The Hillbilly Hacker

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2010-12-18T12:41:00.001-08:00

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2010-11-29T05:08:00.001-08:00

http://nfl.cpa.delvenetworks.com/delve/player/carousel/embed_code.html?channelId=de89a8aeb3e422bac4eb48567f10ebd0&mediaId=08afc1cc5c4e450fba007f4ae9f9b235

2010-04-30T07:35:00.001-07:00

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WE HAVE MOVED!!!

2010-04-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

In an attenpt to make this Blog easier to navigate and give my readers a greater choice of material without scrolling through older post's, I have gone to another Blog Template, and also changed the URL. I believe the new format is more eye-appealing and easier to read--Soooooooooo---We have moved---Windows Tips and Tricks ( Formerly the Hillbilly Hacker) is now located at Windows tips and Tricks Tips and Tricks as I wish to leave no reader behind, please visit the new site, leave a comment, let me know what I can do to make your visit more enjoyable, ask questions, and remember to subscribe to my feed.

Ehow Vs. Firehow---My Review

2010-04-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Recently due to the massive changes at ehow, I decided to give Firehow a shot at my articles. Due to the low google Ranking of Firehow compared to ehow, I was concerned about the amount of views I would receive and the structure of pay. Ehow paid me very well on numerous articles I submitted, so I decided to use one or two of these articles--submitted to Firehow as a comparison.

I found submission to Firehow very simple, and with the same "Low Restrictions" that ehow offered. Submission is quick and easy, publishing is a breeze.

One thing I do like about Firehow is there Realtime stats on earnings and views. From the articles I have written and submitted to Firehow, I have noticed that the "earnings" seem to be a penny per 3 views. Today I submitted an article about Social Bookmarking to Increase Traffic, and within an hour it had 32 views reaping me a dime, however, that was in just an hour, and I did not spend a great deal of time writing the article, nor was it one of my finer SEO moments. As far as the views I was concerned about, my other article submitted to Firehow has overtaken the article on ehow, and Associated Content two days running in views. Now, granted, alot of these hits may be fellow members and the view numbers may indeed decrease, this remains to be seen.

Keeping in mind that I have not been with Firehow very long, and their payment structure is just as "Cloudy" as ehows, it does seem that the "Penny per 3 Hits" is holding true with Firehow. Ehow paid very well on many articles that had few hits, and paid little for some articles that had massive hits, which is probably associated with click throughs. If it continues to hold true, I somewhat like a "Payment per View" scenario.

All in All, I am sad that ehow has disbanded the ability to publish through their format and send writers to Demand Studios, for they paid me well. However, if my experience with Firehow continues to be as it is now regarding the earnings (If I am Correct), and the views do hold up, firehow would be a great place for writers who are looking for something comparable to ehow, have been turned down elsewhere, and are looking for a place to Submit and earn money for their articles.

Microsoft Tries to Avoid Windows Blue Screen Repeat

2010-04-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Microsoft took steps Tuesday to avoid repeating the debacle two months ago that left Windows XP users staring at the notorious "Blue Screen of Death" error message after they applied a patch.

In February, a security update that fixed two flaws in the Windows kernel -- the operating system's most important component -- wreaked havoc when it was applied by users, who almost immediately flooded Microsoft 's support forum with reports of crippled computers .

As the number of reports grew, Microsoft first stopped automatically serving the MS10-015 update, then confirmed that a rootkit caused the crashes . Only PCs that had been previously infected with the Alureon rootkit were incapacitated, Microsoft's investigation found.

Microsoft restarted distribution of the update only after it had come up with a way to block rootkit-infected PCs from receiving the patches. "If detection logic included in Automatic Update discovers abnormal conditions in certain operating system file configurations, the update will fail and customers will be presented with an error message that offers alternative support options," said Jerry Bryant, general manager with the Microsoft Security Response Team, in early March.

MS10-021 , one of the 11 updates issued yesterday as part of Microsoft's monthly Patch Tuesday cycle , also fixed flaws in the Windows kernel. But Microsoft is hoping that this month's update won't trigger a repeat Blue Screen of Death.

"This security update includes package detection logic that prevents the installation of the security update if certain abnormal conditions exist on 32-bit systems," stated the MS10-021 bulletin. "These abnormal conditions on a system could be the result of an infection with a computer virus that modifies some operating system files, which renders the infected computer incompatible with the kernel update."

One security expert applauded the move.

"I give Microsoft a big tip of the hat for not taking [the February incident] as a one-off," said Jason Miller, data and security team manager at network compliance and security vendor Shavlik Technologies. "The kernel is something that if something goes bad, that's not good. Patching the kernel is not like patching a media player."

Microsoft obviously learned a lesson. Even though the February update crashed a relatively small number of PCs, the problem actually affected many more, he argued. "It may have affected just a few people, but it scared almost everyone into not patching," Miller said.

Although scattered reports of problems with Tuesday's security updates have been posted on Microsoft's support forum, Computerworld did not find any message threads describing Blue Screen of Death crashes after users applied yesterday's MS10-021 kernel update.

Enterprises should still test the update before widely deploying it, Miller recommended. "With every kernel patch, you really have to test. We're pretty adamant about that," he said.

Microsoft also urged users to apply MS10-021 to protect themselves. Although attacks had not been found in the wild exploiting any of the eight vulnerabilities addressed by the update, the company noted that users would "likely...see reliable exploit code developed for one or more of these eight vulnerabilities" in the next 30 days.

This month's security update, including MS10-021, can be downloaded and installed via the Windows Update and Microsoft Update services, as well as through Windows Server Update Services.

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld . Follow Gregg on Twitter at @gkeizer or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed . His e-mail address is gkeizer@ix.netcom.com .

Microsoft "KIN" phone Demo

2010-04-13T06:03:00.001-07:00

Microsoft hurries out patch for Internet Explorer hole

2010-03-30T03:22:00.001-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Microsoft on Tuesday will release an emergency patch for a weakness hackers are exploiting in earlier versions of its Internet Explorer (IE) Web browser software.

"We recommend that customers install the update as soon as it is available," the US software titan said in a message posted Monday at its security response center website.

"We have been monitoring this issue and have determined an out-of-band release is needed to protect customers."

Microsoft routinely releases software patches the second Tuesday of each month and only resorts to "out-of-band" fixes when it deems it too dangerous to wait.

Early in March, Microsoft said it was investigating a hole that cyber attackers are taking advantage of in IE 6 and IE 7.

Hackers could use the flaw to remotely seize control of computers. The new IE 8 Web browser and an old IE 5 version are not affected, according to the US software giant.

The warning came less than two months after Microsoft released a patch for an IE 6 software hole through which China-based cyber spies attacked Google and other firms.

No matter which Web browser people use, upgrading to the most current version promises to increase protection against hackers.

Nine other software patches, some for IE 8, will be released Tuesday along with the high-priority fix, according to Microsoft.

Cyber Attack on U.S. Firms, Google Traced to China

2010-03-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

The cyber attack on Google and other U.S. companies was part of a suspected Chinese government operation launched last year that used human intelligence techniques and high-technology to steal corporate secrets, U.S. government and private-sector cybersecurity specialists told The Washington Times.

More worrying is the likelihood that the cyber attacks that led Google this week to end its cooperation with Beijing-controlled censorship and move its search engine service to Hong Kong included planting undetectable software on American company networks that could allow further clandestine access or even total control of computers in the future.

An Obama administration official said the U.S. government was able, with some confidence, to link the attack, first discovered last summer, to Chinese government organs. However, the official declined to provide details to avoid making future Chinese cyber-attack identification more difficult.

"The attack was very targeted. It targeted engineers and quality assurance developers, people with very high levels of access into the organization," said George Kurtz, chief technology officer for computer security firm McAfee who investigated the attack for several of the affected companies.

"The infections were actually very few," he said. "It wasn't like a mass infection across a large organization. It was very targeted."

Fox News

Run Windows Xp Commands

2010-03-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

So many problems associated with operating systems can be cured or located using the Command Prompt. Heres a little info I'd like to pass on to you, maybe this will help if you do face any problems--or--it will give you something to do when your Bored!!

To run these programs and start a command prompt you would do the following steps:

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu

Step 2: Click on the Run option

Step 3: Type the appropriate command in the Open: field. For example if we are using Windows XP we would type cmd.exe.

Step 4: Click on the OK button

To use the command prompt you would type in the commands and instructions you want and then press enter. In the next section we will discuss some useful commands and how to see all available built in commands for the command prompt.

Useful commands

To Access… Run Command

Accessibility Controls ..........access.cpl

Accessibility Wizard............ accwiz

Add Hardware Wizard ............hdwwiz.cpl

Add/Remove Programs ..............appwiz.cpl

Administrative Tools .................control admintools

Adobe Acrobat (if installed) ...................acrobat

Adobe Designer (if installed) .............................formdesigner

Adobe Distiller (if installed) ..................................acrodist

Adobe ImageReady (if installed).......................... imageready

Adobe Photoshop (if installed) ............................photoshop

Automatic Updates ............................wuaucpl.cpl

Bluetooth Transfer Wizard ..............................fsquirt

Calculator .....................calc

Certificate Manager .....................certmgr.msc

Character Map ............................charmap

Check Disk Utility .................................chkdsk

Clipboard Viewer ...............................clipbrd

Command Prompt .................................cmd

Component Services............................ dcomcnfg

Computer Management .........................compmgmt.msc

Control Panel ...........................control

..

DDE Shares .........................ddeshare

Device Manager............................ devmgmt.msc

Direct X Control Panel (if installed)*.............. directx.cpl

Direct X Troubleshooter ...................dxdiag

Disk Cleanup Utility ..........................cleanmgr

Disk Defragment ..........................dfrg.msc

Disk Management ............................diskmgmt.msc

Disk Partition Manager ......................................diskpart

Display Properties .............................control desktop

Display Properties ...............................desk.cpl

Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected) ................control color

Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility ................drwtsn32

Driver Verifier Utility ................................verifier

Event Viewer .................................eventvwr.msc

Files and Settings Transfer Tool .........................migwiz

File Signature Verification Tool ........................sigverif

Findfast findfast......................................cpl

Firefox (if installed) ..............................firefox

Folders Properties .................................folders

Fonts control ...............................fonts

Fonts Folder ................................fonts

Free Cell Card Game ..........................freecell

Game Controllers ..............................joy.cpl

Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)............................ gpedit.msc

Hearts Card Game............................... mshearts

Help and Support............................ helpctr

HyperTerminal....................... hypertrm

Iexpress Wizard ........................iexpress

Indexing Service............................ ciadv.msc

Internet Connection Wizard ........................icwconn1

Internet Explorer .........................iexplore

Internet Properties ......................inetcpl.cpl

Internet Setup Wizard...................... inetwiz

IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)............... ipconfig /all

IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents).................. ipconfig /displaydns

IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents) .....................ipconfig /flushdns

IP Configuration (Release All Connections) ......................ipconfig /release

IP Configuration (Renew All Connections) .................ipconfig /renew

IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS).................... ipconfig /registerdns

IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID) ...............................ipconfig /showclassid

IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID) .............................ipconfig /setclassid

Java Control Panel (if installed) ..........................jpicpl32.cpl

Java Control Panel (if installed) ..............................javaws

Keyboard Properties .............................control keyboard

Local Security Settings .................................secpol.msc

Local Users and Groups ...................................lusrmgr.msc

Logs You Out Of Windows .................................logoff

Malicious Software Removal Tool .......................mrt

Microsoft Access (if installed)........................... msaccess

Microsoft Chat .........................winchat

Microsoft Excel (if installed) ...............................excel

Microsoft Frontpage (if installed) .............................frontpg

Microsoft Movie Maker..................... moviemk

Microsoft Paint ..........................mspaint

Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed) .............................powerpnt

Microsoft Word (if installed) ............................winword

Microsoft Syncronization Tool .................................mobsync

Minesweeper Game ..........................winmine

Mouse Properties ..............................control mouse

Mouse Properties.......................................... main.cpl

Nero (if installed) ...........................nero

Netmeeting ...................................conf

Network Connections ..........................control netconnections

Network Connections ..................ncpa.cpl

Network Setup Wizard .............................netsetup.cpl

Notepad ...............................notepad

Nview Desktop Manager (if installed) .............................nvtuicpl.cpl

Object Packager ...................packager

ODBC Data Source Administrator ...........................odbccp32.cpl

On Screen Keyboard .....................................osk

Opens AC3 Filter (if installed) ......................................ac3filter.cpl

Outlook Express .............................................msimn

Paint...................................... pbrush

Password Properties ...................password.cpl

Performance Monitor ..................perfmon.msc

Performance Monitor .............................perfmon

Phone and Modem Options......................... telephon.cpl

Phone Dialer............................ dialer

Pinball Game................................. pinball

Power Configuration .................................powercfg.cpl

Printers and Faxes ........................................control printers

Printers Folder....................... printers

Private Character Editor .............................eudcedit

Quicktime (If Installed) ........................QuickTime.cpl

Quicktime Player (if installed) ..............................quicktimeplayer

Real Player (if installed)...................................... realplay

Regional Settings............................ intl.cpl

Registry Editor ...............................regedit

Registry Editor ................................regedit32

Remote Access Phonebook .................rasphone

Remote Desktop........................ mstsc

Removable Storage ......................ntmsmgr.msc

Removable Storage Operator Requests............................... ntmsoprq.msc

Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) .........................rsop.msc

Scanners and Cameras sticpl.............................cpl

Scheduled Tasks .......................................control schedtasks

Security Center ...............................wscui.cpl

Services services.........................msc

Shared Folders ................................fsmgm.msc

Shuts Down Windows .....................................shutdown

Sounds and Audio........................................ mmsys.cpl

Spider Solitare Card Game .......................................spider

SQL Client Configuration ..................................................cliconfg

System Configuration Editor ....................................................sysedit

System Configuration Utility ...............................msconfig

System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) ..............................sfc /scannow

System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At The Next Boot) ........................sfc /scanonce

System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) ............................sfc /scanboot

System File Checker Utility (Return Scan Setting To Default) ............................sfc /revert

System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) ........................sfc /purgecache

System File Checker Utility (Sets Cache Size to size x) ....................sfc /cachesize=x

System Information ..............................msinfo32

System Properties ......................................sysdm.cpl

Task Manager ............................taskmgr

TCP Tester ............................tcptest

Telnet Client................................. telnet

Tweak UI (if installed) ..............................tweakui

User Account Management ............................nusrmgr.cpl

Utility Manager ...........................utilman

Windows Address Book............................ wab

Windows Address Book Import Utility .............................wabmig

Windows Backup Utility (if installed)........................... ntbackup

Windows Explorer ...........................explorer

Windows Firewall.......................... firewall.cpl

Windows Magnifier ..............................magnify

Windows Management Infrastructure ...........................wmimgmt.msc

Windows Media Player............................ wmplayer

Windows Messenger......................... msmsgs

Windows Picture Import Wizard (need camera connected).................. wiaacmgr

Windows System Security Tool ....................syskey

Windows Update Launches .....................wupdmgr

Windows Version (to show which version of windows) .........................winver

Windows XP Tour Wizard ...................tourstart

Wordpad ................write

Windows XP: No IE9 for you

2010-03-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

Computerworld - Microsoft's new browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), will not run on Windows XP, now or when the software eventually ships, the company confirmed Tuesday.

The move makes Microsoft the first major browser developer to drop support for XP, the world's most popular operating system, in a future release.

Although Microsoft excluded Windows XP from the list for the IE9 developer preview, it sidestepped the question about which versions of Windows the final browser would support. In an IE9 FAQ, for example, Microsoft responded, "It's too early to talk about features of the Internet Explorer 9 Beta" to the query, "Will Internet Explorer 9 run on Windows XP?"

Read Full Article

Speed Up Windows 7

2010-03-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Windows 7 getting a little slow, wanna speed up Windows 7? Over time, usually a short period of time, Windows will slow down, be it Xp, 7, or any Windows operating system. So--How do you speed up Windows 7?

Remove Programs you do not use:

Programs that you do not use take up valuable space, memory, and present start up issues, so delete them. click on [start] then choose [control panel]. Once you're in there, click on "Uninstall a Program" under the [Programs] header. You'll then see a list of all of the programs installed on your computer. To remove a program, simply click on the [modify/remove] button on the right.

Remove Visual Effects:

Doing this will remove a lot of the glossy fancy features in Windows 7 and make it look more like Windows 95-XP. It won't look as fancy, but it'll move a lot quicker.

Right-click on the desktop and choose "personalize". In the window that comes up, choose "Advanced system settings". In the next window choose the "Advanced" tab at the top, then click the [Settings] button in the "Performance" section. The next screen will show a list of visual effects that can be turned on or off. I recommend that you simply choose "Adjust for best performance", which disables all of them. However, feel free to pick and choose certain ones. The more you disable, the faster your machine will run.

Go with Firefox or Google Chrome:

While the latest versions of Internet Explorer have gotten a bit better, there are still a few choices that are far superior. These browsers are not only more secure, but they tend to run a lot faster!

Mozilla Firefox -- The most popular browser alternative, Firefox is a great option. It's feature-packed, and runs very smoothly.

Google Chrome -- Google recently released their own browser call "Chrome". It doesn't have as many features as Firefox, but it's blazing fast

Use MSCONFIG:

When you Boot your computer, all your Start-up programs run--this can slow your computer greatly, you can change the programs that run Automaticly.Click START, then SEARCH (Or RUN), and type in MSCONFIG--press OK ( or hit ENTER). From here, choose the [startup] tab on the far top right, this window shows everything that your computer runs when it starts up. You can be pretty free about unchecking items, because if you uncheck something that you needed you can always come back in here, re-check it and then reboot again.

Defragment:

Windows 7 comes with a defragment tool. Over time files get moved around until windows is slow in finding them. Deframenting will place the files back in order, making it easier and faster for windows to find and execute the file.

Microsoft Slams Google's Ad Practices

2010-03-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Microsoft used a speaking slot provided by the Association of National Advertisers to open a broad assault on rival Google, accusing the Web giant of using its market clout to the detriment of advertisers.

Microsoft deputy general counsel Mary Snapp laid out her company's case to advertisers gathered in Washington, D.C., today for the ANA Advertising Law & Public Policy Conference, which Microsoft sponsored. Ironically, Microsoft based its criticisms on Google's size in the market, mirroring charges leveled against the software firm in the 1990s.

Snapp said marketers should demand that Google allow them to take advertising data out of AdWords for use in other ad tools. She also decried Google's policy that lets competitors bid on a brand's search terms, saying it drives up prices. Microsoft only sells search ads on brand terms to companies that own those terms.

Read--

Bad BitDefender Update Clobbers Windows PCs

2010-03-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

Heres another little news story I would like to share with Ya--it's seems like every once in awhile I like to steer from Tips and Tricks, and relay some news to Ya!!

Robert McMillan, IDG News Service Robert Mcmillan, Idg News Service – Sat Mar 20, 7:30 pm ET

Users of the BitDefender antivirus software started flooding the company's support forums Saturday, apparently after a faulty antivirus update caused 64-bit Windows machines to stop working.

The company acknowledged the issue in a note explaining the problem, posted Saturday. "Due to a recent update it is possible that BitDefender detects several Windows and BitDefender files as infected with Trojan.FakeAlert.5," the company said.

The acknowledgement came after BitDefender users had logged hundreds of posts on the topic. Some complained of being unable to reboot their systems.

"EVERY file that is trying to run is getting quarantined," one user, identified as lhmathys, reported. "Windows Explorer and even Bitdefender update itself is being quarantined. Someone really screwed this one up."

"We are in a really terrible position now," wrote another user, identified as ufitec. "We have 150 business clients and most of the pcs [on] which BitDefender thinks everything is virus does not boot any more!!!!"

In its note on the issue, posted around 4 pm Pacific Time, the company said it had issued a fix for the problem and offered instructions on how to repair the damage, saying that customers should remove files from quarantine and reboot.

Users who can't do that need to either use Windows' Last Known Good Configuration restore or System Restore options.

Earlier in the day, the company had advised users to disable the BitDefender antivirus module and wait for a new definition update, which is supposed to correct the problem.

BitDefender did not reply to several messages asking for comment.

Dang, and I was planning a review!!

Ncomputing's Chip Brings Windows Applications to TVs

2010-03-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

Ncomputing on Friday announced a chip that could turn devices like TVs or set-top boxes into virtual desktops through which users can run Windows applications or access the Internet.

The Numo chip contains a dual-core processor based on an Arm design that will allow devices to run Windows multimedia applications when connected to a host machine like a desktop or server, Ncomputing said. The setup uses the company's Vspace software on host machines to set up remote devices as virtual desktops.

Devices built on Numo can also access the Internet wirelessly without the need for a host machine. The chip can also be used in devices like netbooks or thin clients, Ncomputing said, which can run Google's Linux-based Android 2.1 OS.

The company has already partnered with consumer electronics company LG Electronics to sell its chips. LG earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show demonstrated prototypes of Numo-based Network Monitors in which 31 users were running multimedia applications by accessing a PC running Microsoft Windows Server.

The company will announce more partners for the chip, including PC, monitor, and TV manufacturers, later this year. The first virtual desktops with Numo chips will become available in the second quarter, the company said.

Ncomputing already sells virtual desktops to enterprises, and this is the first time the company is offering a chip, which will be available for US$20.

"The $20 chip plus under $10 cost in parts can turn any device into a no-compromise multimedia PC running applications locally and across the cloud," said Gabriele Sartori, senior vice president at Ncomputing, in a statement.

NComputing said the chip will work with Microsoft's RemoteFX technology, which was announced on Thursday and is expected to become available later this year. RemoteFX will deliver rich content like video, audio and 3D graphics to virtual desktops.

Courtesy-- Agam Shah, IDG News Service Agam Shah, Idg News Service

Delete Unwanted Hidden Programs in XP

2010-03-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ever tried to delete/remove a program only to find that it is not listed in ADD or REMOVE programs? Then you head over to the program files, only to find there no uninstall in there for it. Maybe its Hidden!

If you want to remove programs that are installed with Windows but are not visible in "Add/Remove Windows Components" edit a file called "C:\WINDOWS\INF\SYSOC.INF".

Go to: Start>> Run>> type in: C:\WINDOWS\INF\SYSOC.INF and press ENTER

In there you will find a listing of programs, and you will note that some programs have the word 'hide' at the end. Simply remove the word 'hide' but leave the preceding comma.

Examples:

BEFORE:CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,HIDE,7

AFTER:CommApps=ocgen.dll,OcEntry,communic.inf,,7

Exit saving changes.

Now when you open Add/Remove Windows Components, you should see the program

Stop Internet Explorer from accessing certain Websites?

2010-03-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

I can imagine that there are people who would really like to stop Internet Explorer from accessing numerous Websites, due to the possibilty of viruses, and rather "Unfit" material that "Junior" or "Juness", may be picking up from some of their Favorite Places. You can use the Windows 'Hosts' file to achieve this-----

In Windows XP, the hosts file is found here:

C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts

Once you have found the hosts file, right click it and select Properties. Uncheck the "Read-Only" attribute (if checked). Click OK.

Double click the 'Hosts' file and select "Notepad" from the list of programs to open it with.

Once you have the hosts file open in Notepad, you will see an entry such as:

127.0.0.1 localhost

To block a certain web page from loading, add the following:

127.0.0.1 www.webpage.com

Your Hosts file will now look like this:

127.0.0.1 localhost

127.0.0.1 www.webpage.com

Add as many web addresses as you like in the same fashion.

Once you are finished, go up to 'File' and click 'Save'.

The web pages listed in your 'Hosts' file should be blocked from access. It may be necessary for you to reboot your computer for these changes to take effect.

Google aims for easier 3D Web on Windows

2010-03-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

.Google announced a move Thursday that could broaden the appeal of a nascent 3D Web graphics technology called WebGL.

A year ago Mozilla and the Khronos Group announced WebGL, which gives Web programmers a way to use hardware-accelerated 3D graphics on their Web pages, and in December, the two issued a draft WebGL standard. One hurdle, though, is that WebGL uses the Khronos Group's OpenGL graphics interface standard, but not all video cards have OpenGL support.

Google hopes to sidestep this issue with a new open-source projet that translates the OpenGL commands into the related dialect more common on Windows computers, Microsoft's Direct3D. The project is called ANGLE, short for Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine, Henry Bridge, a Google product manager, said in a blog post Thursday.

Read Full Article-- CNN

Formatting an External Hard Drive in XP

2010-03-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Have an External Hard Drive you wish to Format?

Warning: Formatting a hard drive permanently removes all files, so you should not format the drive if you have saved anything on it (without making a copy of the files first). If you don't want to overwrite the data, you should convert the drive to NTFS instead.

Note--Make sure Your External HD is in the Enclosure!

1.Go to Start, then My Documents--choose Manage

2. Under Storage, click Disk Management

3.If the Initialize and Convert Disk Wizard appears, click Next. If the wizard does not appear, skip to step 7.

4.On the Select Disks to Initialize page, click Next.

5.On the Select Disks to Convert page, click Next

6.On the Completing the Initialize and Convert Disk Wizard page, click Finish

7.Right-click your external drive (which will probably be drive E or drive F), and then click Format.

8.In the Format dialog box, type a name for your external hard drive, such as Backup Drive. Then, click OK.

9.Click OK again

There---A Piece of Cake!!!

Test your RAM!!

2010-03-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

No--this is not an article on how to check out your Pickup--the memory--your computers Memory. I actually was impressed with the ease in downloading Memtest86. They said to download the ISO, burn and Bingo, you're ready to go--I've heard that before, usually there's another one or maybe a couple files you have to add. However Downloading and burning Memtest86 was just as they said--that easy, and Booting with the CD worked wonderful--went immediately to diagnosing the RAM.

Memtest86 is a standalone memory diagnostic tool that runs from a CD on system boot. It executes a series of numbered test sections to check for errors. These test sections consist of a combination of test algorithm, data pattern and cache setting. The execution order for these tests were arranged so that errors will be detected as rapidly as possible. Tests 8, 9, 10 and 11 are very long running extended tests and are only executed when extended testing is selected. Memtest86 supports all types of memory and can be run on any operating system. You will download an ISO file that you can burn to CD. Less than 4GB of RAM only!

The test on my computer took about 30 minutes, so it was somewhat Quick, and it actually scanned the entire RAM--you know--it didn't scan half, then offer to sell me the "Full Version"--which seems to be the FAD these days! I give a definite "Thumbs Up" to Memtest for a great Product that when they say is Free--it is---Check it out--Download Memtest Here

Rocketfish RF-Hd35---My Review

2010-03-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up a Rocketfish RF-HD35 external Hard drive enclosure, and thought I'd share my review with you.

It's a nice unit--compact and rather eye-appealing, and actually pretty simple to use. I installed a HD out of another computer and found it easy to navigate and snoop through the files ETC. The unit comes with what it calls a "One Touch" backup--this being a button on the case--assisted by Roxio BackOnTrack program which I received with the enclosure, Also included is a CD containing the User Manual and Acrobat Reader. I find this to be a nice unit, and can be used with ease.

The users manual leaves alot to be desire from the "Novice" point of view. There is little (If any) true instructions on the use, or what can and cannot do. This would be important for someone not familiar with an external Hard drive. So if you find the need for an external HD enclosure, and they are nice to have---I would recommend the Rocketfish--dollar for dollar--worth the money.

How to add website Links to the Start Menu

2010-03-16T04:28:00.001-07:00

Ever thought about adding your favorite Website to your start menu? This will allow you to open the website whether you have the browser window open or not--perfect for us lazy people. Add one or a couple of your favorites and have instant access to them.

*"Right-Click on the START button, the select EXPLORE

*Windows Explorer will open, on the right there will probably be folders--do not click on them--instead--Right-Click on the open area, A Box will show up--Select NEW, then SHORTCUT.

*In the box " Type the Location", enter the Web address and click Next.
Now you can give your shortcut a Title---Click Finish.

If you are using the Classic Start Menu---bingo--it's there. If you are using the Normal Start Menu, you will find it in programs--that is not what we wanted--but never fear--you can simply click on it and Drag and Drop it to the Start Menu!

HKBJQ238U63F

Cleaning your Computer--Improve Performance

2010-03-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a clean and healthy computer is actually an easy and cheap task. With the numerous free tools avaliable, not to mention the onboard tools that come with Windows, keeping your computer running like a top is simple--though few do it.

The number one enemy of a computer and the major reason for numerous "Fatal" computer crashes is---DUST. Your computer is subjected to the same dust that clings to your curtains, carpet, and moniter. The computer is a String of electrical components that work constantly and heat up, the fan or fans are to keep this heat from becoming extreme. Once the elements and the fan get covered with dust their performance starts lacking and serious problems can become reality.

Clean your computer--grab the owners manual, unplug the computer, remove the cover (Hence the owners manual), grab a can of "Air"and start blowing the dust out of the chassis (That's The Case ). Notice the fan or fans--probably covered with dust--blow them clean. While doing this--please refrain from pulling, pushing, or twisting any of those cute little wires, or yanking out any of those little cards to see what they look like! Replace the cover, and plug in your computer.

Now that the computer is "Shining like a new penny", and the fan no longer looks like a "Chia Pet"--let's move on!

Every time you surf the WWW, internet Explorer keeps files, and files, and even more files as to where you have been, and stores them for later use--this takes up valuable space and slows down your computer. Windows comes with this cool little tool called Disc Cleanup--it removes Temporary files, downloaded program files and anything else IE wants to save--remove them! Go to START, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disc Cleanup. Select the drive (Usually C) and hit OK--Disc Cleanup will scan and inform you of what you can remove.

How about we clean the Registry---yes--you have one. The Registry has all kinds of neat little "Techno" stuff listed in it, problem is--it gets moved around, added to--kinda like my garage. There are several registry cleaners avaliable on the NET, that are worth a look. I have used the registry cleanup tool at the Windows One Care website and find it easy and effective. Another, that I used just today to give it a test--and it passed with flying colors is Registry Easy--I strongly recommend both these products.

Viruses, trojans, worms--what's next. It does not matter what antivirus you are running, if you do not keep it updated. Trojans have been known to cause severe problems in your operating system and are notorius for shifting things around in your registry. Viruses on the other hand--need no explanation--remember "Snowwhite"? OK--let's talk free, I am familiar with and have tested Avast, Avg, and Microsoft Security Essentials--and all three get high marks.

We can go on and on about the tools and procedures that can further improve your computing, however, if you follow these simple steps--I'm sure you will notice a difference in your computers performance.

Windows "Blue Screen Of Death"

2010-03-15T09:13:00.001-07:00

Windows Blue Screen of Death is not a pretty sight. BSOD has gotten alot of attention lately because of the numerous crashes over the recent months. There are several causes of BSOD rangeing from minor to major. Windows, when faced with a problem that it deems could be damaging to the operating system will fall into it's Blue Screen mode, refusing to load, and displaying a series of codes informing you of the problem. These problems can be associated with hardware issues, software, Installation errors, startup errors and on down the line, it is always a good idea to write down these codes in case you need to research them later.

My first attempt at repairing BSOD would be to restart my computer while pressing the F8 key repeatedly--this should bring you to the Windows Options Menu. Choose "Safe Mode", press Enter, and hopefully the computer will boot into Safe Mode--where you have the option to use System Restore to restore back to an earlier date--one that worked.

If your computer will not boot into Safe Mode, boot once again, pressing F8 to get to the Options Menu. This time we will select "Last known good configuration"--which allows Windows to restore back to the most recent settings that worked.

If at this time you cannot boot into Windows XP, you may have a Hardware issue, or a sustem file that is either corrupt or missing. To fix missing or corrupt files you will need your windows XP installation CD.

1. Insert and boot from your CD
2. Choose "press enter to set up XP"
3. Press F8 and it will skip through EULA
4. Press R for Repair Installation

If this does not fix the problem, I would proceed with a system memory test. You will need access to another computer so that you can download Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool--found at the windows website. Use this to boot your computer--it will check your memory for errors--which could be the culprit.

Cannot change wallpaper in XP

2010-03-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

So you woke up this morning, and your desktop background is Blue, the Icons are there, on a solid blue screen. (Not to be confused with BSOD). You've gone to "Display Properties" numerous times, it seems to be "Froze UP", not allowing you to change your background. This is often caused by some Nasty spyware, or virus changing, adding or deleting one or more of your Windows Settings. So--How do you Fix It? Let's look in your Registry!

* Click on START, then RUN and type in- regedit-Hit OK

* Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies

Now there are two schools of thought on this procedure--if you find a folder titled "ActiveDesktop" or "Wallpaper" you may delete it or set the value to "0". I myself--just delete the folder.

* Now Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies

Once again your looking for a folder titled "ActiveDestop" or "Wallpaper"-Delete or change value to "0"

I have run across situations where I did not find these files and had to expand further beyond policies to system:

* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

Expanding further into system and finding the folder there is the same procedure as stated above.

Restarting Windows with the Keyboard

2010-03-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

OK--so now you have really upset the Computer Gods--That little arrow controlled by your mouse is stuck--plastered right there in the middle of your background and will not move. Soooo--how do I shutdown the thing, or restart and not get that wonderful message about an improper shutdown? How bout we use the keyboard!!!!

1. Press your Win Key to get the Start menu ( if you have no Win Key--Ctrl+ESC )

2. Press--> ( that would be the right arrow )three times--Bingo, the Shutdown Menu

3. Now use the Up Arrow key, to highlite restart---press Enter--tadah

How to clean your Windows Registry

2010-03-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yep--your computer probably has a registry. Now this is a place where all kinds of "Techno" info is kept and used by your OS ( That's Tech Talk for operating system). Now--if you would like to visit your registry--go to START, then RUN, type in REGEDIT and OK---COOL!!, but unless your computer savvy, don't touch anything! The problem with this registry is it needs to be kept clean, because all kinds of stuff can move, or change, and even deleted programs will sometimes leave a file or two behind just to clutter up the place. So--how do you do it? There are several registry cleaners on the market varying in price from free to "Up There", I use Microsoft one care to CK out my registry!

Visit the Windows Onecare Live website, over on the left you see a list of goodies--click on Safety Scanner, once you have done that you will be given several options.

Full Service Scan:
Check for and remove viruses
Get rid of junk on your hard disk
Improve your PC's performance

Protection, Cleanup, and Tune-up are all included in the Full Service scan. However chosing "Cleanup" will CK for Temp. Internet Files, and give the Registry a good look.

Using Disc Cleanup

2010-03-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

The more you surf the Web, the more information is stored on your computer causing your system to slow down. Ton's and ton's of Temporary Internet files, downloaded program files, and numerous other files are stored in your computer for further use. These files can add up quickly and have an effect on your computers performance--simply put--get rid of them, and disc cleanup is a good start!

Go to START

Then Accessories

Then System Tools

And Disc Cleanup

You will usually be given your choice of drives (usually C) Hit OK. Once you have Hit OK, the system will ck for unnecessary files that will free up space, and give you the option to delete them. Once you have done this, I believe you will notice an immediate difference in your computer!!

How to Fix: missing or corrupt system32\hal.dll

2010-03-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt the more you use your computer, the higher your chances of seeing error messages that effect the boot or start-up of your system. one of the more common messages is---

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
\System32\hal.dll"
Please re-install a copy of the above file

I have used the following method on Windows XP and 2000 with success, using Recovery Console. You will need either your Windows CD to reach Recovery Console, or simply turning your computer on if Recovery Console was installed.

* Insert Windows CD and start your computer

*At the Welcome Screen you will type "R"(Meaning Recovery Console)

*Type the number of the instalation you wish to repair--usally "1" and press ENTER

*You will be asked for the Administrater Password, type it, and press ENTER ( Note--if a password was never set--leave blank and press ENTER)

*At the Prompt, type the following (Assuming C is your drive--if not--change it)

ATTRIB -H -R -S C:\BOOT.INI
DEL C:\BOOT.INI
BOOTCFG /REBUILD FIXBOOT

Remove your CD and restart your Computer.

Moving Your Taskbar in XP

2010-03-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

I really don't understand why you would want to---but to each his own--I will tell you however, that I moved mine to the top of the screen and was "Proud as a Peacock" until I realized I could not close, minimize or anything while on the WWW--the Taskbar covered IT!---However--You can move the Bar to the top, bottom, left or right.

First---right click on the Taskbar, if there is a ck mark by "Lock Taskbar" un-check it.

Now--click and drag the Taskbar where you wish to put it. If you have moved it to the left or right side, place your mouse pointer at the edge until you see the "Double Arrow" click and hold your mouse on the Double arrow and you can adjust the width----Piece of cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Microsoft Security Essentials

2010-03-13T06:55:00.000-08:00

Once again I will remind you that I am cheap, and if possible to get something FREE--I'm Game. That said, I firmly believe that you can get a good antivirus without shelling out "The Bucks". Avast and AVG are no doubt a good program, however I decided to give Microsoft Security Essentials a shot--Lord knows I have had my share of problems with the pricey leaders--"Snowwhite" kicked some serious Norton/McAfee butt!! Not to say that the Leaders aren't worth the cash ( every program is only as good as your updates)--but I am impressed with MSE!

First off--it is easy to download, you may be asked to download SP-3 (service Pack 3) if it hasn't already been downloaded VIA microsoft updates. I find the navigating extremely easy---they offer Quick scan, full scan, and do it rather quickly. Updates are a breeze---just hit the Update button and away you go--hell-you can even close the window and go about your solitaire. As your surfing the Net--a little window will pop up if you have run into one of those little "Nasties" trying to ruin your day, asking you what you want to do with it--kinda a dumb question, but O-Well. I have been using MSE for a few months and can find nothing that is not "Top Notch" about it--give it a shot--it's free!

Best Free Antivirus

2010-03-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Now granted, anytime one does not do as he should--no product will stand up to the onslaught of viruses, trojans, worms and the many items that can effect your computer. Hence the need to constantly update your program to ensure you are protected. I don't like the idea of spending money, if I do not have to---therefore--a FREE product that works is worth the time, so here are 2 of the best Antivirus available and for free---This is what CNET editor Seth Rosenblatt Has to say about them.

AVG

AVG Free provides the bare necessities when it comes to security, but that should be enough for savvy Windows users. You'll get a combined antivirus and antimalware engine, LinkScanner, and e-mail scanning. AVG Free 9 introduces a few new features, with improvements focused on performance, including claims of faster scan and boot times. One new feature is the Identity Theft Recovery Unit. Only for users in the United States, ITRU is a business partnership with Identity Guard which provides "consumer identity theft solutions," accessible only from the AVG toolbar in Firefox and Internet Explorer.

The interface is nearly unchanged from the last version, and generally it's easy to use. From the main window, though, you must double-click to get further information on any feature, whether virus scanning, LinkScanner settings, or updating. Streamlining this to one click would be helpful. A scheduling utility automates both scans and updates, while the upgrade ad at the screen's bottom can be easily hidden using the Hide Notification button. When starting a scan, a slider makes it easy to jump between Slow, Automatic, and Fast scans: the faster the scan, the less comprehensive it is, so users should take advantage of the scan optimization that is recommended during installation to speed up that first scan. A progress meter for regular scans would've been useful, though. Should a virus create serious problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode.

The LinkScanner feature protects you from third-party code exploits before they load in your browser and for ranking search results. Annoyingly, when you install its optional toolbar, it commandeers your new-tab page, decidedly inappropriate behavior. The program doesn't obviously tax your system when scanning or when running in the background, although CNET Labs determined that it will significantly slow down your system's boot time, and slightly delay shutting down. AVG also detected some image files as threats, when two other scans decided they weren't--we decided these were false positives. AVG might not be the fastest or the most effective free security option, but it still gets the job done and you're better off with it.

AVAST

Avast Free 5, an A-list freeware antivirus app, provides the same steadfast protection of well-known, pricier antivirus programs. Avast is remarkable for both its effectiveness and arguably providing the most complete free antivirus on the market.

Avast Free 5, formerly known as the Home Edition, protects you with multiple guards. The antivirus, antispyware, and heuristics engines form a security core that also includes multiple real-time shields. The adjustable mail and file system shields join the pre-existing behavior, network, instant messaging, peer-to-peer, and Web shields. The behavioral shield is a common-sense feature, as security software publishers leverage their large user bases to detect threats early and warn others. Other new features include a silent-gaming mode and an "intelligent scanner" that only looks at changed files after establishing a baseline. The biggest change in Avast 5, though, is the interface. Gone is the music player default look, which was skinnable but confusing. In its place is a sleek UI that new users should find far more manageable. It's also Aero-friendly, with Explorer-style navigation buttons in case you can't remember where you tweaked a particular setting.

Avast's recent independent third-party testing has been notably solid, able to hold its own against better-known programs from Symantec and Microsoft. Avast 5 Free lacks features in the paid upgrade including antispam measures, a testing sandbox, a Script shield, and a firewall. Even without those, Avast Free 5 is probably the strongest, free antivirus currently available.