Is your PC prepared for disaster?

There are many ways you can lose your valuable data on your computer. Everything from malicious software, to hard drive failures. Fortunately though, there are several options at your disposal.

"BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP"
Whether you know it or not, backing up your data is THE single most important function your PC should be doing at some point in it's lifetime. I rank it higher than virus' and spyware because what good are all the tools you use if you store ALL of your data in ONE place?

Solution:

• Buy an EXTERNAL hard drive or flash/thumb drive.
• Use a Disk Partitioning utility such as DriveImage XML to create & restore your drive's image.

"UPDATE NOW"
One of the least performed tasks of the every day user. Windows is a truly wonderful OS, but because there are so many pc's running XP, Vista, etc...it's also the most attacked, therefore staying 1 step ahead of the game is crucial. This is something that can take quite a bit of time to complete after restoring your OS from a disaster. Because of this, it is highly recommended to "slipstream" the reinstall process by using a packaging tool such as NLite to combine all of the Service Packs, along with most recent Microsoft updates onto a "recovery disc" alongside the OS. That way, you don't run the risk of forgetting one of the steps, and leaving yourself exposed to further attacks/port probes during the recovery.

Solution:

• 1. Enable "automatic updates in Windows.
• Install and regularly run ONE of the following;"Sumo", "Update Notifier", or SecurinaPSI.
• Create a customized install disc.

Freeware Roundup

As an avid fan of "Open Source" software, I'm always on the hunt for new apps to try out. Especially when said apps are FREE! And at the rate the web is evolving, you never know when you'll stumble across the next beta that has everyone talking about it.

Take Google for example. First they revitalized search engines, then email, and most recently, web browsers. So what's the big deal? Well, unlike the traditional model that companies such as Microsoft used for so many years, Google wasn't out to gouge the end user's wallet out. Sure they make money, just not by having us pay $100 every few years for a new, inherently flawed operating system.

Nothing against Windows mind you. In fact, Windows 7 is shaping up to be the best version yet.

With that said, here's my latest recommendations for your freeware appetite.

1. Any Video Converter
   allows you to effortlessly convert video files between every format
2. Chrome
   Lightweight, secure, and fast. Period.
3. KeePass Password Safe
   a great tool to manage all of your passwords in a secure database
4. Update Notifier
   a small utility that scans your computer for installed software and displays a list of updates

Note: Both Chrome and KeePass offer BETA versions which may still have bugs, stability issues

PC Security - Part Deux

I figured I might as well bring this up since the "Swine Flu" story has been all over the news lately.

And since I literally spent 2 days trying to avoid a OS reinstall earlier this month, only to finally figure out our Seagate FreeAgent hard drive contained 4 Trojan worms on it.......I thought yeah, now's a good time.     (the virus' were copying themselves over to the C drive after each of the last 2 OSRI's.     (operating system reinstalls)

Anyway, I usually get asked one of two questions whenever someone I know has the same issue on their rig. mes up. Either, "What's the best FREE anti-virus program?", or something along the lines of, "How'd that thing-ah-mah-jig get in there to begin with?"

And it's almost always the same reasons. They either got careless with a p2p app such as Limewire, Utorrent, etc. OR Their "trial" version of Norton/McAfee expired, but since they still see the icon in the task bar, they think they're still being protected. Sound familiar?

So, after much research, review reading, and trial and error, I thought I'd share my thoughts of what works, what doesn't and most importantly......what I'm using now.

Basically it comes down to 4 main things. (depending on your level of paranoia)

• Anti-Virus Software that doesn't bog down your system, auto updates DAILY, and has a 93% or higher success rate.
• Anti-Spyware software that offers "real time" protection.
• An almost inpenatrable software firewall running at all times alongside a router/NAT/hub.
• Keep Windows Update ENABLED.   (change setting to "notify me/don't download")  *must be performed in Internet Explorer only*

I've mentioned File Hippo before and I still swear by it. Think CNet's Download.com, but without all the "shareware/trial" apps. 97% of the apps on file hippo are OPEN SOURCE or free for non-commercial use.

Here's a good trio of tools that should offer you all the points mentioned above.

• For your Anti-Virus protection: Avira's AntiVir or ClamWin
• For Anti-Spyware: PC Tool's Threatfire
• For your Firewall: Comodo Personal Firewall

(Threatfire is the only one not on Filehippo, you'll have to go directly to the company's site to download)

You can also install and run other Anti-Spyware tools such as SpywareBlaster, Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Highly recommended), Spybot, etc.

*UPDATE*

I forgot to cover a few last areas of importance.     Often times when XP/Vista is really infected,  it's highly recommended that you just REINSTALL WINDOWS completely.     You'll most likely have to call up your PC vendor and order a "Restore disc".         Most of the bigger vendors now charge for this disc, which is absurd.       But we ordered ours from Gateway last year free of charge.     Remember to always FORMAT the drive completely as opposed to installing over the still existing issues.     You'll need some form of backup of course.      I'd suggest buying an EXTERNAL hard drive solely for this purpose.    But you could always choose to burn to CD,  or use a 3rd party backup system.        But trust me....Seagate or Western Digital both have awesome price point ratio's at the moment.       Say $80-90 for approx 250-320GB of space.    Depending on the amount of files you have,  even a decent size flash/thumb drive would work.

Send large files easily

Check out these "large file transfer" apps that might come in handy for ya. I use one to store large ISO files and technical tools and updates.

It takes awhile to upload big data packets, so don't rush it.

I used to use Yousendit. But they've changed for the worst. I now use Pando. Large amounts of disk space for free? Up to 1GB I believe. Can't beat it.

• Publish downloadable videos, photos and audio to any web site
• Email files and folders up to 1GB
• Use your existing email, no registration required
• Know if your files are downloaded and how often
• No need to be online when recipients download
• No compression, FTP or flaky web uploads
• IM links to your files or entire folders to any IM buddy

Here's a list of the better half of these type's of programs.

Which browser do you use?

As a long time Firefox proponent, I've sworn by it's security and customization to anyone who will listen. And as I mentioned before, when Chrome was released. I still thought FF was more secure. But info like this article/study has me starting to use Chrome more often while surfing.

Yeah, it's mainly a comfort thing when trying new software for me. But I really believe it's beginning to match up to FF when it comes to total usability/security.

From a web browser competition in California this week:
A recent contest at CanSecWest, an event that brings together some of the most skilled experts in the security community, has demonstrated that the three most popular browser are susceptible to security bugs despite the vigilance and engineering prowess of their creators. Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer were all exploited during the Pwn2Own competition that took place at the conference. Google's Chrome browser, however, was the only one left standing—a victory that security researchers attribute to its innovative sandbox feature.

From Ares Technia

Gmail Rulez!

I dunno about you. But Gmail is da bomb. They've been slowly, but surely cranking out updates and features each and every year. And I think last year was one of the best. I'm especially fond of "Google Labs". And if you've not yet tried any of the "projects", then you're missing out.

So far, I've enabled the "offline", and "tasks" features.

But today, I just discovered the "Forgotten Attachment Detector." WTF is that you ask? Well....it "prevents you from accidentally sending messages without the relevant attachments. Prompts you if you mention attaching a file, but forgot to do so."

Holy shit! I've been needing something like this since like, forever. (95? 97?)

I mean honestly....how many times have you said, "SHIT!!", after realizing you forgot to attach that resume before hitting the SEND button?

Yeah, me too.

Meet Google's Android

Ok all you Google-addicts.....if you're in the market for a new phone, and are fond of the Side-Kick, then you should dig Google's new "smartphone" that runs Android, Google's new mobile OS. (phone by HTC) The integrated gmail features are really slick and get this......it's the FIRST OS that actually lets you COPY THE URL in a browsers address bar. I know that doesn't sound like that big a deal, but i've been bitching about not being able to do it on my Tilt since i got it.

Check out the vid

Google's Chrome

If you haven't given it a try yet, you should. It's amazingly fast, but still not fully completed and finalized. But it's very minimalistic in almost every way. You can find it anywhere on the webz, but i usually go to Filehippo to download most apps.

Like i said, since it's not yet finished......it doesn't have a few features you may rely on . Such as Extensions, themes, and even a main toolbar. But these things will most likely be added down the road per most blogs.

Anyway, check it out and enjoy the new speedier version of the web. (yes, it's that fast that u may even think your bandwidth has increased)

Vista ALONE = $60B

Holy crimmeny! I can't believe how much they've made just from Vista. That's the amount of some small countries GDP. That could end hunger somewhere in Africa.

Do you ever wonder where that $$ is going to end up? I'd imagine to someone 10 generations down the road.

Oh well....time to get ready, and head down town to the Flut-Tag.

Multi-Touch Wall Missle Command

How cool would this be to try? (warning: high volume)

Time to upgrade

So chk out the new gear I'm looking at getting. I've been thinking of upgrading my PC these past few months, and now's the best time. And since the decision process is so much fun when looking at new gear, I figured I'd share with ya.

I'm only talking about 4 components here:

-CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB Cache
-CPU cooler Zalman 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
-Motherboard ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35
-Video Card GIGABYTE GV-RX387512H Radeon HD 3870 512MB

For the processor, you can't beat Intel's Q6600 right now. It's fast, affordable, and overclockable as hell. And since the option of OC'ing is now on the table, an aftermarket cpu cooler is a MUST. I went with the Zalman for the CPU cooler, and the highly rated Asus P35 deluxe mobo.

And finally.....with the recent price drops for both Nvidia's 8800GT AND ATI's 3870, (both under $200 now), AND Nvidia's launch of the new 9000 series, i decided to upgrade the vid card as well. Which wasn't easy due to all the new choices/considerations. I've always wanted a 8800GT and the 9600GT is really inticing. But after all my research, the Radeon 3870 sat squarely at the top of my list. Mainly due to the "cost vs performance" factor.

So now it's time to mosey on over to Newegg, and start shopping!!!

Microsoft's Firefly

I dunno what to think about this thing-a-mah-jig. This is Bill & Co's latest game venture, and these nim wit's are "collecting fireflys" with each other on their lunch break or something.



Doesn't really do much for me. And besides, the last thing i want is to share germy's with other players who are, or have been sick.

Otherwise the concept is pretty cool i guess. Wonder how else it could be employed in gaming, and even other areas of technology? Some kind of inter-active porn i bet.

Sheeesh. What'll they think of next?

Dell/Alienware Android Phone (Google)

Check this puppy out. Since Dell bought Alienware, they've got a great platform with which to kill the gaming market now. And this phone marks another attempt at the mobile phone market by the big D. It's a lil bulky for my tastes....but cool start to Google's new mobile OS here in the states.

And also this CRAZY, HUGE, wrap-around monitor.

Oh and if you're into Astronomy......don't forget to look for the Falling Satellite tomorrow night around dusk. It'll be moving from the "SOUTH-WEST to NORTH-EAST" if you're in N/A. Head over to the Heaven's Above, orbital tracking site to find out you're best chances to see it. (scroll down to bottom of page for "your location" link)

TLBox

If you use a pc on a regular basis. especially for troubleshooting and web shit, then you HAVE to check out this site. It has links to what most would regard as "extremely helpful" in their workday....all in one site. I recommend signing up to take full advantage of it. And once you do, it'll save ur "most used" choices in your "box". I hope they keep adding to it, and think i'll even send the admin a few links that i find helpful.

Anyway....here's the link for Tlbox

Enjoy!

Oh and btw...you have to pick a category from the drop down menu in the top left corner

(just in case)

The HTC Tilt Rocks!!

In every way a smartphone should. It's features are truly amazing. From it's 3G enabled, blazing web access, to it's picture quality.

Speaking of which. I added the first batch of pix from the phone to Flickr, so head over there and check em out.

Tech Alert: Resolve those pesky Microsoft Installer errors

Don't you hate it when you keep getting those annoying error messages when trying to install/uninstall a program?

I've found a lot of it stems from a corrupted windows installer, and can easily be fixed by running the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.

Microsoft Summary:
Microsoft has updated the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility. With the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility, you can remove a program's Windows Installer configuration information. You may want to remove the Windows Installer configuration information for your program if you experience installation (Setup) problems. For example, you may have to remove a program's Windows Installer configuration information if you have installation problems when you try to add (or remove) a component of your program that was not included when you first installed your program.