There was a nice article over at the Washington Post on how to speed up your Windows-based Netbook:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070702211.html
Thanks to Technibble for the site link.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
April Showers and Web Host Issues
My lack of writing lately comes from being very, very busy - which is a good thing. April turned out to be a crazy month. I have a few really interesting projects, stuff on the web development side, that are very interesting and engaging.
One of the projects uses WordPress extensively and I admit to falling in love with the software. Alice commented a while back and suggested WordPress for my own needs and now I am kicking myself that I did not go that route. To be honest I may go that route - all the way in. I am toying with the idea of transforming the ACE Computer Services page - the start (index, call it what you want) - my main homepage into a blog first and foremost. The services, rates and information would be included as well but the writing and resources would be up front. I am sure others do this already so its not some Earth-shattering idea, but it would be dramatically different from the site layout now.
I need to formulate the plan some more and have only been tossing it around in my head the last few days. It will definitely require greater commitment to writing and resource development - something I have slipped on the last month or so. That time would have to be set aside to keep content flowing to the site.
One of the other web projects I am working on may also go the WordPress route. In preparing for the testing & such I upgraded my current Web Hosting plan with 1and1. This turned out to be a nightmare. My site was actually inactive for almost an entire day also and required a call to technical support to make it visible again. I was so annoyed with the process that I am currently looking for a new Host provider. Anyone have any suggestions?
One of the projects uses WordPress extensively and I admit to falling in love with the software. Alice commented a while back and suggested WordPress for my own needs and now I am kicking myself that I did not go that route. To be honest I may go that route - all the way in. I am toying with the idea of transforming the ACE Computer Services page - the start (index, call it what you want) - my main homepage into a blog first and foremost. The services, rates and information would be included as well but the writing and resources would be up front. I am sure others do this already so its not some Earth-shattering idea, but it would be dramatically different from the site layout now.
I need to formulate the plan some more and have only been tossing it around in my head the last few days. It will definitely require greater commitment to writing and resource development - something I have slipped on the last month or so. That time would have to be set aside to keep content flowing to the site.
One of the other web projects I am working on may also go the WordPress route. In preparing for the testing & such I upgraded my current Web Hosting plan with 1and1. This turned out to be a nightmare. My site was actually inactive for almost an entire day also and required a call to technical support to make it visible again. I was so annoyed with the process that I am currently looking for a new Host provider. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
aMember Software
I've been evaluating some new software - aMember (http://www.amember.com/) for a specific use on a website but potentially for additional needs. Basically aMember is membership software that can restrict access to parts of a website based on login, payment details & user privileges.
I've been working with a demo copy that is fully functional. So far setup was a breeze but note that this does require some technical knowledge. I was able to upload the software to a webhosting site and test both logins and protecting a page. Everything worked great. It has the ability to add shopping cart features (for payment) and plug-ins for WordPress and vBulletin (which relates to the specific need for the software right now) - but I have not tested those features.
If anyone has any suggestions or experience with aMember I would love to hear about it. Thanks!
I've been working with a demo copy that is fully functional. So far setup was a breeze but note that this does require some technical knowledge. I was able to upload the software to a webhosting site and test both logins and protecting a page. Everything worked great. It has the ability to add shopping cart features (for payment) and plug-ins for WordPress and vBulletin (which relates to the specific need for the software right now) - but I have not tested those features.
If anyone has any suggestions or experience with aMember I would love to hear about it. Thanks!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Conficker: All Quiet So Far
Today was the deadline for the recent Conficker worm to do harm and (so far) it has come without much fanfare. Conficker was set to receive further instructions and the day has come without much discussion on infected machines or problems. But the threat is far from over.
There is a certain amount of risk remaining. What is genuinely scary about this type of worm is that it can lurk on a machine for a good deal of time, unknown, before getting further instructions to do harm. And time is not really on Conficker's side, as pointed out in PC Advisor. As users become more knowledgeable to look for Conficker, and Antivirus Programs and Removal Tools become better suited to detect and remove Conficker the threat gets neutralized to a point.
The immediate problem is that Conficker could be on machines and if it goes undetected and cleaned it could do real harm in the future.
What can you do now?
Reviewing my Conficker Tips
http://aceblog2.blogspot.com/2009/03/conficker-tips.html
Check out Symantec's Removal Tool
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2009-011316-0247-99
Running a scan like the Symantec Tool will not hurt your PC and will give you piece of mind that all is clear.
For more information also please see:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=113668
There is a certain amount of risk remaining. What is genuinely scary about this type of worm is that it can lurk on a machine for a good deal of time, unknown, before getting further instructions to do harm. And time is not really on Conficker's side, as pointed out in PC Advisor. As users become more knowledgeable to look for Conficker, and Antivirus Programs and Removal Tools become better suited to detect and remove Conficker the threat gets neutralized to a point.
The immediate problem is that Conficker could be on machines and if it goes undetected and cleaned it could do real harm in the future.
What can you do now?
Reviewing my Conficker Tips
http://aceblog2.blogspot.com/2009/03/conficker-tips.html
Check out Symantec's Removal Tool
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2009-011316-0247-99
Running a scan like the Symantec Tool will not hurt your PC and will give you piece of mind that all is clear.
For more information also please see:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=113668
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Conficker Tips
The Conficker worm has gotten a lot of media attention in the past week. Today alone I received a bunch of calls with people trying to figure out what to do in advance of this potential virus - many of the people clearly effected by something they saw in the media.
Such notoriety is actually a good thing. If for nothing else it gives people pause and makes them aware of computer security. It also is a great time to enforce some simple tips & tricks to do at home to protect yourself from Conficker or any other nasty malware floating around the internet.
1. Update Antivirus
Take a look around your antivirus program and see if any updates are needed. These updates are in different places depending on the brand but most are easily spotted. Keeping your antivirus updated ensures you have the correct database of known threats to catch problems before they happen. Don't have an antivirus program? Definitely get one, install it and keep it updated to protect against threats. A good free program is AVG Antivirus Free Edition. Get it at: http://free.avg.com/
2. Update Windows
Microsoft regularly sends out updates, fixes and patches for its Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, etc.). Keeping Windows updated is just as important as antivirus on your PC. These fixes and updates plug holes and vulnerabilities in the operating system. By falling behind on Windows Updates you run the risk of a computer virus or intrusion. To see if your computer is fully updated visit: http://update.microsoft.com/.
3. Run a Malware Scan
Malware being a term for the bad stuff - ad, spy and virus code that can infect your PC. Having an antivirus program alone is just not enough these days. Thankfully the best malware program available is also free - Malwarebytes Antimalware. Download the program, install and scan your PC regularly to keep it extra clean. Malwarebytes Antimalware is available at: http://www.malwarebytes.org/.
4. Backup Your Data
Backup your data often. An easy solution is to purchase an external hard drive (here is an example at Staples) and set a regular backup using included software (most have this). There are some online, free backup services as well. Keep in mind that free usually means a restricted amount of space but it is a start. Mozy is a useful online site that offers free and paid backup options. Visit them at: http://mozy.com/.
For more information on Conficker, with additional tips & suggestions please see: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464
Such notoriety is actually a good thing. If for nothing else it gives people pause and makes them aware of computer security. It also is a great time to enforce some simple tips & tricks to do at home to protect yourself from Conficker or any other nasty malware floating around the internet.
1. Update Antivirus
Take a look around your antivirus program and see if any updates are needed. These updates are in different places depending on the brand but most are easily spotted. Keeping your antivirus updated ensures you have the correct database of known threats to catch problems before they happen. Don't have an antivirus program? Definitely get one, install it and keep it updated to protect against threats. A good free program is AVG Antivirus Free Edition. Get it at: http://free.avg.com/
2. Update Windows
Microsoft regularly sends out updates, fixes and patches for its Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, etc.). Keeping Windows updated is just as important as antivirus on your PC. These fixes and updates plug holes and vulnerabilities in the operating system. By falling behind on Windows Updates you run the risk of a computer virus or intrusion. To see if your computer is fully updated visit: http://update.microsoft.com/.
3. Run a Malware Scan
Malware being a term for the bad stuff - ad, spy and virus code that can infect your PC. Having an antivirus program alone is just not enough these days. Thankfully the best malware program available is also free - Malwarebytes Antimalware. Download the program, install and scan your PC regularly to keep it extra clean. Malwarebytes Antimalware is available at: http://www.malwarebytes.org/.
4. Backup Your Data
Backup your data often. An easy solution is to purchase an external hard drive (here is an example at Staples) and set a regular backup using included software (most have this). There are some online, free backup services as well. Keep in mind that free usually means a restricted amount of space but it is a start. Mozy is a useful online site that offers free and paid backup options. Visit them at: http://mozy.com/.
For more information on Conficker, with additional tips & suggestions please see: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464
Another windows\system32\config Missing
Strange but I just came across another machine with the windows\system32\config missing screen at startup. This is actually the third machine I've seen in the last few weeks. It honestly makes me wonder if a Windows Update or Virus could be causing the problem.
In this particular issue I was able to locate & recover the config files from a previous system restore - a little easier than my last one because I did not have to run a Windows Repair after the file recovery. For a rundown on this issue please see my previous post at:
http://aceblog2.blogspot.com/2009/03/windowssystem32config-is-missing.html
In this particular issue I was able to locate & recover the config files from a previous system restore - a little easier than my last one because I did not have to run a Windows Repair after the file recovery. For a rundown on this issue please see my previous post at:
http://aceblog2.blogspot.com/2009/03/windowssystem32config-is-missing.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
