Not Even Security Managers Immune to FakeAV Infection | PCWorld

Can you believe it? As I sat down this morning to write this column, I got hit by a drive-by download of FakeAV.

My computer is infected with pop-up warnings and file scans telling me I have security problems, and Internet Explorer has been hijacked to keep sending me to a website where I can "purchase the software." Pop-ups are coming from my taskbar, showing up in the middle of the screen, and rifling through my files with a fake scan. My computer is being held for ransom.

How did this happen? And what am I going to do about it? I mean really, as a security manager you'd think I would be immune to this kind of problem. My antivirus software is up to date and actively scanning, and my system is fully patched. That's more than most people are doing.

Not Even Security Managers Immune to FakeAV Infection | PCWorld

Restore the "Search…" Item to the Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista SP1 - How-To Geek

Restore the "Search…" Item to the Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista SP1 - How-To Geek

One of the unwelcome changes that Microsoft introduced in Service Pack 1 was the removal of some of the easy ways to get to the Search screen: the start menu button and folder context menu item. Thankfully we can easily add the “Search…” item back to the context menu with a simple registry tweak.

The nice thing about the folder context menu is that the search window will be already set to search only that folder.

VirusTotal delivers the collective wisdom of 32 viruskillers on-demand | freewaregenius.com

 

Virustotal is a web service that provides on-demand scanning of your local files for worms, trojans, and all kinds of malware detected by antivirus engines. It allows you to upload any local file up to 10 megs in size and will perform a scan across 30+ different virus scanning engines (which include all of the leading heavy-hitter virus killer engines on the market).

VirusTotal delivers the collective wisdom of 32 viruskillers on-demand | freewaregenius.com

How to Zip Files in Windows 7| PCWorld

 

Need to send someone a big batch of files? Don't attach one after another after another to your e-mail. Instead, compress the files into one smaller, easier-to-manage file. In other words, "Zip" them.

The Zip file format has long been used to compress and archive data. Suppose you have, say, 50 Word documents that have a combined size of 5MB. By zipping them, you end up with a single file that's much smaller--maybe 1MB or even 500K. Imagine stuffing all your clothes into a tiny, lightweight suitcase--that's what compression does. Even better, when you open the suitcase, everything comes out wrinkle-free.

If you're already using a utility like PKZip or WinZip to compress and decompress files, there's little point in changing. But did you know Windows has Zip capabilities built right in? Here's how to use them on the fly, using the aforementioned e-mail as an example:

1. Compose your e-mail message, then click Attach File (or whatever is your mail client's equivalent).

2. Using the file selector that appears, find the files you want to attach. (They all need to be in the same folder.)

3. Select all the files you want to zip. (To select multiple files at a time, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking each one in turn.)

4. Right-click any of the selected files, then choose Send to, Compressed (zipped) folder.

5. Windows will quickly compress the files and create a new, zipped file that's immediately ready to be renamed (if necessary--if not, just press Enter).

6. Attach your newly created Zip file to the e-mail.

That's all there is to it! Granted, that's pretty much the extent of Windows' Zip capabilities, but if that's all you need, why bother with third-party tools?

How to Compress Files in Windows | PCWorld

Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire: "Blazing fast file and media hosting

More than just a file hosting web site, MediaFire has the features you need to easily upload, download, manage, and share your documents, presentations, videos, images, and more."

Augment your data storage options with Windows 7 Live File System format | TechRepublic

Takeaway: In this issue of the Windows Desktop Report, Greg Shultz describes how the Windows 7 Live File System format works and how you can use it for backups or additional storage.

If you are looking to augment or expand upon your existing data storage options and you have a CD- or DVD-burner on your Microsoft Windows 7 System, then you need to investigate the Live File System format. This new system will allow you to essentially use a CD-RW or DVD-RW disk just like a USB flash drive. In other words, you’ll be able to incrementally add individual files or groups of files to the disc over time.

 

Augment your data storage options with Windows 7 Live File System format | TechRepublic

How Google Spies on Your Gmail Account (And How To Stop It)

How Google Spies on Your Gmail Account (And How To Stop It): "Google's war with Facebook, Google's 'don't be evil' motto could be a casualty. The search engine is now leveraging your private Gmail information to get an edge in the social networking wars. It's creepy."

Advanced SystemCare Free – Version 4.0 Blasts Off Today | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts

Advanced SystemCare Free – Version 4.0 Blasts Off Today | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts: "IObit has been offering a comprehensive PC care utility (Advanced SystemCare), that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer, since 2006. IObit continues this strong tradition with the release of Advanced SystemCare Free Version 4.0, which is now available for download."

As well as keeping your machine physically clean, it is always good practice to keep your computer’s operating system and subsystems clean, so that you can get maximum performance from your machine. This free application can certainly help you do just that.

10 Minute Mail

 

Beat spam with the best disposable e-mail service.

10 Minute Mail

Security Starter Kit - Download.com

Security Starter Kit - Download.com: "Download Starter Kits" Feeling insecure while you surf? Check out CNET's Windows Security Starter Kit, which comes loaded with antivirus programs, malware removers, encryption apps, and add-ons for safe browsing.

The Best Free Software of 2011 | PCMag.com

The Best Free Software of 2011 | PCMag.com: "With that in mind, we're here again to gather the best of the freebies. First, we re-examined our picks from last year's story (The Best Free Software of 2010) to ensure they're still worth installing and that they're still freeware. Of course, we also took a look at all of the great free software announced in the last 12 months.

The list is primarily productivity apps for Windows users (mainly Vista and Windows 7, with some XP tools)—the kind you download and install to your hard drive. However, we make frequent note of other places the apps can run:"

FOUR Free Alternatives To Adobe Reader Malware Magnet | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts

 

If you continue to use Adobe Reader, make sure you install the latest version. Users who continue running older versions of Adobe software (not uncommon), is a major element in cyber crooks successful manipulation of this  application.

Better yet – don’t even consider running Adobe Reader. Instead, choose one of a number of much faster, more streamlined free applications.

FOUR Free Alternatives To Adobe Reader Malware Magnet | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts

Download A Bagful of Free Microsoft Software | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts

Download A Bagful of Free Microsoft Software | Bill Mullins' Weblog – Tech Thoughts: "Surprisingly, many computer users are not aware that Microsoft offers literally hundreds of free applications. These free applications range from highly specialized system applications, down to the type of applications average users can make good use of on a daily basis."

Two Easy Mouse-Click Shortcuts

Suppose you're working on a document and want to italicize a word. Most people reach for the mouse, click and hold the left button, then drag to select that word.

Want a faster, better way? Just double-click the word  It's instantly highlighted, and ready for italicizing, copying, or whatever.

How about an entire paragraph? Just triple-click anywhere inside it. The whole thing is instantly selected.

These mouse  shortcuts work in lots of places: word processors, Web browsers, email programs, etc.

babble.ly | Disposable links for your phone number

babble.ly | Disposable links for your phone number: "Get a free disposable link for your phone number. Post it to Facebook, Twitter, forums, dating sites, anywhere you want!"

LiberKey - Portable Applications

LiberKey - Portable Applications LiberKey is a compilation of freeware, and open source portable applications, which is offered in three flavors that can be installed on, and run from, a USB drive. The applications can also be installed and run from a hard drive.

Recently Used File List Unavailable In Word 2003

You can configure Word to display the recently used file list, as well as the maximum files to include in the list, by clicking Options from the Tools menu. From the General tab, place a check beside the Recently used file list option. You can then configure the number of files to display.

If you discover that this option is unavailable (greyed out), there may be a problem with one of the entries in the registry. To resolve the problem, click Start and click Run. Type regedit.exe and click OK. Navigate to the following registry key:

1. HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer.
2. Double click NoRecentDocsHistory and change the value to 00 00 00 00.
3. Exit regedit. You do not have to restart computer

Uninstall & Remove McAfee, Symantec, Norton, AVG, Avast & More Antivirus and Security Applications and Programs

Uninstall & Remove McAfee, Symantec, Norton, AVG, Avast & More Antivirus and Security Applications and Programs: "AppRemover is a free utility from OPSWAT that enables users to remove antivirus, antispyware and other security applications, as well as left over files remaining from incomplete uninstallations. There's no more need to mess around with your registry." The free AppRemover utility enables the thorough uninstallation of security applications like antivirus and antispyware from your computer. Remove computer stress. Simply, cleanly and effectively.

Windows Tip-Set the Start Directory in Windows Explorer

By default, Windows Explorer always opens with My Documents. You can customize this by changing the properties for the Windows Explorer icon and replacing the Target field. To have Explorer start at the top of the C: drive:    

1. Right-click on the Windows Explorer icon
2. Select "Properties"
3. Replace the value of "Target with the following: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /e, C:\

Windows Tips-Turn off error reporting

When an application has to close because of an error, it asks that a report be sent to Microsoft for study and evaluation. Sending the report is optional. If you find error reporting a nuisance  and want it disabled: Right click on "My Computer", select "Advanced/Error Reporting/'Disable error reporting'"

Windows XP Tips-Turn off nagging "Delete Warning"

Right Click on th Recycle Bin, select "Properties" and uncheck "Display delete confirmation dialog" box. You can always get the deleted file from the Recycle Bin anyway.

Super Talent 16GB Express Duo USB3.0 Flash Drive $25

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Improve Windows XP Performance

You can speed things up a bit by turning off all visual effects.

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties to open the System Properties dialog box.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and under Performance, click Settings.
3. On the Visual Effects tab, select "Adjust for best performance" and click OK.

The result is far from fancy-lots of gray and no bells and whistles-but if it's better performance you're looking for, this setting makes a difference.

Print more than one document at a time

In Windows Explorer, highlight the files you want to print, right click and choose print.

Free Printables

Free Printables: "FreePrintable.net provides beautiful printable files that you can customize and print on your inkjet or laser printer."

Configure Applications to Maximize when Opened

Configure Applications to Maximize when Opened: "There are some programs that just work better when maximized. Graphic editors, like Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop are much easier to use when they inhabit the entire screen. Excel spreadsheets are nearly impossible to read unless maximized. You can save yourself an extra click by configuring the program’s start menu shortcut to always open the program in a maximized window."

How to prolong lithium-based batteries

How to prolong lithium-based batteries: A lithium-ion battery provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles. The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often or use a larger battery. There is no concern of memory when applying unscheduled charges.

Although lithium-ion is memory-free in terms of performance deterioration, batteries with fuel gauges exhibit what engineers refer to as "digital memory". Here is the reason: Short discharges with subsequent recharges do not provide the periodic calibration needed to synchronize the fuel gauge with the battery's state-of-charge. A deliberate full discharge and recharge every 30 charges corrects this problem. Letting the battery run down to the cut-off point in the equipment will do this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate. (Read more in 'Choosing the right battery for portable computing', Part Two.)

Awesome Duplicate Photo Finder - Find and remove duplicate or similar images

Awesome Duplicate Photo Finder - Find and remove duplicate or similar images: "Awesome Duplicate Photo Finder is a free powerful tool, that helps you to find and remove duplicate photos on your PC. With this program you can easily clean up your photo collection from duplicates or even similar images."

Busting (or not) 10 top myths about technology | Geek Gestalt - CNET News

 

You can put a keyboard you've spilled coffee on in the dishwasher
Though this might be a myth that would get you to shake your head in pity at anyone who believes it--let alone practices it--Matos said that, in fact, it's true.

It only applies to wired keyboards, though; Nothing with a battery, or wireless components in it will keep operating after being run through your dishwasher.

But Matos said that as long as you don't use soap or warm or hot water, a cycle through the Kenmore will wash away the coffee and get you pounding away at the QWERTY before you know it.

Busting (or not) 10 top myths about technology | Geek Gestalt - CNET News

Wi-Fi Hotspot Safety and Mac Viruses | Walt Mossberg | Mossberg's Mailbox | AllThingsD

Wi-Fi Hotspot Safety and Mac Viruses | Walt Mossberg | Mossberg's Mailbox | AllThingsD.

Q:

I have had a little disagreement with my IT guy. He says that when taking my laptop out in public, I should never type anything with passwords or confidential information. He says that someone can pick up my information. I say that I can’t believe that everyone in public is totally exposed. There must be some way to protect yourself while on a public network. Who is right?

A:

There’s no single correct answer. It’s true that thieves in public places can and do steal passwords and other sensitive information transferred over public Wi-Fi hotspots. But it’s also true that methods like Virtual Private Networks can mitigate this problem, and that most public hotspots are, just by the odds, unlikely to harbor these thieves at any one time. However, my advice is to avoid doing any sensitive tasks, like banking or stock trading, while using public hotspots. And, if you’re doing anything confidential on your company or home network remotely, use a VPN, which is like a secure tunnel through the internet.