Received from "THE KIM KOMANDO SHOW" is a very important message that I will describe herewith:
By now, you're no stranger to phishing emails. These are scam emails that look like they're from legitimate companies or people. However, they're really from hackers trying to trick you into opening a malicious attachment or visiting a malicious website.
An email making the rounds today is no exception. This one, which has the subject line "Security," claims to be from the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, which is a real division of Microsoft. The email even includes the real Microsoft and Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit logos.
The body of the email tells you that you need to validate your email address with the Digital Crimes Unit to receive the latest security updates from Microsoft. To do this, so it says, you have to download and run the email attachment called Microsoft_STF_install.zip.
Of course, if you do download and run the attachment, you're installing a virus on your system. This will open up your computer to hacker control and other malware. So, don't do it!
The rules to avoid being tricked by email like this are simple:
• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from people you don't know.
• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from people you DO know if it looks fishy (or phishy in this case). It's best to verify with the person who sent it.
In this case, Microsoft performs all updates through Windows Update. It will never send you an attachment to download and install.
• Don't click on links in Facebook that look out of character for the person posting them - or that promise something out of character for Facebook.
• Don't click on links or download attachments in email from companies, even ones you do business with. Visit the company's site manually or give them a call.
• Don't visit shady websites. Especially don't give them personal information or download files from them.
Also, be sure you're computer security is ready to handle any threat. Click here to learn the simple steps you should take to ward off hackers.
Don't forget that there are real security threats out there. Adobe Flash, for example, just got an important update you must to install.
Then there's the serious ongoing security saga with Java. Click here to learn more and how you can keep your computer safe.
To visit the Kim Komando Web Site go to:
http://www.komando.com
George Freire
Friday, March 8, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
From PCWorld: Anatomy of a PC Crash, 7 scenarios and how to avoid them
I received an e-mail from PCWorld, (I get them all the time), which addresses one of the most frustrating and annoying problems that can happen to you when working with your computer:
First there's a little stutter. Next a program hangs, and a funny noise creeps from your machine. Then that familiar blue screen slaps you in the face. Your computer just crashed, and all you can do is sit in the awkward silence of a restart, and hope it wasn't fatal.
There are many possible causes for these hellish episodes, and it's important to be educated on the whys and hows of PC crashes to prevent them in the future. After all, the next crash could be your PC's last. Following is a rundown of seven common causes and solutions.
Click the following link or copy/paste to your browser. You will be told how this happens, what may cause the problem and how to correct it:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023665/anatomy-of-a-pc-crash-7-scenarios-and-how-to-avoid-them.html#tk.nl_pcwbest
You'll find it interesting to say the least.
George Freire
First there's a little stutter. Next a program hangs, and a funny noise creeps from your machine. Then that familiar blue screen slaps you in the face. Your computer just crashed, and all you can do is sit in the awkward silence of a restart, and hope it wasn't fatal.
There are many possible causes for these hellish episodes, and it's important to be educated on the whys and hows of PC crashes to prevent them in the future. After all, the next crash could be your PC's last. Following is a rundown of seven common causes and solutions.
Click the following link or copy/paste to your browser. You will be told how this happens, what may cause the problem and how to correct it:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023665/anatomy-of-a-pc-crash-7-scenarios-and-how-to-avoid-them.html#tk.nl_pcwbest
You'll find it interesting to say the least.
George Freire
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Useful Posts From 2011 Brought Back to Life
I was reviewing some of the best posts (in my opinion) published in the past couple of years and came across the following series : HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE, which I think are well worth replublishing, so here goes:
09/26/2011:
As you may have noticed I have been very slow in publishing new posts lately. I apologize to all of you but especially to those who are frequent visitors.
No escuses except perhaps, this is still summer, you get somewhat lazy and sometimes not being able to think or find good stuff that will keep you interested and ready to come back at a later time.
This week I just finished building the best computer I ever built... just think: I put together a machine that among other things has a six core 3.7 MHz AMD Phenon 1100T processor, a top of the line ASUS mother board SABERTOOTH 990 FX, AME+, 16 GB high speed RAM memory, a Sapphire Radeon 6770 GDDR5 graphics card, 750 watt power supply and 2 hard drives each 1000 GB SATA 6 units and of course a computer case with a superior cooling system that will last forever.
This is quite a machine and the best part is that the mother board will be capable to handle any future super processors that AMD still has on the drawing board. This means that I will be able to keep this computer up to date just by upgrading when new and better stuff comes up.
I know you are already asking, "how much did you spend in this machine, George, is it worth it?" It cost me a shade below $900.00, but please note that I am using my old monitor, keyboard and mouse. I have seen computers that are not even close in quality and capability advertised in computer magazines for well over $2,000.00.
I intend to keep this computer for a long long time, therefore I intend to keep very good care of it, the same way I always have taken care of my other past computers.
This really is the main subject of this post: " HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE "
You can check the archives of this blog and you will find an endless number of posts that address this subject; that can be time consuming, however well worth it.
I'll try to explain the best I can, how I do it myself and save you some time. It is not hard but it requires some patience a a little dedication at first, however once you start the process it will become easier and easier and above all prevent many headaches in the future.
Of course many of you already follow many of the procedures I'm about to tell you and that is great. However, hardly a week goes by that I don't get calls from friends and other people asking for help because their computer froze, died, can't run some software etc.
This is all for today. I will get you all the details throughout the rest of the week, I promise. This way you'll have to come back to read the blog and find out about what I do about maintenance, virus protection, free and paid software and utilities I use, how to create a complete image of your hard drive, how to set up an automated back up system etc. etc.
See you soon,
George Freire
09/27/2011:
As promised, here we are again on the subject of my last post.
First let's outline most of the disrupting situations that can get the good operation of ANY computer totally out of control, not necessarily by order of importance:
-Virus, phishing, spam and pop-up attacks.
-Fragmentation of drives.
-Registry disruptions.
-Software installation gone wrong.
-Program deleting errors.
-Remnant files, temporary files, trash files left on the hard drive.
-Poor cooling of main components especially the CPU, hard drive, RAM memory package
and GPU unit.
-Poor back up of your computer hard drive where all your important files are located.
-Accumulation of internet downloaded and browsing history files.
-Not updating Windows and other software programs on a regular basis.
-Not making sure that all your program drivers are the latest available.
The above are for sure the main causes of most computer problems, computer slowdowns and worse of all, computer failure and loss of all your valuable files.
All of you will be able to prevent most of the above situations from happening. You must prepare yourselves with a proper maintenance routine and of course install good reliable, (not necessarily expensive and some free), utility programs.
This is where I can help you by describing what I do to protect my computers which, ( knock on wood), have been operating trouble free for many years, save some exceptions now and then which can be easily resolved.
For now, just read the above list of possible problems and think hard: how many have I come across and what have I done to fix them?
It is late in the afternoon, time for dinner. We will continue tomorrow.
George Freire
09/30/2011:
Hi again,
Before reading this post, please review the two previous posts of September 26 and 27.
Let's start with the most important subject of security: protection against viruses, spam, phishing and other disrupting attacks all computers are subject to.
Most of you I am sure, have some kind of protection through an antivirus, anti spyware and other similar programs. The problem is that many of you, (I know because I come across it all the time when friends call me for help), do not keep or forget to keep these programs updated on a regular basis, or forget to pay the annual fees that many of these programs require.
Those of you who have Windows 7 are in better shape than those who have earlier versions of Windows, because this version has quite a lot of built in safety programs such as a much better firewall , spyware and popup blockers. Also, both Internet Explorer 8 and 9, come with good malware and phishing built in protection. Regardless of all this, you still will require a good anti virus program.
If you just bought a new computer or you are planning to buy one, most likely it comes with some form of anti virus program, such as Norton or other similar programs already installed. HOWEVER, such programs are try-outs that will expire normally within 90 days at which time you must sign up and pay the annual fee, otherwise the program will stop working.
Here is my advice:
I myself use in my 3 computers my favorite security program NORTON 360. The license fee is about $69.00/year but you can use the program in as many as 3 computers, so you can install this program in two other computers owned my family members, friends etc. and share the cost with them...
NORTON 360 is a very complete program because it includes many exceptional features other than just virus protection such as security protection for web browsing and email, identity protection, computer back up protection, PC tune up including disk optimization, files clean up, registry clean up, diagnostic report, start up manager improvement and many more other useful features.
There are a few other programs that are excellent and free to use. My favorites are :
-Microsoft Security Essentials anti virus utility.
-Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus.
Avira free version is one of the best available and will take care of most daily problems confronting computers that browse the Internet, however they also have the premium version, ($29.00 fee/year), which is very much on top of the class.
You can find all the details for the above mentioned programs by checking the following links:
http://www.microsoft.com/
http://www.norton.com/
http://www.avira.com/
Enough for today. I think I have given you plenty of info for you to browse the above, download the programs and start giving your computer the best protection available today.
This week-end we'll explore other subjects such as drives fragmentation, registry optimization and how to back up your hard drive in such a way, that you will be able to recover all your installed software, (including the operating system), and all your files, should your hard drive fail or die from old age.
See you soon.
George Freire
10/04/2011:
Hi again,
For those who did not read our last three posts of September, please read them before you read this post.
Today let's talk about drives fragmentation, registry disruptions and how to uninstall programs no longer used, but still using a lot of space in your hard drive.
Because hard drives capacities have greatly increased in the last couple of years and storage is now relatively inexpensive, most computers now come with 1GB hard drives. High capacity hard drives even if somewhat fragmented, do not cause great problems and do not really need to be defragmented every few days as it is the norm with smaller capacity drives, 250 GB to 500GB and the like.
HOWEVER, it is always advisable to defragment your hard drives, (less frequently for larger ones and more frequently for smaller ones). All version of Windows for the last 10 years have a defragmentation program, (control panel/system and security/administrative tools/defragment your hard drive), but this program takes forever to defragment the whole drive, so if you want to use it, schedule it for a time you are not using your computer, such as late evening.
I don't use this Windows program. There are several defragmentation programs available on the market some you have to pay for, others are totally free. My favorite, (which is free to download), does an excellent job and can be scheduled to operate whenever the computer is not being used. Since it operates continuously, the end result is that your hard drive is always in a very low status of fragmentation. To download and install this program, "Smart Defrag 2", click on the following link and follow the instructions:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html
Registry disruptions possibly cause the most problems in your computer. Some registry files can be corrupted, half empty, no longer in use etc.. This happens because when you install just about any program or download stuff from the Internet, registry files related to such programs or downloads are created in the Widows registry. When you uninstall a program using Window Uninstaller, some files related to that program, most of the time remain in the Windows registry. These registry files can accumulate and after a while you have a big mess, that causes considerable slowdowns in the operation of your computer.
There are two ways to get rid of such files: use an uninstaller program that leaves no file remnants in the registry and use another program that cleans the registry.
I use a wonderful free uninstaller program that when started, opens a window which includes and shows every program and other software that are installed in your computer! Is also great just to show you all the software you have in your hard drive, (new, old, stuff you haven't used in ages etc.etc.).
All you have to do is click on the icon of the program you want to uninstall, select the uninstall button, click and presto, uninstalling starts immediately. At the end of the uninstallation, this program shows you all the remnant files left over in the registry and gives you the choice to delete them. Here you have to be careful, because only the files shown in bold are safe to delete. This little jewel of a program is called "REVO UNINSTALLER". It can be downloaded free by clicking the fol.lowing link:
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Registry cleaning programs are in most cases included in utility software programs designed for good computer maintenance such as "Registry Mechanic", "Ashampoo Win Optimizer", "Advanced System Care" and others, but these are my favorites.
You may download these and test them free, (Google the titles and you'll be directed to the Web sites where you can do it), however in order to take full advantage of their capabilities you must buy the full premium program. You really do not need to have them all; download the free trial versions, try them and then decide which one you like the best and buy it. Cost for these is normally less than $20.00 but really well worth it.
This is it for today. Soon I'll discuss the other subjects of interest such as drivers updates, back up your computer, keep your computer booting as short as possible AND OTHER SUBJECTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
See you soon,
George Freire
10/06/2011:
Hi again,
Today we'll talk about one of the most important subjects every computer user should pay attention to: BACK UP YOUR FILES, BETTER STILL BACK UP YOUR ENTIRE HARD DRIVE, SO THAT IF IT FAILS, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO RECOVER EVERYTHING, INCLUDING ALL YOUR INSTALLED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS AND YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM, 100%.
First things first: in order to have a complete and safe back up of your hard drive, it is obvious that doing the back up in a separate folder in your hard drive is not the way to go; why? if your hard drive fails, there goes your back up too.
So, what should you do?
Get an external hard drive or another internal hard drive that you can install in your computer. The first option is by far the best because all you have to do is connect it to your computer via an USB terminal.
The second option, with due respect, can be a little difficult for those who are not very familiar with the computer internal components.
External drives are not expensive anymore. You can buy a 500 GB external drive for less then $100.00, (they used to cost #200.00/$300.00 in the past), and it is an absolute must to have.
How to do a complete back up? it is not that difficult. If you have Windows 7, it is really quite easy.
Click Start, go to control panel/ system security/backup and restore.
This will open a window, "Backup or Restore your Files". There you will be able to set up a schedule for regularly back up you files, (I am nor going into details, just read the instructions), but before you do that I strongly recommend that you create a system repair disk and a system image of your hard drive. All you have to do is click each title on the left column of the window and follow instructions.
A system image is an exact copy of a drive. By default, a system image includes the drives required for Windows to run. It also includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration—you can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the system image.
Although this type of backup includes your personal files, we recommend that you back up your files regularly using Windows Backup so that you can restore individual files and folders as needed. When you set up Windows Backup, you can let Windows choose what to back up, which will include a system image, or you can select the items that you want to back up and whether you want to include a system image.
If your computer contains several drives or partitions, you can create a system image that includes all of them by following the steps in Back up your programs, system settings, and files.
There is a very good free utility that does all this, perhaps more efficiently : Macrium Reflect Free Edition. You can download this very good program by clicking the following link:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
I think I have given you plenty to work with for the week-end. Of course I am talking to those of you who do not yet have taken care of your computer back up procedures. I hope most of you have already done it if so great.
See you soon.
George Freire
10/25/2011:
Today I'll discuss another issue that is also important for a good computer management and safety:
-How to keep track of drivers for all your computer components and peripherals:
Drivers can get outdated in a hurry. If this happens you have a choice: go to the Webpage of your component or peripheral manufacturer and download the latest drive available for the product. This can be somewhat time consuming, therefore I am going to let you know about a free utility that will help you out: Double Driver 4.1
PCWorld describes the Double Driver utility as follows:
One of the main reasons why you would want to collect installed drivers is if you don’t have the Driver CD that came with the computer or they are unavailable online. This comes in quite handy if you purchase a computer and want to backup the initial set of drivers. It can be quite difficulty for example to find drivers for hardware installed in a notebook if the operating system has to be setup again. Luckily Double Driver can now lend you a hand with that and save you a lot of time.
Double Driver is a very simple and useful tool which not only allows you to view all the drivers installed on your system but also allows you to backup, restore, save and print all chosen drivers.
Double Driver analyzes your system and lists the most important driver details such as version, date, provider, etc. All drivers that are found can easily be backed up the application and easily restored at a later point in one go.
Double Driver is freeware. Feel free to use and give this program to anyone you know. Your donation or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
To download this utility go to:
http://www.boozet.org/dd.htm
See you again soon
TODAY:
I hope the above republished posts will be very very useful to you all.
Best,
George Freire
09/26/2011:
As you may have noticed I have been very slow in publishing new posts lately. I apologize to all of you but especially to those who are frequent visitors.
No escuses except perhaps, this is still summer, you get somewhat lazy and sometimes not being able to think or find good stuff that will keep you interested and ready to come back at a later time.
This week I just finished building the best computer I ever built... just think: I put together a machine that among other things has a six core 3.7 MHz AMD Phenon 1100T processor, a top of the line ASUS mother board SABERTOOTH 990 FX, AME+, 16 GB high speed RAM memory, a Sapphire Radeon 6770 GDDR5 graphics card, 750 watt power supply and 2 hard drives each 1000 GB SATA 6 units and of course a computer case with a superior cooling system that will last forever.
This is quite a machine and the best part is that the mother board will be capable to handle any future super processors that AMD still has on the drawing board. This means that I will be able to keep this computer up to date just by upgrading when new and better stuff comes up.
I know you are already asking, "how much did you spend in this machine, George, is it worth it?" It cost me a shade below $900.00, but please note that I am using my old monitor, keyboard and mouse. I have seen computers that are not even close in quality and capability advertised in computer magazines for well over $2,000.00.
I intend to keep this computer for a long long time, therefore I intend to keep very good care of it, the same way I always have taken care of my other past computers.
This really is the main subject of this post: " HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER IN TOP SHAPE "
You can check the archives of this blog and you will find an endless number of posts that address this subject; that can be time consuming, however well worth it.
I'll try to explain the best I can, how I do it myself and save you some time. It is not hard but it requires some patience a a little dedication at first, however once you start the process it will become easier and easier and above all prevent many headaches in the future.
Of course many of you already follow many of the procedures I'm about to tell you and that is great. However, hardly a week goes by that I don't get calls from friends and other people asking for help because their computer froze, died, can't run some software etc.
This is all for today. I will get you all the details throughout the rest of the week, I promise. This way you'll have to come back to read the blog and find out about what I do about maintenance, virus protection, free and paid software and utilities I use, how to create a complete image of your hard drive, how to set up an automated back up system etc. etc.
See you soon,
George Freire
09/27/2011:
As promised, here we are again on the subject of my last post.
First let's outline most of the disrupting situations that can get the good operation of ANY computer totally out of control, not necessarily by order of importance:
-Virus, phishing, spam and pop-up attacks.
-Fragmentation of drives.
-Registry disruptions.
-Software installation gone wrong.
-Program deleting errors.
-Remnant files, temporary files, trash files left on the hard drive.
-Poor cooling of main components especially the CPU, hard drive, RAM memory package
and GPU unit.
-Poor back up of your computer hard drive where all your important files are located.
-Accumulation of internet downloaded and browsing history files.
-Not updating Windows and other software programs on a regular basis.
-Not making sure that all your program drivers are the latest available.
The above are for sure the main causes of most computer problems, computer slowdowns and worse of all, computer failure and loss of all your valuable files.
All of you will be able to prevent most of the above situations from happening. You must prepare yourselves with a proper maintenance routine and of course install good reliable, (not necessarily expensive and some free), utility programs.
This is where I can help you by describing what I do to protect my computers which, ( knock on wood), have been operating trouble free for many years, save some exceptions now and then which can be easily resolved.
For now, just read the above list of possible problems and think hard: how many have I come across and what have I done to fix them?
It is late in the afternoon, time for dinner. We will continue tomorrow.
George Freire
09/30/2011:
Hi again,
Before reading this post, please review the two previous posts of September 26 and 27.
Let's start with the most important subject of security: protection against viruses, spam, phishing and other disrupting attacks all computers are subject to.
Most of you I am sure, have some kind of protection through an antivirus, anti spyware and other similar programs. The problem is that many of you, (I know because I come across it all the time when friends call me for help), do not keep or forget to keep these programs updated on a regular basis, or forget to pay the annual fees that many of these programs require.
Those of you who have Windows 7 are in better shape than those who have earlier versions of Windows, because this version has quite a lot of built in safety programs such as a much better firewall , spyware and popup blockers. Also, both Internet Explorer 8 and 9, come with good malware and phishing built in protection. Regardless of all this, you still will require a good anti virus program.
If you just bought a new computer or you are planning to buy one, most likely it comes with some form of anti virus program, such as Norton or other similar programs already installed. HOWEVER, such programs are try-outs that will expire normally within 90 days at which time you must sign up and pay the annual fee, otherwise the program will stop working.
Here is my advice:
I myself use in my 3 computers my favorite security program NORTON 360. The license fee is about $69.00/year but you can use the program in as many as 3 computers, so you can install this program in two other computers owned my family members, friends etc. and share the cost with them...
NORTON 360 is a very complete program because it includes many exceptional features other than just virus protection such as security protection for web browsing and email, identity protection, computer back up protection, PC tune up including disk optimization, files clean up, registry clean up, diagnostic report, start up manager improvement and many more other useful features.
There are a few other programs that are excellent and free to use. My favorites are :
-Microsoft Security Essentials anti virus utility.
-Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus.
Avira free version is one of the best available and will take care of most daily problems confronting computers that browse the Internet, however they also have the premium version, ($29.00 fee/year), which is very much on top of the class.
You can find all the details for the above mentioned programs by checking the following links:
http://www.microsoft.com/
http://www.norton.com/
http://www.avira.com/
Enough for today. I think I have given you plenty of info for you to browse the above, download the programs and start giving your computer the best protection available today.
This week-end we'll explore other subjects such as drives fragmentation, registry optimization and how to back up your hard drive in such a way, that you will be able to recover all your installed software, (including the operating system), and all your files, should your hard drive fail or die from old age.
See you soon.
George Freire
10/04/2011:
Hi again,
For those who did not read our last three posts of September, please read them before you read this post.
Today let's talk about drives fragmentation, registry disruptions and how to uninstall programs no longer used, but still using a lot of space in your hard drive.
Because hard drives capacities have greatly increased in the last couple of years and storage is now relatively inexpensive, most computers now come with 1GB hard drives. High capacity hard drives even if somewhat fragmented, do not cause great problems and do not really need to be defragmented every few days as it is the norm with smaller capacity drives, 250 GB to 500GB and the like.
HOWEVER, it is always advisable to defragment your hard drives, (less frequently for larger ones and more frequently for smaller ones). All version of Windows for the last 10 years have a defragmentation program, (control panel/system and security/administrative tools/defragment your hard drive), but this program takes forever to defragment the whole drive, so if you want to use it, schedule it for a time you are not using your computer, such as late evening.
I don't use this Windows program. There are several defragmentation programs available on the market some you have to pay for, others are totally free. My favorite, (which is free to download), does an excellent job and can be scheduled to operate whenever the computer is not being used. Since it operates continuously, the end result is that your hard drive is always in a very low status of fragmentation. To download and install this program, "Smart Defrag 2", click on the following link and follow the instructions:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html
Registry disruptions possibly cause the most problems in your computer. Some registry files can be corrupted, half empty, no longer in use etc.. This happens because when you install just about any program or download stuff from the Internet, registry files related to such programs or downloads are created in the Widows registry. When you uninstall a program using Window Uninstaller, some files related to that program, most of the time remain in the Windows registry. These registry files can accumulate and after a while you have a big mess, that causes considerable slowdowns in the operation of your computer.
There are two ways to get rid of such files: use an uninstaller program that leaves no file remnants in the registry and use another program that cleans the registry.
I use a wonderful free uninstaller program that when started, opens a window which includes and shows every program and other software that are installed in your computer! Is also great just to show you all the software you have in your hard drive, (new, old, stuff you haven't used in ages etc.etc.).
All you have to do is click on the icon of the program you want to uninstall, select the uninstall button, click and presto, uninstalling starts immediately. At the end of the uninstallation, this program shows you all the remnant files left over in the registry and gives you the choice to delete them. Here you have to be careful, because only the files shown in bold are safe to delete. This little jewel of a program is called "REVO UNINSTALLER". It can be downloaded free by clicking the fol.lowing link:
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Registry cleaning programs are in most cases included in utility software programs designed for good computer maintenance such as "Registry Mechanic", "Ashampoo Win Optimizer", "Advanced System Care" and others, but these are my favorites.
You may download these and test them free, (Google the titles and you'll be directed to the Web sites where you can do it), however in order to take full advantage of their capabilities you must buy the full premium program. You really do not need to have them all; download the free trial versions, try them and then decide which one you like the best and buy it. Cost for these is normally less than $20.00 but really well worth it.
This is it for today. Soon I'll discuss the other subjects of interest such as drivers updates, back up your computer, keep your computer booting as short as possible AND OTHER SUBJECTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
See you soon,
George Freire
10/06/2011:
Hi again,
Today we'll talk about one of the most important subjects every computer user should pay attention to: BACK UP YOUR FILES, BETTER STILL BACK UP YOUR ENTIRE HARD DRIVE, SO THAT IF IT FAILS, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO RECOVER EVERYTHING, INCLUDING ALL YOUR INSTALLED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS AND YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM, 100%.
First things first: in order to have a complete and safe back up of your hard drive, it is obvious that doing the back up in a separate folder in your hard drive is not the way to go; why? if your hard drive fails, there goes your back up too.
So, what should you do?
Get an external hard drive or another internal hard drive that you can install in your computer. The first option is by far the best because all you have to do is connect it to your computer via an USB terminal.
The second option, with due respect, can be a little difficult for those who are not very familiar with the computer internal components.
External drives are not expensive anymore. You can buy a 500 GB external drive for less then $100.00, (they used to cost #200.00/$300.00 in the past), and it is an absolute must to have.
How to do a complete back up? it is not that difficult. If you have Windows 7, it is really quite easy.
Click Start, go to control panel/ system security/backup and restore.
This will open a window, "Backup or Restore your Files". There you will be able to set up a schedule for regularly back up you files, (I am nor going into details, just read the instructions), but before you do that I strongly recommend that you create a system repair disk and a system image of your hard drive. All you have to do is click each title on the left column of the window and follow instructions.
A system image is an exact copy of a drive. By default, a system image includes the drives required for Windows to run. It also includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration—you can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the system image.
Although this type of backup includes your personal files, we recommend that you back up your files regularly using Windows Backup so that you can restore individual files and folders as needed. When you set up Windows Backup, you can let Windows choose what to back up, which will include a system image, or you can select the items that you want to back up and whether you want to include a system image.
If your computer contains several drives or partitions, you can create a system image that includes all of them by following the steps in Back up your programs, system settings, and files.
There is a very good free utility that does all this, perhaps more efficiently : Macrium Reflect Free Edition. You can download this very good program by clicking the following link:
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
I think I have given you plenty to work with for the week-end. Of course I am talking to those of you who do not yet have taken care of your computer back up procedures. I hope most of you have already done it if so great.
See you soon.
George Freire
10/25/2011:
Today I'll discuss another issue that is also important for a good computer management and safety:
-How to keep track of drivers for all your computer components and peripherals:
Drivers can get outdated in a hurry. If this happens you have a choice: go to the Webpage of your component or peripheral manufacturer and download the latest drive available for the product. This can be somewhat time consuming, therefore I am going to let you know about a free utility that will help you out: Double Driver 4.1
PCWorld describes the Double Driver utility as follows:
One of the main reasons why you would want to collect installed drivers is if you don’t have the Driver CD that came with the computer or they are unavailable online. This comes in quite handy if you purchase a computer and want to backup the initial set of drivers. It can be quite difficulty for example to find drivers for hardware installed in a notebook if the operating system has to be setup again. Luckily Double Driver can now lend you a hand with that and save you a lot of time.
Double Driver is a very simple and useful tool which not only allows you to view all the drivers installed on your system but also allows you to backup, restore, save and print all chosen drivers.
Double Driver analyzes your system and lists the most important driver details such as version, date, provider, etc. All drivers that are found can easily be backed up the application and easily restored at a later point in one go.
Double Driver is freeware. Feel free to use and give this program to anyone you know. Your donation or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
To download this utility go to:
http://www.boozet.org/dd.htm
See you again soon
TODAY:
I hope the above republished posts will be very very useful to you all.
Best,
George Freire
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Turn your flash drive into a portable PC survival kit
I got this from PCWorld and I think some of you will take advantage and create your own flash drive portable survival kit.
All the web apps in the world won’t help you when your PC breaks down or falls prey to a particularly nasty piece of malware and refuses connect to the Internet. A properly loaded USB drive, on the other hand, can be a machine saver. And when your grandma calls with a dire PC emergency, you'll be glad to have an always-ready "ninja drive" to slip into your pocket as you run out the door.
This can be very very useful indeed.
As soon as I finished reading this article, I immediately created my own flash drive survival kit.
You don't have to load all the applications shown, just select those that you think will be of help to you and go. The following link will take you to the web page. Just click or copy paste to your browser:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2021326/turn-your-flash-drive-into-a-portable-pc-survival-kit.html#tk.nl_pcwbest
Enjoy!
George Freire
All the web apps in the world won’t help you when your PC breaks down or falls prey to a particularly nasty piece of malware and refuses connect to the Internet. A properly loaded USB drive, on the other hand, can be a machine saver. And when your grandma calls with a dire PC emergency, you'll be glad to have an always-ready "ninja drive" to slip into your pocket as you run out the door.
This can be very very useful indeed.
As soon as I finished reading this article, I immediately created my own flash drive survival kit.
You don't have to load all the applications shown, just select those that you think will be of help to you and go. The following link will take you to the web page. Just click or copy paste to your browser:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2021326/turn-your-flash-drive-into-a-portable-pc-survival-kit.html#tk.nl_pcwbest
Enjoy!
George Freire
Friday, December 28, 2012
WHERE DID "PISS POOR" COME FROM ?
In order to give our readers something more entertaining than computer "speak", I am giving you today an interesting and humorous essay in history which explains (?) the source of so many curious English language phrases and old sayings...
I got this from a good friend:
Where did "Piss Poor" come from? Interesting history.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot.
And then once it was full it was taken and sold to the tannery...
if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor".
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot...
They "didn't have a pot to piss in" and were the lowest of the low.
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature
Isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some facts about the 1500's
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May,
And they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell,
brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water,
Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.
Last of all the babies.
By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!"
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.
It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals
(mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.
This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings
Could mess up your nice clean bed.
Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection.
That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.
Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery
In the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing..
As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door,
It would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way.
Hence: a thresh hold.
(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.
Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables
And did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers
In the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day.
Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while.
Hence the rhyme:
“Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.
When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off.
It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon."
They would cut off a little to share with guests
And would all sit around and chew the fat.
Those with money had plates made of pewter.
Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death.
This happened most often with tomatoes,
so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status..
Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle,
and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky.
The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days..
Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.
They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around
and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.
Hence the custom; “holding a wake."
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people.
So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave.
When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive.
So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell.
Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be,
“saved by the bell" or was "considered a dead ringer."
And that's the truth.
Now, whoever said history was boring!!!
I hope you all enjoyed it.
George Freire
I got this from a good friend:
Where did "Piss Poor" come from? Interesting history.
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot.
And then once it was full it was taken and sold to the tannery...
if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor".
But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot...
They "didn't have a pot to piss in" and were the lowest of the low.
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature
Isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.
Here are some facts about the 1500's
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May,
And they still smelled pretty good by June.. However, since they were starting to smell,
brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.
The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water,
Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.
Last of all the babies.
By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.
Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!"
Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath.
It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals
(mice, bugs) lived in the roof.
When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof.
Hence the saying, "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house.
This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings
Could mess up your nice clean bed.
Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection.
That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt.
Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery
In the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing..
As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door,
It would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way.
Hence: a thresh hold.
(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.
Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables
And did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers
In the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day.
Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while.
Hence the rhyme:
“Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.
When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off.
It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon."
They would cut off a little to share with guests
And would all sit around and chew the fat.
Those with money had plates made of pewter.
Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death.
This happened most often with tomatoes,
so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Bread was divided according to status..
Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle,
and guests got the top, or the upper crust.
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky.
The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days..
Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.
They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around
and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.
Hence the custom; “holding a wake."
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people.
So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave.
When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive.
So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell.
Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be,
“saved by the bell" or was "considered a dead ringer."
And that's the truth.
Now, whoever said history was boring!!!
I hope you all enjoyed it.
George Freire
Sunday, December 16, 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU READERS; HERE IS OUR CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR YOU ALL:CLASSIC SHELL PROGRAM
This is for you new users of Windows 8 who are frustrated by not having the friendly and familiar "Start Button and Start Menu", which had been with all versions of Windows we can remember.
Microsoft had the audacity of removing this feature we all were used to and frankly loved for its usefulness and ease of use.
Well, I found out that there is a wonderful free program that can put an end to all our frustrations related to many of the changes in Windows 8, which we wish had never been made.
This program is called Classic Shell . It contains a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows but were later removed. It has a customizable Start menu and Start button for Windows 7 and Windows 8, it adds a toolbar for Windows Explorer and supports a variety of features found in all versions of Windows from Windows 95 on down the line and that most of us were familiar with:
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
If it does not take you to the web page just copy & paste to your browser.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.
George Freire
Microsoft had the audacity of removing this feature we all were used to and frankly loved for its usefulness and ease of use.
Well, I found out that there is a wonderful free program that can put an end to all our frustrations related to many of the changes in Windows 8, which we wish had never been made.
This program is called Classic Shell . It contains a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows but were later removed. It has a customizable Start menu and Start button for Windows 7 and Windows 8, it adds a toolbar for Windows Explorer and supports a variety of features found in all versions of Windows from Windows 95 on down the line and that most of us were familiar with:
- Drag and drop to let you organize your applications
- Options to show Favorites, expand Control Panel, etc
- Shows recently used documents. The number of documents to display is customizable
- Translated in 35 languages, including Right-to-left support for Arabic and Hebrew
- Does not disable the original start menu in Windows. You can access it by Shift+Click on the start button
- Right-click on an item in the menu to delete, rename, sort, or perform other tasks
- The search box helps you find your programs without getting in the way of your keyboard shortcuts
- Supports jumplists for easy access to recent documents and common tasks
- Available for 32 and 64-bit operating systems
- Has support for skins, including additional 3rd party skins
- Fully customizable in both looks and functionality
- Support for Microsoft’s Active Accessibility
- Converts the “All Programs” button in the Windows menu into a cascading menu (Vista and Windows 7)
- Implements a customizable Start button (Windows 7 and 8)
- Can show, search and launch Windows Store apps (Windows 8)
- And last but not least – it's FREE!
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
If it does not take you to the web page just copy & paste to your browser.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.
George Freire
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ALL OUR READERS
Today I was talking to a good friend who follows my blog on a regular basis and asked him if he had any suggestions for the improvement of the blog and how to make it more interesting to everybody.
Among other things, he said the following: "George, why don't you print our a complete collection of all the posts published from the very beginning of your blog and make it available to everybody?, there is a lot of useful information to all of us who use computers and I'll bet a lot of your followers would love to have it".
I thought about it and checked how many posts have been published since December 2008: the total is 255.
Well, I said to myself, this might be a good idea, however it will take a lot of doing to put together such a package, perhaps in a form of a booklet or something else.
In order to do it I will have to know how many of you would like the idea and therefore how many booklets I would have to print.
I have no idea of how much such a project would cost in print form, and I don't know how much per copy, plus the trouble and cost of of shipping to readers in many different countries who follow us.
Another idea struck me, why not make it available in a download book format that you guys could then print or keep in your computer ? Then the cost would be not much, perhaps $5.00 to $10.00 per download or even less depending on how many would like to do it.
If you readers, from all the countries who follow my blog, think this is a good idea, please let me know. I need to find out how many would be interested and whether it would be worth the effort.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks for your input,
George Freire
Among other things, he said the following: "George, why don't you print our a complete collection of all the posts published from the very beginning of your blog and make it available to everybody?, there is a lot of useful information to all of us who use computers and I'll bet a lot of your followers would love to have it".
I thought about it and checked how many posts have been published since December 2008: the total is 255.
Well, I said to myself, this might be a good idea, however it will take a lot of doing to put together such a package, perhaps in a form of a booklet or something else.
In order to do it I will have to know how many of you would like the idea and therefore how many booklets I would have to print.
I have no idea of how much such a project would cost in print form, and I don't know how much per copy, plus the trouble and cost of of shipping to readers in many different countries who follow us.
Another idea struck me, why not make it available in a download book format that you guys could then print or keep in your computer ? Then the cost would be not much, perhaps $5.00 to $10.00 per download or even less depending on how many would like to do it.
If you readers, from all the countries who follow my blog, think this is a good idea, please let me know. I need to find out how many would be interested and whether it would be worth the effort.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks for your input,
George Freire
Saturday, November 24, 2012
WINDOWS 8 HOT KEYS
Folks,
Courtesy of PCWorld's Loyd Case, Jon Phillips and Alex Cocilova, here are quite a number of useful key shortcuts for those who already are using Windows 8:
In these key combinations, hold down the Windows key (normally located between Alt and Ctrl) and another key, as described on this list.
- Press the Windows key to enter the tiled Start screen.
- The Windows key + M minimizes everything that's showing on the desktop.
- The Windows key + E opens Explorer for quick access to folders.
- On the Start screen, press the Windows key + D to instantly get to the desktop.
- The Windows key + Tab opens a list of currently running programs.
- The Windows key + Print Screen takes a screenshot and saves it in a Screenshots folder nested in your Pictures folder.
- To take a screenshot on a Windows 8 tablet, simultaneously press the Windows button and the volume-down button on the tablet chassis.
- The Windows key + Q opens a global search menu. Type what you're looking for and where you would like to look.
- The Windows key + W opens a search in your system settings to quickly locate and change system properties.
- The Windows key + F opens a file and folder search.
- The Windows key + Pause opens the system properties page to show you a quick rundown of your specs.
- The Windows key + "," (that's the comma sign!) makes all current windows transparent, giving you a peek at the desktop as long as you hold down the Windows key.
- The Windows key + "." (the period) snaps a window to the right or left side (toggling each time you press ".").
- The Windows key + R prompts the Run command—useful for quickly launching apps and other routines with a command prompt.
- The Windows key + X opens the Quick Access Menu, exposing system functionality such as the Command Prompt, Disk Management, File Explorer, Run, and more. Alternatively, you can right-click on the bottom right corner of the screen to spawn the Quick Access Menu.
- The Windows key + I opens the settings menu, giving you quick access to the Control Panel, Personalization, and your Power button, among other features.
- The Windows key + O locks orientation on devices with an accelerometer.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2012885/20-must-know-windows-8-tips-and-tricks.html#tk.nl_win
If clicking the above does not work, just copy and paste to your blogger.
George Freire
A must see news report regarding credit cards..
A good friend sent me an email concerning the new technology used in many recently issued credit cards, which employs a "WI-FI' chip that facilitates the use of the card.
Here is what he said:
"I read this about a
couple weeks ago, and then checked my cards for the little "Wi-Fi Signal Icon"
on each one. I found none w/that signal on them, but I was determined to watch
for it when my cards came in on renewals. Well, yesterday I got my CHASE SLATE
card AND THERE IT WAS ! My first time to see it. I'll not activate that card
after seeing this. I guess I'll go to the bank and see if I can replace it w/a
non Wi-Fi (Radio Frequency Card)....?
Thought all
my contacts ought to see this if you've not already seen this demo....wow!
Check your newer
credit cards for the Wi-Fi Symbol on it. You need to watch the video below to
really know why I sent this to you.
http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/lLAFhTjsQHw%26sns=em
I watched and decided that this is well worth publishing in this blog.
(If the link above does not work when clicked, copy and paste to your browser).
Your comments will be appreciated.
George Freire
Monday, November 12, 2012
HOW TO MOVE YOUR WINDOWS OS AND OTHER APPS TO AN SSD DRIVE
On Sunday September 16 we published a post titled:
"How to remove Windows.old folder from your (C:) drive and why ? "
The last 5 paragraphs of this post were the following:
"I recently installed an SSD drive in my main computer. Because these drives are still rather expensive, I selected and bought a 120 GB unit. In order to install Windows 7 and other programs that I use regularly, I did this by creating a "C: drive Disk Image" . Prior to this of course I deleted the "Windows.old" folder and transferred high volume folders such as Documents, My Pictures, My Music, User Files etc.etc. to my regular hard drive, now changed to as Drive (F:).
The end result is that the OS plus other programs I regularly use run now on an SSD drive and my computer operation is so much faster it is hard to believe.
Drive F: can now be accessed just like any other drive and its programs and files will just run normally, but not as fast as those installed in the SSD drive (C:)
Note: SSD drives are becoming a LOT less expensive then they were a few months ago. 120 GB to 250 GB run between $120.00 to $300.00. I paid a little less than $120.00 for my 120 GB SSD drive.
I hope this post will be of help to most of you. If you have any questions or if you decide to install an SSD drive in your computer and are not brave enough to do at it by yourselves, just post a question or e-mail me. I will then post a more complete description on how to transfer you OS and other program files to you new and very, very fast new SSD drive.
George Freire"
This whole thing may be a little confusing to say the least, but let me explain:
The "C: drive disk image" was created in an external hard drive, (drive F:) where I also keep a complete back up of the C drive folders and files. Then after installing the SSD, I made it drive C: and restored the disk image to it from the external drive F:. I HOPE THIS CLEARS THE POSSIBLE CONFUSION I MAY HAVE CREATED WITH MY ABOVE DESCRIPTION OF ACTIONS TAKEN.
Once you have this "disk image" you will be able to transfer it to a completely new and empty hard drive and run the computer again as if nothing had happened. That is what I did with the SSD as described above.
Windows 7 has the capability to create a system image:
-Click "start"/"control panel"/"system and security"/backup and restore".
-On the left column of the "backup and restore" dialog box, you'll see three (3) choices: "
"Turn off Schedule"
"Create a system image"
"Create a system repair disk"
"Create a system image" and "Create a system repair disk" are the choices you need to select. First create the "system repair disk", (it will take just a few minutes), then create the "system image" to the external hard drive that you should have connected via USB to your computer. This will take possibly some time, (normally more than an hour or so, depending on how much stuff you have in your C: drive).
When you select the above operations, Windows will clearly explain what to do, so it will be very easy to do.
My next post will cover my installation of the new Windows 8 version in my other computer. I am now playing with it and exploring all the new features of the system. All I can tell you now is that I like it a lot, but it takes a little time to get used to it and to learn all the new stuff that comes with it.
George Freire
"How to remove Windows.old folder from your (C:) drive and why ? "
The last 5 paragraphs of this post were the following:
"I recently installed an SSD drive in my main computer. Because these drives are still rather expensive, I selected and bought a 120 GB unit. In order to install Windows 7 and other programs that I use regularly, I did this by creating a "C: drive Disk Image" . Prior to this of course I deleted the "Windows.old" folder and transferred high volume folders such as Documents, My Pictures, My Music, User Files etc.etc. to my regular hard drive, now changed to as Drive (F:).
The end result is that the OS plus other programs I regularly use run now on an SSD drive and my computer operation is so much faster it is hard to believe.
Drive F: can now be accessed just like any other drive and its programs and files will just run normally, but not as fast as those installed in the SSD drive (C:)
Note: SSD drives are becoming a LOT less expensive then they were a few months ago. 120 GB to 250 GB run between $120.00 to $300.00. I paid a little less than $120.00 for my 120 GB SSD drive.
I hope this post will be of help to most of you. If you have any questions or if you decide to install an SSD drive in your computer and are not brave enough to do at it by yourselves, just post a question or e-mail me. I will then post a more complete description on how to transfer you OS and other program files to you new and very, very fast new SSD drive.
George Freire"
This whole thing may be a little confusing to say the least, but let me explain:
The "C: drive disk image" was created in an external hard drive, (drive F:) where I also keep a complete back up of the C drive folders and files. Then after installing the SSD, I made it drive C: and restored the disk image to it from the external drive F:. I HOPE THIS CLEARS THE POSSIBLE CONFUSION I MAY HAVE CREATED WITH MY ABOVE DESCRIPTION OF ACTIONS TAKEN.
What is a disk system image ? a disk system image is an exact copy of a drive.
By default, a system image includes the drives required for Windows to run. It also includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and
files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if
your hard drive or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer
from a system image, it's a complete restoration; you can't choose individual
items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files
are replaced with the contents of the system image.
Once you have this "disk image" you will be able to transfer it to a completely new and empty hard drive and run the computer again as if nothing had happened. That is what I did with the SSD as described above.
Windows 7 has the capability to create a system image:
-Click "start"/"control panel"/"system and security"/backup and restore".
-On the left column of the "backup and restore" dialog box, you'll see three (3) choices: "
"Turn off Schedule"
"Create a system image"
"Create a system repair disk"
"Create a system image" and "Create a system repair disk" are the choices you need to select. First create the "system repair disk", (it will take just a few minutes), then create the "system image" to the external hard drive that you should have connected via USB to your computer. This will take possibly some time, (normally more than an hour or so, depending on how much stuff you have in your C: drive).
When you select the above operations, Windows will clearly explain what to do, so it will be very easy to do.
My next post will cover my installation of the new Windows 8 version in my other computer. I am now playing with it and exploring all the new features of the system. All I can tell you now is that I like it a lot, but it takes a little time to get used to it and to learn all the new stuff that comes with it.
George Freire
Saturday, October 13, 2012
An Important Security Alert
I get daily emails from the KIM KOMANDO SHOW kimstipreply@lyris.komando.com;
Today I received the following security alert, which I am publishing for you all to know:
"There's a dangerous phishing email going around with the subject line: "CNN Breaking News -- Mitt Romney Almost President."
If you receive this email, I recommend you delete the email immediately!
Inside the email are legitimate-looking links that will take you to a malicious website. This site will put a virus on your computer that leaves it wide open for hackers. They can steal your information, including online passwords and financial data.
This is a good reminder to be cautious when opening unsolicited email, especially one containing links. If you have doubts about an email, visit the site referenced in the email manually instead of clicking the links in the email.
This malicious email isn't the only threat out there, so it's also a good idea to have up-to-date security software installed. You can find great, free security software on my site at this address: "
http://www.komando.com/securitycenter/
All I can tell you folks is Please be vigilant.
George Freire
Today I received the following security alert, which I am publishing for you all to know:
"There's a dangerous phishing email going around with the subject line: "CNN Breaking News -- Mitt Romney Almost President."
If you receive this email, I recommend you delete the email immediately!
Inside the email are legitimate-looking links that will take you to a malicious website. This site will put a virus on your computer that leaves it wide open for hackers. They can steal your information, including online passwords and financial data.
This is a good reminder to be cautious when opening unsolicited email, especially one containing links. If you have doubts about an email, visit the site referenced in the email manually instead of clicking the links in the email.
This malicious email isn't the only threat out there, so it's also a good idea to have up-to-date security software installed. You can find great, free security software on my site at this address: "
http://www.komando.com/securitycenter/
All I can tell you folks is Please be vigilant.
George Freire
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Have you lost your contacts list in your Windows Live Mail Program ???
Folks,
Here is a situation that is quite upsetting for those who use "Windows Live Mail" with Windows 7.
Remember that when you used Windowa XP and Vista this mail program was called "Outlook Express" ?
Then you switched to Windows 7 just to find out that "Outlook Express" was no longer available. Microsoft advised that you had to download "Windows Live Mail" from their Windows Live page.
Every once in a while I have had a number of people contact me saying that all of a sudden their contacts list in the "Contacts" folder, just vanished and they were scratching their heads in frustration. (By the way that also happened to me a while ago, I was also frustrated and of course investigated the problem and found a solution).
I really do not know why it happens, (if anybody knows please let me know), but this morning a good friend called me; she was in agony, "George what am I to do ? I just lost all my contacts list, please help !!"
I helped her recover all her contacts and for those of you that might come through the same problem, here is what you have to do:
-Open you Windows Live Mail and go to your "Inbox".
-On the left column of the box, go all the way down to the "Contacts" folder icon and click it.
-A dialog box opens. Go to the "Customize Tool Bar" which is the second bar from the top of the box and all the way to the right, just before the "blue help question mark" you'll fin an icon in a small box that looks like a sheet of paper with a small arrow. This is the "Menus" tab. Click on it and a small dialog box opens, showing several choices among them "Import".
- Click "Import". Another dialog box opens with more choices, including "Address Book for current Windows user". Click on it and "voila" ! all the contacts are immediately imported to your Windows Live Mail "Contacts" folder.
It is that simple, but if you do not know how to do it, you just might get a little frustrated. Now you know how to handle it.
If you have any questions just let me know.
Until the next post.
George Freire
Monday, October 8, 2012
How to Fix Your Wi-Fi Network
If you have a Wi-Fi network at home or at the office, (most of us do), I am sure you have experienced problems that all of a sudden, unexpectedly leave you scratching your head.
Wireless Internet networks afford us the luxury of browsing the Web cable-free, but a connection that relies on radio waves is subject to failure due to interference, signal range limits, hardware problems, and operator error.
PCWorld published sometime ago a very useful article that addresses this problem and help you deal with it rather easily.
The following link will tale you to this PCWorld page; either click on it and if it does not work, copy and paste to your browser:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/260524/how_to_fix_your_wi_fi_network_7_tips.html
I hope it will help many of you.
George Freire
Wireless Internet networks afford us the luxury of browsing the Web cable-free, but a connection that relies on radio waves is subject to failure due to interference, signal range limits, hardware problems, and operator error.
PCWorld published sometime ago a very useful article that addresses this problem and help you deal with it rather easily.
The following link will tale you to this PCWorld page; either click on it and if it does not work, copy and paste to your browser:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/260524/how_to_fix_your_wi_fi_network_7_tips.html
I hope it will help many of you.
George Freire
Sunday, September 16, 2012
How to remove Windows.old folder from your (C:) drive and why?
For those of you who upgraded to Windows 7 from XP or Vista, you'll find out that a folder called "Windows.old"was created on the C: hard drive.
This "Windows.old" folder contains files that were used in your previous version of Windows and can use a large amount of storage in your hard drive.
Is it important that you keep this folder? after all it contains all kinds of files: Program Files, Program Files (x86), Users folder, ProgramData, Settings, and the previous Windows program itself.
This "Windows .old" folder as I said above can be very large. In one of my computers where I upgraded from Vista to 7, this folder was 89 GB in size and held 31,376 folders containing 230,325 files. That is a lot even for a 1 TB hard drive.
After you have been using Windows 7 for a while and you are sure that all programs and important files were successfully transferred from your old version, that your settings are back where they should be, there is no need to keep such a large folder in your hard drive.
Of course I assume that you have backed up your important files in an external drive or by any other means. If you have not, do it before trying to delete "Windows.old", since it contains all the old files you are still using. Once you delete "Windows.old", it cannot be undone.
Deleting "Windows.old" cannot be done from Windows Explorer.You have to run "Disk Cleanup" as an Administrator. To do this right-click the "Disk Cleanup" shortcut and then "Run as Administrator" if you are not already signed in as such.
Here are the steps required to delete the "Windows .old" folder:
1-Click the "Start" button; in the "Search Box" type "Disk Cleanup". You will be prompted to select the drive in which Windows 7 is installed, normally it is drive (C); click OK. A small box opens for a few seconds in order to calculate how much space you will be able to free on drive (C).
2- In the "Disk Cleanup" dialog box that opens select the box "Previous Windows Installations" and "check mark" it. Uncheck all other boxes that might be checked such as "Temporary Files", "Recycle Bin" , etc..
3- In the box that appears, (Are you sure to permanently delete these files), click "Delete Files".
That is all, a new small dialog box opens up and shows you the files being deleted until the action is finished.
I recently installed an SSD drive in my main computer. Because these drives are still rather expensive, I selected and bought a 120 GB unit. In order to install Windows 7 and other programs that I use regularly, I did this by creating a "C: drive Disk Image" . Prior to this of course I deleted the "Windows.old" folder and transferred high volume folders such as Documents, My Pictures, My Music, User Files etc.etc. to my regular hard drive, now changed to as Drive (F:).
The end result is that the OS plus other programs I regularly use run now on an SSD drive and my computer operation is so much faster it is hard to believe.
Drive F: can now be accessed just like any other drive and its programs and files will just run normally, but not as fast as those installed in the SSD drive (C:)
Note: SSD drives are becoming a LOT less expensive then they were a few months ago. 120 GB to 250 GB run between $120.00 to $300.00. I paid a little less than $120.00 for my 120 GB SSD drive.
I hope this post will be of help to most of you. If you have any questions or if you decide to install an SSD drive in your computer and are not brave enough to do at it by yourselves, just post a question or e-mail me. I will then post a more complete description on how to transfer you OS and other program files to you new and very, very fast new SSD drive.
George Freire
This "Windows.old" folder contains files that were used in your previous version of Windows and can use a large amount of storage in your hard drive.
Is it important that you keep this folder? after all it contains all kinds of files: Program Files, Program Files (x86), Users folder, ProgramData, Settings, and the previous Windows program itself.
This "Windows .old" folder as I said above can be very large. In one of my computers where I upgraded from Vista to 7, this folder was 89 GB in size and held 31,376 folders containing 230,325 files. That is a lot even for a 1 TB hard drive.
After you have been using Windows 7 for a while and you are sure that all programs and important files were successfully transferred from your old version, that your settings are back where they should be, there is no need to keep such a large folder in your hard drive.
Of course I assume that you have backed up your important files in an external drive or by any other means. If you have not, do it before trying to delete "Windows.old", since it contains all the old files you are still using. Once you delete "Windows.old", it cannot be undone.
Deleting "Windows.old" cannot be done from Windows Explorer.You have to run "Disk Cleanup" as an Administrator. To do this right-click the "Disk Cleanup" shortcut and then "Run as Administrator" if you are not already signed in as such.
Here are the steps required to delete the "Windows .old" folder:
1-Click the "Start" button; in the "Search Box" type "Disk Cleanup". You will be prompted to select the drive in which Windows 7 is installed, normally it is drive (C); click OK. A small box opens for a few seconds in order to calculate how much space you will be able to free on drive (C).
2- In the "Disk Cleanup" dialog box that opens select the box "Previous Windows Installations" and "check mark" it. Uncheck all other boxes that might be checked such as "Temporary Files", "Recycle Bin" , etc..
3- In the box that appears, (Are you sure to permanently delete these files), click "Delete Files".
That is all, a new small dialog box opens up and shows you the files being deleted until the action is finished.
I recently installed an SSD drive in my main computer. Because these drives are still rather expensive, I selected and bought a 120 GB unit. In order to install Windows 7 and other programs that I use regularly, I did this by creating a "C: drive Disk Image" . Prior to this of course I deleted the "Windows.old" folder and transferred high volume folders such as Documents, My Pictures, My Music, User Files etc.etc. to my regular hard drive, now changed to as Drive (F:).
The end result is that the OS plus other programs I regularly use run now on an SSD drive and my computer operation is so much faster it is hard to believe.
Drive F: can now be accessed just like any other drive and its programs and files will just run normally, but not as fast as those installed in the SSD drive (C:)
Note: SSD drives are becoming a LOT less expensive then they were a few months ago. 120 GB to 250 GB run between $120.00 to $300.00. I paid a little less than $120.00 for my 120 GB SSD drive.
I hope this post will be of help to most of you. If you have any questions or if you decide to install an SSD drive in your computer and are not brave enough to do at it by yourselves, just post a question or e-mail me. I will then post a more complete description on how to transfer you OS and other program files to you new and very, very fast new SSD drive.
George Freire
Thursday, September 6, 2012
What is a computer virus? ways to protect yourself
One of our readers, Belinda J Darling from Australia sent me an e-mail with an article she wrote which I think is well worth publishing:
What is a computer virus? ways to protect yourself
So Belinda here is your nice and useful article:
We’ve all heard of computer viruses, but hands up who knows what a computer virus actually is? How do you get
them? And what can you do to protect yourself from computer viruses?
Avoiding computer viruses is not dissimilar to avoiding winter flu’s. By diligently attending to your health and nutrition requirements, you minimise your chances of getting the latest permutation of gastro doing the rounds. Likewise, by keeping your computers virus-scanning software up to date, you can avoid infecting your system with a bug that has the potential to create total chaos. It’s easier than getting a flu shot.
But, I hear you say, I don’t get shots because the winter lurgy has never really troubled me. And nor has a computer virus. Why should I bother with those irritating little ‘software updates are ready for your computer’ alerts? They just stand in the way of getting where I want to go online.
Computer viruses are insidious things. They can be used to steal your personal information, trick you into buying fake software- and your information can also be sold on the digital black market. Pretty scary stuff. Computer viruses are little programs designed to wreak havoc. They can delete, create, and move files. They can, in other words, bring you to your knees.
Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important components in protecting yourself against computer viruses, but it’s by no means the only one. Carefully screening your emails is a simple and easy way to avoid viruses. Sometimes, even those alert to suspicious looking messages can fall prey. This happened to me on Twitter recently when a trusted friend forwarded a link with the message ‘hey look at this, someone is saying really horrible things about you’ Rest assured that even if they are, it’s probably got nothing to do with that link. It’s just a hook to suck you in.
There are plenty of other simple ways experts such as SuperGeek can help teach you to avoid your computer being infected with a virus. By paying attention to your computers health, you’ll avoid many hours spent picking up the pieces after a computer crash.
Avoiding computer viruses is not dissimilar to avoiding winter flu’s. By diligently attending to your health and nutrition requirements, you minimise your chances of getting the latest permutation of gastro doing the rounds. Likewise, by keeping your computers virus-scanning software up to date, you can avoid infecting your system with a bug that has the potential to create total chaos. It’s easier than getting a flu shot.
But, I hear you say, I don’t get shots because the winter lurgy has never really troubled me. And nor has a computer virus. Why should I bother with those irritating little ‘software updates are ready for your computer’ alerts? They just stand in the way of getting where I want to go online.
Computer viruses are insidious things. They can be used to steal your personal information, trick you into buying fake software- and your information can also be sold on the digital black market. Pretty scary stuff. Computer viruses are little programs designed to wreak havoc. They can delete, create, and move files. They can, in other words, bring you to your knees.
Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important components in protecting yourself against computer viruses, but it’s by no means the only one. Carefully screening your emails is a simple and easy way to avoid viruses. Sometimes, even those alert to suspicious looking messages can fall prey. This happened to me on Twitter recently when a trusted friend forwarded a link with the message ‘hey look at this, someone is saying really horrible things about you’ Rest assured that even if they are, it’s probably got nothing to do with that link. It’s just a hook to suck you in.
There are plenty of other simple ways experts such as SuperGeek can help teach you to avoid your computer being infected with a virus. By paying attention to your computers health, you’ll avoid many hours spent picking up the pieces after a computer crash.
Thank you Belinda for your thoughts,
George Freire
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Microsoft Fix It Solutions Center
Back in February 2010, I published a post that is as helpful today as it was then.
Very few people know that Microsoft has a " quick fix it " web page that can help solve many problems encountered with their most popular products. I was reviewing some past published posts and this one is certainly well worth republishing, so there it goes:
We all from time to time have problems related to Microsoft Products, such as :
Windows
Internet Explorer
Office
Email and Messaging
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Center
Such problems may be pretty simple to correct, but many times, such problems can be exasperating because "Windows" is a very sophisticated program with thousands of hidden files that only those who are true experts can see and somehow debug them.
Some of you may not know that Microsoft has a web site that is extremely helpful and can help you correct such problems.
The site is called as the title above indicates "FIX IT SOLUTIONS CENTER".
The site address is
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main#tab0
If you click the above address you'll be immediately be "transported" to this site. Once there, first select the "About Fix It" on the left side tab of the page in order to understand how it works.
After that, select the product you are having problems with, (which are all described on that same tab). When you do so, the right side of the page opens up and shows a series of most likely problems that can occur with the product.
If you see in any of the described problems areas common with your problem or problems, click on it and a new page opens. In this page you'll see the steps you need to take in order to solve the problem, BUT EVEN BETTER, you are asked if you want the "Fix It Solutions Center" program to do it automatically for you!!
If you click yes, (and who wouldn't...), like magic the "Fix It Solutions Center" will do it for you.
One word of advice here: You must follow a few instructions, and click here and there for the solution program to run.
Even if you are not experiencing any problems now, I suggest, (just for the sake of familiarizing yourself with "Fix It Solutions Center"), that you go to the site and read the instructions.
I hope this will be, (for those who did not know about it), a great tip that will help you solve many problems that sooner or later you'll be faced with when operating your computer.
George Freire
Very few people know that Microsoft has a " quick fix it " web page that can help solve many problems encountered with their most popular products. I was reviewing some past published posts and this one is certainly well worth republishing, so there it goes:
We all from time to time have problems related to Microsoft Products, such as :
Windows
Internet Explorer
Office
Email and Messaging
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Center
Such problems may be pretty simple to correct, but many times, such problems can be exasperating because "Windows" is a very sophisticated program with thousands of hidden files that only those who are true experts can see and somehow debug them.
Some of you may not know that Microsoft has a web site that is extremely helpful and can help you correct such problems.
The site is called as the title above indicates "FIX IT SOLUTIONS CENTER".
The site address is
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main#tab0
If you click the above address you'll be immediately be "transported" to this site. Once there, first select the "About Fix It" on the left side tab of the page in order to understand how it works.
After that, select the product you are having problems with, (which are all described on that same tab). When you do so, the right side of the page opens up and shows a series of most likely problems that can occur with the product.
If you see in any of the described problems areas common with your problem or problems, click on it and a new page opens. In this page you'll see the steps you need to take in order to solve the problem, BUT EVEN BETTER, you are asked if you want the "Fix It Solutions Center" program to do it automatically for you!!
If you click yes, (and who wouldn't...), like magic the "Fix It Solutions Center" will do it for you.
One word of advice here: You must follow a few instructions, and click here and there for the solution program to run.
Even if you are not experiencing any problems now, I suggest, (just for the sake of familiarizing yourself with "Fix It Solutions Center"), that you go to the site and read the instructions.
I hope this will be, (for those who did not know about it), a great tip that will help you solve many problems that sooner or later you'll be faced with when operating your computer.
George Freire
Friday, August 24, 2012
This is for you dog lovers
Today I'm not going to talk about computer issues.
A good friend of mine sent me the following e-mail, knowing that I am a dog lover.
I know that many of you readers of my blog are also dog lovers, therefore I am sure that you'll love the clip. (Please don't cry).
One of the most magical moments on the Tonight
Show with Johnny Carson
http://www.sonnyradio.com/jimmy-stewart-johnny-carson-dog-named-beau.html
http://www.sonnyradio.com/jimmy-stewart-johnny-carson-dog-named-beau.html
Enjoy,
George Freire
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Why Windows so many times wakes up by itself from sleep mode ? It is frustrating but we will teach you how to fix it
It has happened to me many times: I put Windows in Sleep Mode and when I return to my computer hours later, the computer is wide awake. Frustrating to say the least.
So I decided to find the reason why this happens. After investigating and investigating, I found out why it happens and how to fix this situation for good.
Has it happened to you? I am willing to bet that many of my readers have gone through this upsetting situation and still do not know how to fix it, or why it happens, so here goes:
There are several reasons, (I found out), why Windows may wake up by itself from Sleeping Mode. A program may be on updating auto mode, the mouse software may act up, and many other Windows internal mysteries also may act up.
However, the most likely culprit is your Network Card, but other issues can cause this problem. First of all we must find out what event or hardware device caused Windows to wake up.
Here is how to find out the culprit:
-Go to "Start", "All Programs", "Accessories", "Command Prompt".
-On the black window you'll see C:\users\(your name)>
-Type "powercfg/lastwake" after (your name). In my computer it would look like this:
-C:\users\george\powercfg/lastwake
-Press enter
There you are, next line will tell you what caused the wake up, and most likely it was your Network Card.
If that was the case. here is what to do:
-Right click "My Computer" and select "Properties".
-Click "Device Manager" on the left side of the Properties window.
-Go down the list of devices until you find "Network Adapters" and click on the little triangle to expand; this will show your network card name.
-Right click on the network card name and select "Properties".
-Click the "Power Management" tab to open it and then uncheck the box "allow this device to wake the computer".
That is all, from now on your Network Card will never again wake up your computer when it is on the Sleep Mode.
If the above does not resolve the problem, "Power Management" options may be the problem; do the following:
-Click "Start"/Control Panel/System and Security/Power Options.
-In "Power Options" click "change power options" then click "change advanced power settings".
-Go down the list of settings to "Multimedia Settings"; click "when sharing media" and set it to "allow the computer to sleep".
This should take care of it.
Have fun,
George Freire
Monday, July 16, 2012
Why some times, when dragging a window, only its rectangular border moves first?
I don't know about how you feel when dragging a window in your desktop from one place to another, only the window rectangular border bold line moves first to the new position. Then and only then the remainder of the window follows.
This drives me nuts, because it happens for no reason, but most times after some new program has been installed etc.
"Windows" is capricious and stuff like this just happens when you least expect. There are so many hidden features, commands, strange responses, (and the list goes on), that it is impossible for most of us to know how to handle such issues.
This issue happened in my main computer last week. I honestly do not know what caused it. I decided to investigate and after a couple of hours of hard tryouts and sniffing all kinds of help issues I found out a solution.
Here is what will get your computer to handle the dragging of a whole window, without moving the rectangular border bold line first:
-Open the "Start" menu and type "effects" into the bottom box.
-Choose "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" .
-In the "Performance Options" open window, select the "Visual Effects" tab.
-Go down the list of options in the box and MAKE SURE THAT THE OPTION : "Show Windows content while dragging" is turned on.
-Check "Apply" and "OK".
Next time you drag a window, everything will be back to normal!.
Have fun.
George Freire
This drives me nuts, because it happens for no reason, but most times after some new program has been installed etc.
"Windows" is capricious and stuff like this just happens when you least expect. There are so many hidden features, commands, strange responses, (and the list goes on), that it is impossible for most of us to know how to handle such issues.
This issue happened in my main computer last week. I honestly do not know what caused it. I decided to investigate and after a couple of hours of hard tryouts and sniffing all kinds of help issues I found out a solution.
Here is what will get your computer to handle the dragging of a whole window, without moving the rectangular border bold line first:
-Open the "Start" menu and type "effects" into the bottom box.
-Choose "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" .
-In the "Performance Options" open window, select the "Visual Effects" tab.
-Go down the list of options in the box and MAKE SURE THAT THE OPTION : "Show Windows content while dragging" is turned on.
-Check "Apply" and "OK".
Next time you drag a window, everything will be back to normal!.
Have fun.
George Freire
Saturday, July 7, 2012
300,000 Infected Computers to Go Offline Monday
Folks, I am sorry for alerting you so late, but I myself was unaware that this critical situation existed. shame on me i should say.
Anyway, for those of you checking this blog today and tomorrow there is still time to avoid the problem.
Please be aware and [relieved], that not all computers are in danger, but you never know.
The following explains the situation in detail:
The culprit is a virus called DNSChanger which at one point, infected as many as 4 million PCs and Macs . This malware, earned its makers as much as $14 million, U.S. federal authorities have said.
FBI has been warning people that a blackout of their access to the Internet could be coming. The warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google, and Internet service providers have sent notices as well. But tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago.
Infected machines will lose their link to the Internet at 12:01 a.m. ET Monday, July 9, when replacement DNS servers go dark. The servers, which have been maintained under a federal court order by Internet Systems Consortium (ISC), the non-profit group that maintains the popular BIND DNS open-source software, were deployed last year after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized more than 100 command-and-control (C&C) systems during the take-down of the hacker gang responsible for DNSChanger.
PCWorld has advised that Despite repeated alerts, the number of computers that probably are infected is more than 277,000 worldwide, down from about 360,000 in April. Of those still infected, the FBI believes that about 64,000 are in the United States. Users whose computers are still infected Monday will lose their ability to go online, and they will have to call their service providers for help deleting the malware and and reconnecting to the Internet.
There are steps available that will allow you to check if your computer is infected and if so how to safely clean it up:
To check whether a computer is infected, users can visit a website run by the group brought in by the FBI: http://www.dcwg.org. This link also provides resources for how to “disinfect” your computer should the malware be found on it.
Click on the following link, (if it does not work, just copy and paste to you browser):
http://www.dcwg.org
The other method which will tell you if your computer is infected is to go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/258843/300000_infected_computers_to_go_offline_monday.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
This will open a page where all of the above is explained in detail and also shows a color display under the title "DNS Changer Check Up". If the background color is green, your computer is OK, however if it is infected, the background color will be red.
The odds for your computer to be infected are relatively small, but you never know.
Good luck to you all. This is very urgent and please do the checking and if necessary the repair immediately. The Web page dcwg.org outlined above has all the tools to do the job quickly.
Sorry for being so late in warning you, but I (shame on me), did know this threat existed until late last night.
George Freire
Anyway, for those of you checking this blog today and tomorrow there is still time to avoid the problem.
Please be aware and [relieved], that not all computers are in danger, but you never know.
The following explains the situation in detail:
The culprit is a virus called DNSChanger which at one point, infected as many as 4 million PCs and Macs . This malware, earned its makers as much as $14 million, U.S. federal authorities have said.
FBI has been warning people that a blackout of their access to the Internet could be coming. The warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google, and Internet service providers have sent notices as well. But tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago.
Infected machines will lose their link to the Internet at 12:01 a.m. ET Monday, July 9, when replacement DNS servers go dark. The servers, which have been maintained under a federal court order by Internet Systems Consortium (ISC), the non-profit group that maintains the popular BIND DNS open-source software, were deployed last year after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized more than 100 command-and-control (C&C) systems during the take-down of the hacker gang responsible for DNSChanger.
PCWorld has advised that Despite repeated alerts, the number of computers that probably are infected is more than 277,000 worldwide, down from about 360,000 in April. Of those still infected, the FBI believes that about 64,000 are in the United States. Users whose computers are still infected Monday will lose their ability to go online, and they will have to call their service providers for help deleting the malware and and reconnecting to the Internet.
There are steps available that will allow you to check if your computer is infected and if so how to safely clean it up:
To check whether a computer is infected, users can visit a website run by the group brought in by the FBI: http://www.dcwg.org. This link also provides resources for how to “disinfect” your computer should the malware be found on it.
Click on the following link, (if it does not work, just copy and paste to you browser):
http://www.dcwg.org
The other method which will tell you if your computer is infected is to go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/258843/300000_infected_computers_to_go_offline_monday.html#tk.nl_dnx_h_crawl
This will open a page where all of the above is explained in detail and also shows a color display under the title "DNS Changer Check Up". If the background color is green, your computer is OK, however if it is infected, the background color will be red.
The odds for your computer to be infected are relatively small, but you never know.
Good luck to you all. This is very urgent and please do the checking and if necessary the repair immediately. The Web page dcwg.org outlined above has all the tools to do the job quickly.
Sorry for being so late in warning you, but I (shame on me), did know this threat existed until late last night.
George Freire
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