, explains some of the better options currently out there.

Looks like Apple TV, Rok XDS and Boxee Box may be the better options currently.

Three reasons to dump your cable proider: Boxee, Roku, Apple TV

Best A+ Certification study guide so far

2011-01-05T12:30:00.006-07:00

I have to recommend CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Exam Cram (5th Edition) by David L. Prowse for anyone wanting a study guide for the A+ exam. It can certainly be used by those with little or no exprience, as well as those with years of IT exprience wishing to refresh what is required to pass the latest CompTIA A+ exam.

CompTIA A+ 220-701 220-702 Exam Cram (5th Edition)

DD-WRT firmware for home routers

2010-05-12T10:04:00.004-06:00

Most routers come with firmware that should usually meet the needs of the basic home user. If your looking for something more versital, flexible and more powerful...all for free, then DD-WRT may be your answer. There are a large number of routers that are currently supported.

DD-WRT

Netstumbler

2010-01-31T09:51:00.003-07:00

One of the most flexible and user friendly tools out there for interfacing with wireless networks has got to be Netstumbler. With this free application you can not only manage and connect to local wirleless networks, you can also see the technical specifications of each one. This is certainly much more than what you would get with the native Windows Wi-Fi manager.

Netstumbler

File-Extensions.org

2010-01-15T08:09:00.004-07:00

If there was a time when you have looked at a file extention and had no idea what type of file it is or what type of application to associate it with, then the listings at File-Extensions.org would be a great first step in solving your confusion. A great directory of file extensions and associated applications.

Mozilla Thunderbird 3 Email Client

2010-01-12T09:55:00.004-07:00

I've been using Mozilla Thunderbird 3.0 for the last month or so and have been impressed with it's function and orginazation. It is slightly different in the way it organizes and displays email compared to ealier versions of Thunderbird. One major differrence is the way that it can display all emails from all your connected email accounts in one universal inbox, of course you can always select individual inboxes from your individual email accounts, so there is great flexability in interaction and display within the program. Highly recomeneed with great plug-ins that can be added. You can access POP3, IMAP and most HTTP(Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, etc...) based email once configued correctly along with the correct plug-in's added, well worth the time!

Mozilla Thunderbird 3.0

Google Public DNS servers

2009-12-08T10:39:00.003-07:00

I was a bit suprised to see that Google now offers it's own set of DNS servers for use as an alternative to your traditional DNS ISP based servers. Then again I'm not surpried, since this is only a natual progression in Google's business model and influence. The nice thing about Google DNS is the easy to remember ip addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Some fear a loss of privacy if one would use Google's DNS servers. I'm not sure if I'm ready to switch over at the moment, since I'm currently using OpenDNS as my primary and secondary DNS servers, which have been excellent. Time will tell if it would be beneficial to witch over to Google for DNS.

Google DNS

and of course let's not forget:

OpenDNS

IP2Location

2009-11-30T10:32:00.004-07:00

I was recently reading an article by Rick Vanover from Techrepublic.com on resolving the physical location from an IP address. Nice and useful tool when needed. This of course would not give you the exact location, but basically the relative location based on Country, State, City and ISP.

IP2Location

IP2 for LAN and WAN IP's

2009-11-30T10:25:00.002-07:00

This is small utility used for finding one's Internal and External IP in one application. No install needed, just execute after unzipping. Yeah, I know you can also log onto your router to get the same info....but I found this a little bit faster and lazier!

IP2

Thanks to http://www.ezlan.net/ip_mac.html for the link!

iCalc Bandwidth Calculater

2009-11-21T17:47:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered how many Mega Bytes per Second your download serial bandwidth stream is when rated at 12.53 Mega Bits per second? Very easy conversion can be done quickly with multiple results with this helpful tool!

iCal IBeast Bandwidth Calculator

Google Chrome OS

2009-11-20T12:03:00.002-07:00

Looks like another innovative and unique application was unveiled today by Google. Google Chrome OS would most likely be coming out, pre-installed on some netbooks sometime during the 2010 holiday season. The Operating System will be relying on an internet connection continuously to access applications and data online. It seems that there may be a good size group of users who might get by using Chrome OS for day to day function. Can't wait to see how this one turns out in the years to come. I've been a fan of Google for about 3 years now, and they continue to surprise and bring innovation.

Chrome OS

My current Free Anti-Virus Software: Microsoft Security Essentials

2009-11-09T15:45:00.008-07:00

I recently moved to Microsoft Security Essentials from Avira for my personal choice for Free based Anti-Virus software. The main issue I had with Avira was the random pop-up's I would get random times that would interfere with some important activities, mainly my Lord of the Rings Online time......during those pop-ups, my game would see a noticable slow down, so I thought it was time to move on from Avira. Other than that small issue, Avira has proved to be good Free based Anti-Virus choice in the past.

It's been about 1 week so far with Microsoft Security Essentials, and it certainly looks I will be keeping this install and letting it continue to run in the background. No unwanted pop-up's or any other type of interferece besides the required memory resources needed to run in the background. So far so good with this one from Microsoft. Definetly a great addition to the line up of available Free Anti-Virus software for Windows based systems.

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Windows 7

2009-10-31T11:29:00.002-06:00

I've been hearing mostly positive comments on Windows 7. Although I have yet to exprience the interface personally, It does look promising in a number of ways. Currently I'm sticking with Windows XP Pro on my main system and Linux Ubuntu 9.10 on my secondary system. I surely will not be paying $200-$300 for the Windows 7 upgrade since I see no need at this time. I recently read a good article on someone's exprience in upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7, which explains some of the pros and yes, cons, of Microsoft's new OS.

http://www.gcn.com/Articles/2009/10/26/GCN-Lab-Review-Windows-7-Vista-by-another-name.aspx?Page=1

Mozy Online Backup

2009-08-26T08:31:00.006-06:00

I've been using Mozy Online Backup for the last year so far and have been satisfied with it's easy to use and configure interface. I'm currently using the 2GB free service they offer and have had only one minor issue so far.

I recently had to do an online restore for files I had backed up and ran into one problem. Mozy encrypts your data for security when it is saved on their backup servers. Any data you retrieve for restoration, is still in it's encrypted format.

There is a Decryption utility that needs to be used before decrypting any data for use. I noticed that their decrypting utility was a dead link on their site, so I had to email support to retrieve it.

The link for the decryption utility is:

http://www.mozypro.com/downloads/mozyprocryptoutil.exe

Apparently the link is broken on the "free" Mozy side of the web site........hopefully this will be fixed shortly.

Other than this minor issue, Mozy seems to be good choice for free Online backup.

10 reasons Linux should be your netbook operating system!

2009-08-17T12:01:00.003-06:00

I recently Read a good article by Jack Wallen on Techrepulic.com in regards to why Linux could be a better choice than Windows when using a netbook. Most netbook users would use a netbook for basic internet browsing along with email and basic productivity. All of this can be done with most Linux Distrobutions....and for free :o)

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=945&tag=nl.e102

Diamond Thermal Grease

2009-08-04T10:43:00.002-06:00

This was an interesting endevor I read about, in which diamond dust was mixed with thermal grease to create a diamond based thermal compound. Most thermal grease compounds contain silver suspended in silicone. This idea takes the use of diamonds which has a higher thermal conductivity compared to silver. The exprienenet apparently resulted in almost doubled effectiveness in keeping temparatures down.

http://inventgeek.com/Projects/DiamondGrease/Page1.aspx

Ubuntu 9.04(Jaunty Jackalope)

2009-07-25T10:30:00.003-06:00

I recently installed Linux Ubuntu 9.04 on a modest 478b socket Pentium 4/512mb RAM Motherboard with out any trouble. The install went amazinly smooth and quick that I was up and runing with Wirless Internet access to my routher with a Belkin Wirless G adapter(F5D7050) in less than 30 minuets. Looks like a great alternative for most uses.

http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download

Best Operating System for Netbooks

2009-02-23T12:30:00.005-07:00

I was not too suprised to hear the results from CRN.com ,in regards to the best OS for the popular netbook, using the Intel's Atom Processor. If your not going to use a lightweight Linux version, than Windows XP would be your best bet. Upcoming Windows 7, which took 2nd, looks like it may be the Windows XP replacment Microsoft has been hoping for.

Best OS for Netbooks

Linux Ubuntu 8.10

2009-01-07T08:11:00.003-07:00

I recently installed Linux Ubuntu 8.10 on a second hard drive I had on the side and decided to dual-boot Ubuntu with my already installed Windows XP Pro OS. What I've seen so far of Linux Ubuntu has been quite impressive and It may make me consider leaving Windows XP Pro behind, excpet when needed for certain games and such. I see much more flexibility and performace with Ubuntu. This Linus Distrobution has been tailored toward those users who are new to Linux. Although there is still a bit of learning in this new environment, I see as an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to the Microsoft Windows environment.

www.Ubuntu.com

WPA Encryption Cracked

2009-01-04T11:46:00.002-07:00

Just when you thought WPA encryption would be a sold choice for Wireless Wi-Fi Security, it becomes breachable. It looks like a couple of security analysts have currently partially cracked WPA encryption. They were able to intercept data from the Wi-Fi Access Point going to the client system after breaking WPA with TKIP(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol)combined encryption. WPA(Wi-Fi Protected Access) is an update to the very insecure WEP(Wired Equivalent Privacy) standard. Although at this time there are no know successful attacks against WPA, it does show that it would be possible to partially crack WPA to intercept data from an coming from an Wi-Fi access point.

Researchers Crack WPA Encryption

Migrating to a bigger Hard Drive

2008-12-28T13:04:00.004-07:00

I had to finally migrate to a bigger Hard Drive yesterday due to my Lord of the Rings Online Install growing to over 11GB. I was currently on a 40GB PATA HD and was approaching my limit after the install of LOTR Online. I had an 80GB PATA HD on hand that I was using to image my Windows XP 40GB HD.

I imaged my 40GB HD with Acronis True Image 8.0(older version) onto a networked folder on my other system(Mercury), which took about 2 hours(cheap router). I then Used Acronis True Image 8.0 to restore the image onto the 80GB Hard Drive.

It installed in about 2 hours or so and was I left with a 40GB active, bootable partition and a 40GB unallocated partition. I then created a new NTFS partition on the unallocated portion and expanded the active partition to merge with the new, blank one.

In the end I was left with a bigger 80GB NTFS, active and bootable Windows XP partition.

I realize there are probably much easier ways of doing this with various applications....but this is what I had available.

Virtual Box by Sun Microsystems

2008-12-15T10:18:00.004-07:00

I've recently been using Sun Vm Virtual Box to run various smaller Linux distrobutions on top of my Windows XP Pro install. I realize that there are other similar programs out there with many more features available, but I've been impressed with Virtual Boxes' simplicity and functionality. So far, no problems and it does what it was developed to do! Oh yeah it's also free!

http://www.virtualbox.org/

Bye Adobe Reader.....Hello Foxit Reader

2008-11-29T20:47:00.002-07:00

I really have enjoyed the switch over from Adobe Reader to Foxit Reader for viewing PDF files. Adobe Reader has become more bloated over the years, so I was looking for a simple, light and quick way to open and view PDF files. The answer so far has been Foxit Reader.

Foxit Reader Download

Google Chrome

2008-09-12T18:53:00.001-06:00

I've been hearing a great amount of comments and information about Google's new Browser, which is currently in Beta, Google Chrome. I downloaded and tested the new Browser and was impressed with the Beta version so far, although I don't think I'm going to abandon my beloved Mozilla Firefox 3.0 Browser just yet!

Google Chrome announcement

Linux ZenWalk 5.2

2008-08-21T18:21:00.000-06:00

Recently, I've been improving my Linux knowledge and skills with Linux ZenWalk 5.2
The main reason why I like ZenWalk is use use of the XFCE Desktop Environment. XFCE is a faster and lighter version of your typical KDE and Gnome Desktop Environment. It really is a good choice for lower end systems. At this time I am currently using a 400MHz Celeron PC with ZenWalk, and is running well. I beleive it is a good choice for Linux newbies. There are a lot of unused and obsolete systems out there, so this Linux distrabution may be a good choice to bring some of those back to life.

Linux ZenWalk

XFCE Desktop Environment

Asus Eee 901 PC

2008-07-29T17:20:00.002-06:00

Would love get my hands on the Asus Eee 901 Mini Laptop. I realize that in regards to performance and storage space, it seems to be lacking a bit, but when you combine the size, weight, features and price($399) the Eee 901 is must have! I would basically use it for Technical work, troubleshooting issues and education. I would probably go with the Linux Xandros version. I hope to be able to get one of the these very soon...............i'll keep wanting until then.

ASUS Eee 901 Preview

Windows Server 2008 as a Workstation????

2008-07-19T16:21:00.002-06:00

I recently read information about the possibility of customizing the highly regarded MS Windows Server 2008 to function as a Workstation. I guess if you really hate Vista and had the income to purchase Server 2008 ($999.99), looks like you could have the option of running Server 2008 as a workstation. There seems to be a debate whether this is something worth doing or not. Server 2008 and Vista do share the same Kernel, so there should not be too much of a difference between the two in performance......but I could be wrong!

The myth of Windows "Workstation" 2008-Adrian Kingsley Hughes

Convert your Windows Server 2008 to a Workstation!

Vista is not so......bad

2008-07-11T09:53:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was the first day that I had a chance to play with Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 for an extended time, and I have to say that the more I started to use it, the more I was beginning to like it. Now bear in mind that I did remove much of the excess baggage that comes reconfigured, such as the side bar, security prompts and reducing start up programs. You can basically get Vista to run pretty close to good old Windows XP and still the get the extras from Vista. Here are some links to point you in the right direction:

Removing Annoying Security Prompts in Windows Vista
How to make Vista Fly

TightVNC for LAN's

2008-06-26T15:41:00.004-06:00

I've been using TightVNC for awhile now and have really appreciated the accessibility and convenience imparted by the application when used in a Local Area Network. Call me lazy, but I love the ability to access one of my other computer systems in another part of my home without actually getting up and going there. Best of all it's free. Compatiable with Widndows, Linux or any Unix like OS's.

www.tightvnc.com

Mozilla Firefox 3 is here!

2008-06-20T11:33:00.002-06:00

June 17th made the long awaited Mozilla Firefox 3 available for download. I've been using Firefox 3 for a few days now, and really have noticed improvement in overall performance. The only issue I've found so far, is that some of the add-ons from Firefox 2 are not compatible with Firefox 3. I can live with that. So far I'm please with the new release. Look forward to the continued development of Firefox. I have almost totally eliminated my use of Internet Explorer for Mozilla Firefox, I recommend you do the same.

Introducing.........The Macintosh

2008-06-17T20:57:00.001-06:00

I remember this one fondly, although I didn't own one back in 1984, I did have a chance to use it many times during the 80's and early 90's. It was one of the best systems during that time. Here's Steve Jobs introducing.......The Macintosh.

Steve Jobs demos Apple Macintosh, 1984

Interesting Article from Wired

2008-06-13T23:39:00.001-06:00

Just a change of pace for the moment. I read an interesting article today about how religion, specifically Christianity, could be affected by the discovery of Extraterrestrial Life.

http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2008/06/alien_religion?currentPage=all

I always wondered how this would effect peoples life's, especially those stuck with a one track, closed personal belief system.

Asus Eee Box

2008-06-07T13:50:00.001-06:00

I recently came across information about the new Asus Eee Box computer system. It looks impressive to me due to the fact that it has such a small "footprint" but seems to be able to deliver good performance. The new box carries the new Atom processor from Intel. The Atom was made for low powered and newer hardware systems and devices. Looks like a nice system to play around with.

Asus Eee Box

Can Windows Vista play nice?

2008-05-21T17:21:00.001-06:00

Currently I'm still using Windows XP Pro SP3 on my personal PC, and it has meet all my needs, both for entertainment and productivity. Windows Vista is slowly taking over, and eventually it will be the only Microsoft Operating System choice along with whatever Microsoft's next Operating System is to be. So far my personal use of Vista has been a bit frustrating in various ways. To ease the pain, I recently read an article by briard from Techsupportalert.com
It looks like there is a way to "lighten" Windows Vista, so it performs a little closer to XP. It may take a little work, but I think it's worth it.

How to Make Windows Vista Run Faster

Windows XP Service Pack 3

2008-04-29T12:15:00.001-06:00

Well looks like Windows XP Service Pack 3 is finally out. You can actually download the service pack manually if you like now. This is the official release and not a beta or release candidate. Service Pack 3 will eventually be part of automatic updates, so if you don't care to get it now, you will eventually....unless you turned off automatic updates. I still have to update my systems as of today! Thanks to Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for the link on the his article at zdnet.

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Best Multi-Network Instant Messaging Client for Windows???

2008-04-24T13:05:00.001-06:00

I recently discoverd Digsby, a fairly new IM client that combines AIM, MSN,
Yahoo, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MySpace IM, Facebook and Twitter. The only
networks missing are Gadu-Gadu and IRC. So far it is my favorite IM client, it
has replaced Trillian, Pidgin and Miranda for the moment. I'm strangely attracted
to it........

Digsby

Digsby

Atari 2600 video console.....I remember those days!

2008-04-22T14:12:00.001-06:00

I hope you have as many fond memories as I had, if you ever owned an Atari 2600. This was the first Video Game Console I owned and it was a great system, great because you didn't have too many choices when it came to home based video games at the time. It was about 1982 when I first got mine. I never had a chance to "crack it open", but heres whats inside if you ever wanted to know.

Cracking open the Atari 2600

Atari 2600

Is Remote Data Backup worth the cost?

2008-04-21T11:20:00.001-06:00

I read an article from Tim Malone of TechRepublic about whether Remote Data Backup is worth the cost. I myself have no need at this time for this type of service, due to my fairly small daily data usage and storage needs. I currently use Acronis True Image to image my hard drive as much as possible(Maybe once a week), along with backing up important individual files and settings(Firefox/Thunderbird) on a separate Hard Drive. Remote Data Backup may be a benefit for medium to large enterprises, but is the cost worth it?

Pros and cons of remote data backup service

A Brief History of Personal Computers

2008-04-16T21:30:00.001-06:00

I just read a great article on the History of Personal Computers. For me it brought back a lot of pleasant memories. I also gained knowledge of things I was unaware of. Ian "Gizmo" Richards of Techsupportalert.com referred me to this great, informative article written by briard. I've enjoyed many of his entertaining and engaging articles. Please read!

A Brief History of Personal Computers

CrossLoop for Remote Support

2008-04-11T09:32:00.001-06:00

CrossLoop is another free Remote Support client for connecting to another Personal Computer and resolve software problems. The nice bonus with CrossLoop is now you can create a free account and track all your Remote Support Sessions. This is a great way to build up your credentials and experience online. I've already started using the service and it looks like it will be a benefit as time goes on.

CrossLoop

Favorite Multi-Network Instant Messaging Client for now!

2008-04-09T20:47:00.000-06:00

I recently discoverd Digsby, a fairly new IM client that combines AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MySpace IM, Facebook and Twitter. The only networks missing are Gadu-Gadu and IRC. So far it is my favorite IM client, it has replaced Trillian, Pidgin and Miranda for the moment. I'm strangly attracted to it........

Digsby

Windows Home Server

2008-03-14T20:02:00.001-06:00

I read an interesting article today by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes about Windows Home Server. Windows Home Server is Microsoft's attempt at getting everyday, home users to start using a server for everyday, personal use. So far it looks as if it hasn't been well received. There seems to be issues with the Operating System that could prove fatal for data in certain circumstances.

Microsoft's biggest lemon-Windows Home Server

Is Hiding the SSID on a secure wireless network a good idea?

2008-03-12T09:46:00.001-06:00

I just read a very interesting article on ZDNet by George Ou, about whether or not hiding the SSID on a secure network, improves security. According to the article, suppressing or hiding the SSID on an access point or router, actually leaves you vulnerable to hacking attempts. It surprised me, so take a look.

PCI Security standard endangers wireless LANs

Lord of the Rings Online

2008-03-10T17:50:00.001-06:00

I've been playing Lord of the Rings Online for over a month now, and the best way to describe the game is, "Excellent, Beautiful and Engaging". This is huge MMORPG that has been active for more than a year now. This is my first MMORPG that I've played, so I can't really compare it to any others. What I have seen already has left me extremely happy with the purchase. Actually my wife purchased it for me and I was unsure if it was worth it at first. Without a doubt, it is. You do have to pay for a monthly membership, about 14-15 dollars a month to play online, but it is worth it.

Lord of the Rings Online

Secunia keeps you up to date.

2008-02-20T18:22:00.001-07:00

I'm currently using a program called Secunia PSI. It's a program that scans your currently installed programs for any vulnerabilities, security holes, old versions and patches available. The interface is really user friendly and the information provided for any updates needed is very thorough.

Secunia-Stay Secure

IMAP Gmail for Windows Mobile Users

2008-02-04T08:49:00.001-07:00

Looks like another good reason to switch over to Gmail, if you haven't already. Google has resolved the issue that were preventing users of Windows Mobile from accessing their Gmail accounts via the IMAP protocol. I love IMAP because of the live synchronization with your device and Gmails email server. I now use Gmail IMAP access with Mozilla Thunderbird Client on my Desktop, and love it!

Instruction on how to set up IMAP Gmail with Windows Mobile

OLPC Laptop Program

2008-01-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

I've been keeping up with the One Laptop Per Child Program and it has been exciting to see the developments from this humanitarian vision. The purpose of this organization is give as many laptops to as many children from 3rd World and disadvantaged countries for educational purposes. This is could be a step in unifying the planet in many different ways. This is defiantly a cause I would give to if I had a little more income at this time. The cost per laptop is $200, which would deliver one of the laptops to a child.

What has been interesting, was looking into the technical specifications of the current XO model laptop that is being used for the program. Take a look:

XO Laptop Specifications

"Could not Open Install.Log File" Uninstall Problem

2008-01-20T09:25:00.003-07:00

I was recently trying to uninstall an unused game from my wifes computer when during the uninstall process, I got, a "Could not Open Install.Log File" error. The uninstall of the program terminated and closed out with unwanted program still being there. After searching a bit, I found the answer. It looks like this error is probably specific to a certain type of install/uninstall program called "Wise Installation Wizard". The answer to uninstall these type of installs follows:

1. Open the directory where the program is installed. (Ex. For System Mechanic 5, By default, it is C:\Program Files\iolo\System Mechanic 5,if you have installed XP on C:\)

2. You will see a file named "Install.log" in there.

3. Move (cut and paste somewhere else) the "install.log" to say desktop.

4. Now, double click the uninstaller (uninstall.exe or unwise.exe)

5. It will ask you to open the installation log. Locate to the "install.log" file on your desktop.

6. Now, uninstall will work fine and you can uninstall the program.

I found the answer on http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-11563.html
Thanks to khattam_ on the forum. It saved me some frustration.

VMWare Software

2008-01-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

I finished an online Webinar conducted by VMWare today, that was very interresting and informative. If you haven't given VMWare Software a try, I recommend it! With VMWare's line of products you can install basically any Operating System(Windows, Linux, Mac OSX) over your currentely installed OS along with using the same hardware. Looks like Virtualization is on it's way up. They offer free software to try along with trial versions of their paid software.

VMWare Site

Sand Boxed Safe Surfing

2008-01-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

I learned about a great way to possibly protect oneself from getting infected by Online based Viruses and Spyware. Using a program called Sand Boxie, you place a Web Browser or virtually any other program in a virtual environment called a Sand Box. Using this method, you can use a Web Browser or a P2P program safely knowing that if you do unfortunatlly get a virus or spyware in your virtual environment, you can easily just terminate the session without those nasty programs effecting your actual Operating System environment.

Check out www.sandboxie.com

Port Fowarding

2007-11-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

A vital resource that I found when configuring my router, or any router for that matter, is portfoward.com! This site lists literally all known types of routers and direction on how to configure ports for most applictions. It's a great tool I wouldn't be without.

Port Foward Site

Gmail Drive

2007-11-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

I've just installed Gmail Drive, which is basically a shell extension that connects to a Gmail account. The space available on your email account is then used to store files of choice from your Windows OS. I'm gonna give it a try!

Gmail Drive

Gmail has IMAP Access Now!!

2007-11-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

I was really pleased to see that Gmail has IMAP(Internet Message Access Protocol)email access now! What this means is that I can use an email client such as Outlook or my favorite, Thunderbird, to access all my email and there will be "live" synchrinization between Gmail's Mail Server and my Thunderbird email application. This is so much better than using the POP3 Protocol. Previously I was accessing my Hotmail account using POP3 with Thunderbird. What I had to do was log on to the Hotmail Server to organize and delete any email on the Server right after downloading those same emails into Thunderbird with POP3. I did this because I wanted to have another copy of those email based offsite. With IMAP I can synchronize my email all within Thunderbird. Because of IMAP I've decided to move away from Hotmail as my main personal email account, to Gmail.

Microsoft Windows Splash Screens History

2007-09-14T10:56:00.000-06:00

I found it interesting looking back at the start up splash screens for obsolete Microsoft Windows versions, as well as more recent versions still in use.

Microsoft Windows Splash Screens

AntiVirus/Spyware/Malware Protection

2007-09-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

TechSupportAlert Newsletter Creator, Gizmo Ian Richards, has an excellent article about securing your personal system against malware, spy ware and anti viruses. Excellent source of information!

Gizmo's Guide to Securing your PC

Secunia Software Inspector

2007-09-12T10:21:00.000-06:00

I have been impressed with this extremely helpful site for checking on installed software security vulnerabilities on your system. It scans your local system for installed software and indicates whether you are up to date in having the latest version of the indicated software. Great, necessary tool!

Secunia Software Inspector

Linux Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty

2007-09-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

Linux Ubuntu 7.04 is currently the Linux Distribution leader in ease of use and flexibility in integration with most hardware. Usually, it is an easy install and once it's up and running, you should not be disappointed. Very nice stable and flexible alternative to Windows OS.

Linux Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty

10 Skills you should be attaining within the next 5 years!

2007-09-05T21:13:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading an interesting TechRepublic blog entry from Jody Gilbert. She recommends 10 Skills any IT/Computer Tech focused individual should be focusing on for the next 5 years. I do agree that these skills are of great importance. These include: VOIP, Unified Communications, Hybrid Networks, Wireless Technology, Remote User Support, Mobile user Support, Software as Service, Virtualization, IPv6 and finally Security. Check it out in detail.

10 tech skills you should develop during the next five years

DreamLinux..........sort of like a pleasant dream

2007-09-03T21:19:00.000-06:00

I was fairly impressed with DreamLinux, a recent Linux distrabution, based on Debian, Knoppix and Morphix. Very nice interface and a nice set of pre-installed software. I had no issues installing it on my Dell Dimension B110. I like it!

DreamLinux 2.2

ShowMyPC Remote Software

2007-08-29T15:25:00.000-06:00

I am a big fan of remote access software such as Logmein, PCAnyware, GoToMyPC....etc. Recently I found a very useful, and FREE tool called ShowMyPC. It uses SSH port fowarding using Open Source client plink and VNC software. I've tried multiple times, and have been very impressed. I know I'll be using this one for furture remote support issues!

ShowMyPC Web Site/Access to Client Software