At some point in time, every person that possesses a computer will
experience the trials and tribulations of the hard drive failing. For
many years, the need to recover information that has actually been lost
or ruined has made data recovery such a beneficial profession.
Occasionally,
due to age or bad components, the aperture arm in the hard drive can
fall short, or the plates could end up being damaged and also drop the
data that they hold. If you can't recover the info with software, you'll
need to send out the hard drive as well as have it either rebuilt or
have specialists recover your data.
Data recovery is constantly a
choice, from hard disks that are 2 GB in size to the largest of over 300
GB or more of information. Regardless of what size hard drive you have,
the information can usually be recovered. Remember that if you've had a
computer system crash, you should send the hard disk off to have the
information recovered by professionals.
One of the crucial
benefits of information recovery is the reality that details could
additionally be retrieved from the recycle container. Partition
recovery, and even info that has actually been lost someplace on the
disk could be recovered. Although it might look like your data is gone
forever - the professionals that specialize in information recovery
could get it.
From Windows to Mac, everything could be recovered.
There are various filing structures as well as formats, including NTFS
and also FAT32.
Those of you that have numerous hard drives in
your computer system, could relax assured that RAID configurations could
likewise be recovered.
Anytime your hard disk crashes or
malfunctions, information recovery is there to assist you to obtain back
your data. Whether they are documents or crucial files that are need
for your company - you can count on information recovery and recognize
that you'll get everything the back the way it was.
For lots of
years, the need to recover data that has been lost or damaged has
actually made information recovery such an extremely important
possession.
If you can't recover the information with a software
application, you'll need to send out the hard drive and also have it
either rebuilt or have technicians recover your data.
samedi 17 octobre 2015
jeudi 15 octobre 2015
Windows 10 Tips and Tricks
Windows 10 came out and millions of people all over the world
immediately started using it. If you have already started running it, or
you are contemplating to run it, there are some hidden tricks that may
enable you to have a clear understanding and easy operation of this
latest Operating System in the market. If at all you were still on the
fence, it's now time to take note. Widows 10 combines the best features
of Windows 8 which are (improved security and super fast startup)
together with what made Windows 7 to be popular and familiar (it is
user-friendly). If at all you fall in the category of computer nuts,
then tweaking this Operating System will always be the fun and enjoyable
part. When you discover and implement the power user tricks and tips,
you will absolutely love this new OS version. Any person who loves
computers a great deal, especially the software bit of it, will always
find a new OS to be more enjoyable during that time when they are
learning and implementing those new tips they never knew about
previously.
All you need to know about Windows 10 before you install it and take your machine to the next level is discussed below.
Task view & virtual desktops
Among the most impressive things associated with this new OS is how the virtual desktops are handled by it. In fact, the fact that all of them are finally handled, out of the box is absolutely an impressive step.
This is because the users of Mac OS X together with those Linux users are the only ones who have been enjoying that capability for quite a long time. With Windows 10, you join that league. By this OS, you are able to set up a series of windows together with tasks on your desktop, an email & twitter window on another as well as a third one for general internet browsing together with research. Click on the Task View icon that's on the task bar in order to get started. The Task View icon is located immediately at the right side of the search box. Alternatively, you can hold down Win key (Windows key) together with the Tab.
Configure your privacy settings
When one is first setting up this OS, they need to ensure that they select a Custom installation thereby allowing them room for the modification of the privacy settings. If at all you have already installed your Windows, worry not. You can still fix the issue from the Settings. Without such modifications, you may end up sharing your data with people you never intended to share your data with.
Print to PDF
A document can finally be saved or printed as PDF without having to use a third-party utility. This is an aspect that makes it easy for documents which are not easily modified to easily be saved and distributed. This is another unique, long overdue feature that makes the OS to be under the radar.
Ensure the Wi-Fi Sense is off
You certainly don't entertain the idea of everyone being allowed access to your Wi-Fi network if at all you haven't shared your password with them. Ensure your device is not allowing access.
Run it in a virtual machine
In the event that you are contemplating to take the Windows 10 plunge without having to disturb the machine which is in fine operation, you need to first know how Windows 10 can be installed in a virtual machine. Note that this is a virtual system that is used to synchronize the entire operating system with your existing operating system.
Windows Explorer's Home tab & Quick Access
The Windows Explorer tab is more useful in this Operating system than in previous ones. This can be credited to the new Home tab that has been pictured above. There is a new Quick Access group at the top left of this window. This allows easy navigation to the recent accessed folders thereby making copying of files a cinch hence a faster workflow due to easy navigation around one's computer and its filing system.
Customization of the Start Menu
The Start Menu of Windows 10 is a great improvement when compared with what was designed with Windows 8.1. Description of the relief from the former is almost impossible. The start menu combines the best features of its predecessors Windows 8 together with Windows 7. This menu can fully be customized to look like the menu of Windows 7 as pictured above. The Recycle Bin can be pinned on the Start Menu.
Command prompt tweaks
Most of the utilities in the Windows 10 still look the same as they did appear in Windows 7 & Windows 8. The Command Prompt is however among the hidden tweaks that allow you to customize a number of features which include re-sizing the window, word wrap and creating a transparent background.
Battery saver
In the event that you are on a laptop or other mobile devices and you battery happens to be running low, this OS begins to throttle back the background services among other threads thereby squeezing the very last bits of your battery life out of your device.
Background scrolling
Go to Settings> Devices> Mouse & Touch pad and when you move the cursor of your mouse over a window as you try to scroll; your operation will be executed.
Keyboard shortcuts
Below are a number of shortcuts that may be important especially when you start having bulky daily work:
• Windows Key & Tab is a shortcut for Task View
• Windows Key & Right-Up is a shortcut for Moving app to the top right quadrant
• Windows Key & Ctrl &Left or Right is a shortcut for virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Ctrl & D is a shortcut for new virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Ctrl & C is a shortcut for Cortana listening
• Windows Key & S is a shortcut for Daily Glance for sports, weather, news
• Windows Key & Ctrl & F4 is a shortcut for closing virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Up or Down is a shortcut for snapping apps to top or to the bottom of the screen or maximizes
All you need to know about Windows 10 before you install it and take your machine to the next level is discussed below.
Task view & virtual desktops
Among the most impressive things associated with this new OS is how the virtual desktops are handled by it. In fact, the fact that all of them are finally handled, out of the box is absolutely an impressive step.
This is because the users of Mac OS X together with those Linux users are the only ones who have been enjoying that capability for quite a long time. With Windows 10, you join that league. By this OS, you are able to set up a series of windows together with tasks on your desktop, an email & twitter window on another as well as a third one for general internet browsing together with research. Click on the Task View icon that's on the task bar in order to get started. The Task View icon is located immediately at the right side of the search box. Alternatively, you can hold down Win key (Windows key) together with the Tab.
Configure your privacy settings
When one is first setting up this OS, they need to ensure that they select a Custom installation thereby allowing them room for the modification of the privacy settings. If at all you have already installed your Windows, worry not. You can still fix the issue from the Settings. Without such modifications, you may end up sharing your data with people you never intended to share your data with.
Print to PDF
A document can finally be saved or printed as PDF without having to use a third-party utility. This is an aspect that makes it easy for documents which are not easily modified to easily be saved and distributed. This is another unique, long overdue feature that makes the OS to be under the radar.
Ensure the Wi-Fi Sense is off
You certainly don't entertain the idea of everyone being allowed access to your Wi-Fi network if at all you haven't shared your password with them. Ensure your device is not allowing access.
Run it in a virtual machine
In the event that you are contemplating to take the Windows 10 plunge without having to disturb the machine which is in fine operation, you need to first know how Windows 10 can be installed in a virtual machine. Note that this is a virtual system that is used to synchronize the entire operating system with your existing operating system.
Windows Explorer's Home tab & Quick Access
The Windows Explorer tab is more useful in this Operating system than in previous ones. This can be credited to the new Home tab that has been pictured above. There is a new Quick Access group at the top left of this window. This allows easy navigation to the recent accessed folders thereby making copying of files a cinch hence a faster workflow due to easy navigation around one's computer and its filing system.
Customization of the Start Menu
The Start Menu of Windows 10 is a great improvement when compared with what was designed with Windows 8.1. Description of the relief from the former is almost impossible. The start menu combines the best features of its predecessors Windows 8 together with Windows 7. This menu can fully be customized to look like the menu of Windows 7 as pictured above. The Recycle Bin can be pinned on the Start Menu.
Command prompt tweaks
Most of the utilities in the Windows 10 still look the same as they did appear in Windows 7 & Windows 8. The Command Prompt is however among the hidden tweaks that allow you to customize a number of features which include re-sizing the window, word wrap and creating a transparent background.
Battery saver
In the event that you are on a laptop or other mobile devices and you battery happens to be running low, this OS begins to throttle back the background services among other threads thereby squeezing the very last bits of your battery life out of your device.
Background scrolling
Go to Settings> Devices> Mouse & Touch pad and when you move the cursor of your mouse over a window as you try to scroll; your operation will be executed.
Keyboard shortcuts
Below are a number of shortcuts that may be important especially when you start having bulky daily work:
• Windows Key & Tab is a shortcut for Task View
• Windows Key & Right-Up is a shortcut for Moving app to the top right quadrant
• Windows Key & Ctrl &Left or Right is a shortcut for virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Ctrl & D is a shortcut for new virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Ctrl & C is a shortcut for Cortana listening
• Windows Key & S is a shortcut for Daily Glance for sports, weather, news
• Windows Key & Ctrl & F4 is a shortcut for closing virtual desktop
• Windows Key & Up or Down is a shortcut for snapping apps to top or to the bottom of the screen or maximizes
mercredi 14 octobre 2015
What Is Power Query In Microsoft Excel?
Do you spend a lot of time building dashboards and reports in
Excel?. Do they take a lot of time and effort to repeat the same task
over and over again? It sounds like you could really benefit from using
Power Query. This article will walk you through this Add In for Excel
explaining what it is and what it can do for you to free you to
concentrate on analyzing and gaining insights form your data.
It is part of Microsoft's Business Intelligence (BI) took kit or their Power BI along with Power Pivot, Power View and also Power Map. This powerful Add In can be used to extract, clean, transform and aggregate data from many data sources. It can load the result of the query directly into the Excel worksheet or load it into the Excel Data Model.
Power Query needs to be downloaded and installed after Excel has been installed on your machine. If you do not see the Power Query Tab then you may have to manually enable the Add In.
There are a few restrictions installing it on your PC. You will need Windows Vista or later if you want to use it on a PC and Windows 2008 or later if installing on a server. Be sure to choose the correct version, 32bit or 64bit depending on which version of Excel you are running and finally you will need.NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 and Internet Explorer 9 or later. You will automatically be notified by the Power Query Tab lighting up if an update or a new version is available for you to download.
Power Query will be available for you if you have one of the following products
In essence Power Query allows you to connect to a variety of data sources, extract the data really quick and easily. You then can define a series of repeatable steps to clean and filter the data all before it even gets into Excel.
These repeatable steps are the 'query' part of Power Query and are carried out in a specific order. These steps are defined in it's own expression language known as 'M'. This language is nothing like Excel formulas, functions or even VBA, but unless you are a programmer (and interested in the coding) you probably will find you do not have to go near the coding or write any code yourself to carry out any activities in Power Query.
Power Query will probably be the first component part of the BI suite you use as normally the first part of building reports and dashboards is collecting the data, cleansing and aggregating in readiness for analysis.
It is part of Microsoft's Business Intelligence (BI) took kit or their Power BI along with Power Pivot, Power View and also Power Map. This powerful Add In can be used to extract, clean, transform and aggregate data from many data sources. It can load the result of the query directly into the Excel worksheet or load it into the Excel Data Model.
Power Query needs to be downloaded and installed after Excel has been installed on your machine. If you do not see the Power Query Tab then you may have to manually enable the Add In.
There are a few restrictions installing it on your PC. You will need Windows Vista or later if you want to use it on a PC and Windows 2008 or later if installing on a server. Be sure to choose the correct version, 32bit or 64bit depending on which version of Excel you are running and finally you will need.NET 3.5 Service Pack 1 and Internet Explorer 9 or later. You will automatically be notified by the Power Query Tab lighting up if an update or a new version is available for you to download.
Power Query will be available for you if you have one of the following products
- Excel 2013 standalone version
- Office 2013 Professional Plus Licence for your desktop
- An office 365 subscription that give you access to the Office 2013 Professional Plus desktop tools.
In essence Power Query allows you to connect to a variety of data sources, extract the data really quick and easily. You then can define a series of repeatable steps to clean and filter the data all before it even gets into Excel.
These repeatable steps are the 'query' part of Power Query and are carried out in a specific order. These steps are defined in it's own expression language known as 'M'. This language is nothing like Excel formulas, functions or even VBA, but unless you are a programmer (and interested in the coding) you probably will find you do not have to go near the coding or write any code yourself to carry out any activities in Power Query.
Power Query will probably be the first component part of the BI suite you use as normally the first part of building reports and dashboards is collecting the data, cleansing and aggregating in readiness for analysis.
samedi 10 octobre 2015
How To Keep Your Computer Clean With CCleaner
How can I keep my computer clean and tidy?
When we are asked by friends and family how can they keep their computer clean, the one tool we always recommend is CCleaner. CCleaner differs from antivirus tools as it designed to keep your computer tidy - think Jacques from Finding Nemo!
CCleaner will search through your computer and clear out all of the files that have been created when you surf the internet or install software. The majority of these files are benign and pose no threat to you, but they do take up space on your computer so let CCleaner remove them for you. CCleaner will not delete documents and photos from your desktop of the common document folders.
CCleaner will work on Windows; IOS (Apple) and Android mobiles.
Tell me more about CCleaner and what it can do for me!
When you open CCleaner, you will immediately see an 'Analyse' button which when pressed, CCleaner will calculate how much space can be recovered from deleting temporary system files. Once you are happy, press the 'Run Cleaner' button and all will be removed from your system. NOTE - if you have an internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Chrome open while you run the CCleaner tool, you will be asked to close the browser to allow the files to be removed.
Under the 'Tools' button (the spanner icon), you will find some very useful tools that you may, depending on your technical knowledge or confidence,
Uninstall - Click on Uninstall and CCleaner will show you all the different programs that have been installed on your machine and when this was installed. Some of the very common names you may wish to look for and remove include:
Delta Search
MyWebSearch Toolbar
If you do stumble across a program name that you would like to remove, click on the program name and select the 'Uninstall' button on the top right of the CCleaner screen.
Startup - This is a great feature, but you will need to understand what it is you are doing before pressing any buttons in here. Startup, as the name suggests, will list all the software that will start when your computer starts; web browser(s) and Scheduled Tasks. It is very likely that when you click on the Windows tab you will see a substantial list of names of software that starts each time your Windows computer starts. You can disable software by selecting it and pressing the 'Disable' button. We will not be advising which you should or shouldn't disable as each computer is very different.
When you click on the 'Scheduled Tasks' within Startup, this is where you will get a good feel as to whether or not your computer is running malicious software. The individuals or organisations that produce malicious software often use your computer to schedule the infection to run at certain times, and CCleaner will help you see this. Again we cannot advise you which to disable as each computer will have different tasks running depending on the software you have running. One to look out for though will be listed as just "At1" although the numerical digit may differ from one; if you have this please backup all your precious documents and photos then run antivirus.
We strongly suggest that you do not use the 'Registry fix' tool with the CCleaner software unless you are very competent system user and you have a full backup of your data.
Like most software tools, CCleaner also offers a 'Pro' version of the software that comes with a charge. The Pro version will offer you support via the Piriform (the people behind CCleaner) and the software will automatically update itself. The free version will notify you when an update is released, but you will need to visit their website and download the latest version.
BIG NOTE - CCleaner is a tried and tested software that is a must have but I would like to say we cannot be held responsible for any system issues or data loss as a result of running this or any other software we recommend.
When we are asked by friends and family how can they keep their computer clean, the one tool we always recommend is CCleaner. CCleaner differs from antivirus tools as it designed to keep your computer tidy - think Jacques from Finding Nemo!
CCleaner will search through your computer and clear out all of the files that have been created when you surf the internet or install software. The majority of these files are benign and pose no threat to you, but they do take up space on your computer so let CCleaner remove them for you. CCleaner will not delete documents and photos from your desktop of the common document folders.
CCleaner will work on Windows; IOS (Apple) and Android mobiles.
Tell me more about CCleaner and what it can do for me!
When you open CCleaner, you will immediately see an 'Analyse' button which when pressed, CCleaner will calculate how much space can be recovered from deleting temporary system files. Once you are happy, press the 'Run Cleaner' button and all will be removed from your system. NOTE - if you have an internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Chrome open while you run the CCleaner tool, you will be asked to close the browser to allow the files to be removed.
Under the 'Tools' button (the spanner icon), you will find some very useful tools that you may, depending on your technical knowledge or confidence,
Uninstall - Click on Uninstall and CCleaner will show you all the different programs that have been installed on your machine and when this was installed. Some of the very common names you may wish to look for and remove include:
Delta Search
MyWebSearch Toolbar
If you do stumble across a program name that you would like to remove, click on the program name and select the 'Uninstall' button on the top right of the CCleaner screen.
Startup - This is a great feature, but you will need to understand what it is you are doing before pressing any buttons in here. Startup, as the name suggests, will list all the software that will start when your computer starts; web browser(s) and Scheduled Tasks. It is very likely that when you click on the Windows tab you will see a substantial list of names of software that starts each time your Windows computer starts. You can disable software by selecting it and pressing the 'Disable' button. We will not be advising which you should or shouldn't disable as each computer is very different.
When you click on the 'Scheduled Tasks' within Startup, this is where you will get a good feel as to whether or not your computer is running malicious software. The individuals or organisations that produce malicious software often use your computer to schedule the infection to run at certain times, and CCleaner will help you see this. Again we cannot advise you which to disable as each computer will have different tasks running depending on the software you have running. One to look out for though will be listed as just "At1" although the numerical digit may differ from one; if you have this please backup all your precious documents and photos then run antivirus.
We strongly suggest that you do not use the 'Registry fix' tool with the CCleaner software unless you are very competent system user and you have a full backup of your data.
Like most software tools, CCleaner also offers a 'Pro' version of the software that comes with a charge. The Pro version will offer you support via the Piriform (the people behind CCleaner) and the software will automatically update itself. The free version will notify you when an update is released, but you will need to visit their website and download the latest version.
BIG NOTE - CCleaner is a tried and tested software that is a must have but I would like to say we cannot be held responsible for any system issues or data loss as a result of running this or any other software we recommend.
vendredi 2 octobre 2015
How Do I Remove A Virus From My Computer?
How do I remove a virus from my computer for free?
Firstly - What is a computer virus and how do I get rid of it?
If I had a pound for every time I have been asked "How do I get rid of a computer virus?" I would be living on a small desert island sipping a cold one!
I will tell you what you need to know and what you need to do to ensure you and your family are better protected from viruses. If your computer is already infected, the best tools to remove them.
If there are any technical words that you are unclear on, I have a created a small glossary at the bottom of this article to help you out.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a piece of software installed on your machine without your consent and can possess a variety of behaviours from slowing your machines performance to potentially destroying all your data, including those treasured family photos. While the world has an infatuation with the word 'virus' other names you may hear include Trojans; Bots; Adware; Browser Hijackers and more frequently now, Ransomware. Viruses and the names I just listed are all members of the same nasty software family called 'Malware'. Confused? Check the glossary at the bottom of this post for a summary on each of the terms.
There are many software tools on the internet specially produced to detect and neutralise viruses and restore your system back to its pre-infection performance level - and the best bit is some of the good ones are FREE! You do not need to pay that £60 a year subscription for the software that comes preinstalled on many computers and expires after a year!
The companies that write these tools have a monumental task trying to produce a 'fix' for every virus. There is something like 85,000 new viruses released to the world each day, so there is no way they can keep up, and some tools can detect a virus that others may not identify. I always have two antivirus tools installed and up this to three if I am removing a virus for a friend or relative.
How do I know if my computer is infected?
Some clear signs that your computer is infected include:
Your system running much slower than usual
Lots of annoying pop-ups
Or the most likely - random websites opening
But sometimes there are no symptoms at all - these are the sneaky ones!
It is always recommended that you install a good antivirus tool and ensure it's 'signatures' are kept up to date. If you opt for the paid version of an antivirus tool you can set scheduled and allow the scans to run at your preferred times.
How did my computer become infected?
This can be very difficult to diagnose, but the common forms of infection are:
Clicking on a malicious 'advert' while browsing the internet
Opening a malicious email attachment
An infected USB stick - this is now so common.
Downloading music or films from dodgy sources
The best tips to keep yourself protected are:
Always keep your operating system i.e. Windows, up-to-date. The companies that developed the OS - short for the operating system spend a vast amount of time writing 'patches' to close vulnerabilities in their software. Always ensure you keep your system updated!
Always keep your wits about you when you are online and never click on an advert or pop-up if it is not from a trusted source. If in doubt - ignore it. Here are some examples of malicious adverts that if pressed, are a sure way to pick up an infection!
Unless you know the sender of an e-mail, never open the attachment! Many of the big email companies provide a certain level of protection but with an estimated 92% of all global mail being either Spam or virus-related, the companies have an uphill challenge. If in doubt - delete it!
Infected USB sticks are a nightmare. You carry them with you from machine to machine and happily plug them into a printer in the supermarket and then the computer at the internet café - they transfer viruses as quickly as head lice in a classroom! Always run a full scan of a USB stick when you have used this on another machine. Que? Not sure what I mean? Read my article here on how to do this.
Downloading music and films from the internet is in short, asking for trouble unless it is from one of the major players that charge a premium. Free films from a Torrent site may seem like a great idea, but you do run the risk of paying a quite hefty emotional price if you lose your files as a result.
How can I remove a virus?
To delete a virus, you are going to need some software. There are many antivirus tools out there, but some are quite frankly hopeless. I have spent many years trialing and testing a variety of products and return to a few time and time again - and they are free!
1) Malwarebytes - Free!
The best free product is Malwarebytes. The people behind Malwarebytes also offer a premium product that is chargeable but for now we will concentrate on the free version.
2) SuperAntiSpyware - Free!
This product is another lifesaver and has some excellent functionality and little extra features that make this product as a must. The team behind this software do have a premium version that is available for about £30.
3) FreeAVG - Free!
This is a fantastic product that offers so much more than just a tool to remove an infection. I recommend to my friends and family they keep this running as it also scans websites as you browse them to detect viruses embedded on the site.
A warning though before you go and run ANY antivirus tool...
Sometimes Malware, including viruses, can be so deeply rooted within your computer files that when the infections are cleaned, your computer may suffer adverse effects and data may be lost. I strongly suggest you backup and critical files you can access on a clean USB stick before you run any virus removal tool. I have used these tools many times but cannot be held responsible for any loss of files as a result of running them. You can purchase a good sized USB external drive to backup all your precious documents from online resellers like Amazon. Western Digital are an excellent brand that I recommend. Oh, and when you next plug this USB drive into a computer, make sure you scan it for viruses!
Useful Glossary (These may even impress your friends and family when you drop them in a conversation!)
Adware - Short for advertising-supported software. Adware in the context we are discussing here is pop-up advertisements that appear on your computer screen trying to sell you products. When you close one, you are usually greeted with many more!
Antivirus - A piece of software that scans your computer files to detect and remove infected files.
Bot - Derives from the word robot. A bot is a computer that has been infected and can be remotely controlled by the hacker to perform tasks on their behalf.
Browser - This is the program you use to browse the internet. The most common browsers are Safari if you are an Apple MAC user or Chrome, Firefox and even Internet Explorer if you are a Windows user. Read my article on browsers here - especially if you are using Internet Explorer!
Browser hijacking - So you now know what a browser is. A very common form of malware is Browser Hijackers. Hijackers change your internet search settings and redirect you to the pages they want you to see.
Embedded - Some websites have viruses hid within them which are copied or 'downloaded' to your computer while browsing - this is known as embedding. An excellent malware tool can detect these for you and prevent the infection from occurring.
Fix - A piece of software the remediates or neutralises an infection.
Full Scan - Within most antivirus tools, you have options to scan your entire files contents for infected files not just the most common locations.
Malware - Short for malicious software. Malware is a piece of software designed to disrupt the operation of a computer device. Malware comes in the forms of viruses; Trojans; worms; spyware; adware and ransomware.
Pop-ups - Small windows or adverts that appear 'on top' of your web browser.
Phishing - Pronounced fishing, is an illegal attempt to try and obtain sensitive data such as credit card details or passwords via emails and sites masquerading as legitimate companies. The fraudster then reuses the details captured for their gain.
Preinstalled - Software installed by the manufacturer and is present when you first switch on your device.
Ransomware - A piece of software that once installed, lock or 'encrypts' your files and will only provide you with access in return for a fee.
Patches - A small piece of computer code designed to address a specific issue identified within a piece of software.
Safe Mode - A very restricted version of Microsoft Windows that can be used to access a system encountering issues when starting in the usual manner.
Signatures - A small computer file that contains details of a specific computer virus to allow it to be detected on an infected machine.
Software - A program on a computer that allows a user to complete a set of actions or instructions.
Spam - Unsolicited emails are often containing advertisements. Want to see some spam? Check your email! More than 90% of the global emails are spam.
Tools - Not the DIY type! A piece of software that allows a task to be performed i.e. removal of a virus.
Torrent - A file sharing platform that allow files such as movies to be shared or downloaded.
Trojan - A piece of malware that has an alternative motive to what is advertised. Many 'trojans' allow for your computer to be remotely controlled or accessed by a hacker.
Firstly - What is a computer virus and how do I get rid of it?
If I had a pound for every time I have been asked "How do I get rid of a computer virus?" I would be living on a small desert island sipping a cold one!
I will tell you what you need to know and what you need to do to ensure you and your family are better protected from viruses. If your computer is already infected, the best tools to remove them.
If there are any technical words that you are unclear on, I have a created a small glossary at the bottom of this article to help you out.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a piece of software installed on your machine without your consent and can possess a variety of behaviours from slowing your machines performance to potentially destroying all your data, including those treasured family photos. While the world has an infatuation with the word 'virus' other names you may hear include Trojans; Bots; Adware; Browser Hijackers and more frequently now, Ransomware. Viruses and the names I just listed are all members of the same nasty software family called 'Malware'. Confused? Check the glossary at the bottom of this post for a summary on each of the terms.
There are many software tools on the internet specially produced to detect and neutralise viruses and restore your system back to its pre-infection performance level - and the best bit is some of the good ones are FREE! You do not need to pay that £60 a year subscription for the software that comes preinstalled on many computers and expires after a year!
The companies that write these tools have a monumental task trying to produce a 'fix' for every virus. There is something like 85,000 new viruses released to the world each day, so there is no way they can keep up, and some tools can detect a virus that others may not identify. I always have two antivirus tools installed and up this to three if I am removing a virus for a friend or relative.
How do I know if my computer is infected?
Some clear signs that your computer is infected include:
Your system running much slower than usual
Lots of annoying pop-ups
Or the most likely - random websites opening
But sometimes there are no symptoms at all - these are the sneaky ones!
It is always recommended that you install a good antivirus tool and ensure it's 'signatures' are kept up to date. If you opt for the paid version of an antivirus tool you can set scheduled and allow the scans to run at your preferred times.
How did my computer become infected?
This can be very difficult to diagnose, but the common forms of infection are:
Clicking on a malicious 'advert' while browsing the internet
Opening a malicious email attachment
An infected USB stick - this is now so common.
Downloading music or films from dodgy sources
The best tips to keep yourself protected are:
Always keep your operating system i.e. Windows, up-to-date. The companies that developed the OS - short for the operating system spend a vast amount of time writing 'patches' to close vulnerabilities in their software. Always ensure you keep your system updated!
Always keep your wits about you when you are online and never click on an advert or pop-up if it is not from a trusted source. If in doubt - ignore it. Here are some examples of malicious adverts that if pressed, are a sure way to pick up an infection!
Unless you know the sender of an e-mail, never open the attachment! Many of the big email companies provide a certain level of protection but with an estimated 92% of all global mail being either Spam or virus-related, the companies have an uphill challenge. If in doubt - delete it!
Infected USB sticks are a nightmare. You carry them with you from machine to machine and happily plug them into a printer in the supermarket and then the computer at the internet café - they transfer viruses as quickly as head lice in a classroom! Always run a full scan of a USB stick when you have used this on another machine. Que? Not sure what I mean? Read my article here on how to do this.
Downloading music and films from the internet is in short, asking for trouble unless it is from one of the major players that charge a premium. Free films from a Torrent site may seem like a great idea, but you do run the risk of paying a quite hefty emotional price if you lose your files as a result.
How can I remove a virus?
To delete a virus, you are going to need some software. There are many antivirus tools out there, but some are quite frankly hopeless. I have spent many years trialing and testing a variety of products and return to a few time and time again - and they are free!
1) Malwarebytes - Free!
The best free product is Malwarebytes. The people behind Malwarebytes also offer a premium product that is chargeable but for now we will concentrate on the free version.
2) SuperAntiSpyware - Free!
This product is another lifesaver and has some excellent functionality and little extra features that make this product as a must. The team behind this software do have a premium version that is available for about £30.
3) FreeAVG - Free!
This is a fantastic product that offers so much more than just a tool to remove an infection. I recommend to my friends and family they keep this running as it also scans websites as you browse them to detect viruses embedded on the site.
A warning though before you go and run ANY antivirus tool...
Sometimes Malware, including viruses, can be so deeply rooted within your computer files that when the infections are cleaned, your computer may suffer adverse effects and data may be lost. I strongly suggest you backup and critical files you can access on a clean USB stick before you run any virus removal tool. I have used these tools many times but cannot be held responsible for any loss of files as a result of running them. You can purchase a good sized USB external drive to backup all your precious documents from online resellers like Amazon. Western Digital are an excellent brand that I recommend. Oh, and when you next plug this USB drive into a computer, make sure you scan it for viruses!
Useful Glossary (These may even impress your friends and family when you drop them in a conversation!)
Adware - Short for advertising-supported software. Adware in the context we are discussing here is pop-up advertisements that appear on your computer screen trying to sell you products. When you close one, you are usually greeted with many more!
Antivirus - A piece of software that scans your computer files to detect and remove infected files.
Bot - Derives from the word robot. A bot is a computer that has been infected and can be remotely controlled by the hacker to perform tasks on their behalf.
Browser - This is the program you use to browse the internet. The most common browsers are Safari if you are an Apple MAC user or Chrome, Firefox and even Internet Explorer if you are a Windows user. Read my article on browsers here - especially if you are using Internet Explorer!
Browser hijacking - So you now know what a browser is. A very common form of malware is Browser Hijackers. Hijackers change your internet search settings and redirect you to the pages they want you to see.
Embedded - Some websites have viruses hid within them which are copied or 'downloaded' to your computer while browsing - this is known as embedding. An excellent malware tool can detect these for you and prevent the infection from occurring.
Fix - A piece of software the remediates or neutralises an infection.
Full Scan - Within most antivirus tools, you have options to scan your entire files contents for infected files not just the most common locations.
Malware - Short for malicious software. Malware is a piece of software designed to disrupt the operation of a computer device. Malware comes in the forms of viruses; Trojans; worms; spyware; adware and ransomware.
Pop-ups - Small windows or adverts that appear 'on top' of your web browser.
Phishing - Pronounced fishing, is an illegal attempt to try and obtain sensitive data such as credit card details or passwords via emails and sites masquerading as legitimate companies. The fraudster then reuses the details captured for their gain.
Preinstalled - Software installed by the manufacturer and is present when you first switch on your device.
Ransomware - A piece of software that once installed, lock or 'encrypts' your files and will only provide you with access in return for a fee.
Patches - A small piece of computer code designed to address a specific issue identified within a piece of software.
Safe Mode - A very restricted version of Microsoft Windows that can be used to access a system encountering issues when starting in the usual manner.
Signatures - A small computer file that contains details of a specific computer virus to allow it to be detected on an infected machine.
Software - A program on a computer that allows a user to complete a set of actions or instructions.
Spam - Unsolicited emails are often containing advertisements. Want to see some spam? Check your email! More than 90% of the global emails are spam.
Tools - Not the DIY type! A piece of software that allows a task to be performed i.e. removal of a virus.
Torrent - A file sharing platform that allow files such as movies to be shared or downloaded.
Trojan - A piece of malware that has an alternative motive to what is advertised. Many 'trojans' allow for your computer to be remotely controlled or accessed by a hacker.
lundi 28 septembre 2015
What Is Custom Software Development and How to Get the Best Out Of It
In today's world, businesses can be different in a lot of ways
and being unique is one key to success. However, if you're the one
running the business, the uniqueness can also be a disadvantage for you
when looking for tools to manage it better.
That's where software can help you achieve success faster, by providing help tailored to your needs.
What is Custom Software Development?
Custom Software Development is a process if designing a tool (software) to assist you with your specific needs for your business or organization. This is designed to precisely provide you the service you need instead of making off the shelf or pre-made software work for you, with little or no flexibility.
Why Should I Use Custom Software?
Having software designed to give you the exact solutions your company needs can enhance productivity. You can get a lot more things done in less time with high accuracy. With technology, you don't need to adjust yourself to it, it adjusts to you. You won't have to continuously modify it (which is not always available with off the shelf software, anyway) to make it work exactly how you want it.
How to Get the Best Out of It?
Your Custom Software is only as good as your chosen developer. Even if your specifications are discussed thoroughly, without expertise, everything can go wrong. That said, it's wise to get to know your developer thoroughly. Discuss their experience, their skills, and ask for their portfolio. Also, don't forget to ask for references. But that's just the basics.
With all these technology around us, people are expecting us to provide a more efficient service, faster booking, and delivery, and be able to do so faster. With a custom software for your company, cause or product functions, you can run your daily operations more efficiently and accurate while being organized.
Running your business might be costing you way too much compared to using a custom software program. While technology may seem like bigger initial investment, this software can save you more in the long run helping you avoid excessive use of papers, unjustifiable labor expenses for employee tasks that can be done by a custom software, and even lost customers due to failure to meet their needs.
Growing your business is all you want, but it would be hard to achieve it without investing on valuable items that can help us through the goal. Use technology as a tool to move you closer to your dreams, and technology will also guide you in achieving success.
That's where software can help you achieve success faster, by providing help tailored to your needs.
What is Custom Software Development?
Custom Software Development is a process if designing a tool (software) to assist you with your specific needs for your business or organization. This is designed to precisely provide you the service you need instead of making off the shelf or pre-made software work for you, with little or no flexibility.
Why Should I Use Custom Software?
Having software designed to give you the exact solutions your company needs can enhance productivity. You can get a lot more things done in less time with high accuracy. With technology, you don't need to adjust yourself to it, it adjusts to you. You won't have to continuously modify it (which is not always available with off the shelf software, anyway) to make it work exactly how you want it.
How to Get the Best Out of It?
Your Custom Software is only as good as your chosen developer. Even if your specifications are discussed thoroughly, without expertise, everything can go wrong. That said, it's wise to get to know your developer thoroughly. Discuss their experience, their skills, and ask for their portfolio. Also, don't forget to ask for references. But that's just the basics.
With all these technology around us, people are expecting us to provide a more efficient service, faster booking, and delivery, and be able to do so faster. With a custom software for your company, cause or product functions, you can run your daily operations more efficiently and accurate while being organized.
Running your business might be costing you way too much compared to using a custom software program. While technology may seem like bigger initial investment, this software can save you more in the long run helping you avoid excessive use of papers, unjustifiable labor expenses for employee tasks that can be done by a custom software, and even lost customers due to failure to meet their needs.
Growing your business is all you want, but it would be hard to achieve it without investing on valuable items that can help us through the goal. Use technology as a tool to move you closer to your dreams, and technology will also guide you in achieving success.
vendredi 18 septembre 2015
Hacked Routers
The Internet is a gigantic collection of linked networks that span the globe. The networks are connected using routers.
A router is a specialised computer that directs traffic on the Internet. As the Internet consists of hundreds of thousands of smaller networks linked together, the use of routers is absolutely necessary for it to function.
When you want to visit a particular website, you type the address of the site into your web browser. The address goes to the nearest router and the router decides where the required site is on the Internet.
The router also determines the most efficient path through all the networks to reach a particular destination... based on the traffic in different parts of the Internet and the available connections.
Cisco Systems Inc is an American multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment including most of the routers used on the internet. In fact, 85 percent of Internet traffic travels through Cisco's systems.
Hacked routers
Security firm FireEye announced recently that its researchers have discovered malware (dubbed SYNful) on 14 Cisco routers in the Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and India.
SYNful replaces the operating system used in Cisco's network equipment and thus opens a back door that provides a permanent foothold inside a targeted network.
This enables the hackers to harvest vast amounts of data while going undetected by existing cybersecurity defences, according to Mandiant, FireEye's computer forensic arm.
Cisco have confirmed that it has alerted its customers to these hacking attacks and said that it was working with Mandiant to develop ways for customers to detect the attacks.
Indeed Cisco has published intrusion detection signatures that customers can use to look for attacks in progress which, if found, can then be blocked.
If successful attacks are detected, customers will have to re-image the software used to control their routers.
It is highly probable that many other instances of these hacks have not been discovered, according to FireEye. Indeed it is likely that the infected routers are being used to infect other parts of the Internet.
Because the implanted software duplicates the normal functions of routers it could also affect routers from makers other than Cisco.
How bad is the threat?
Routers operate outside the perimeter of firewalls, anti-virus and other security tools used by organisations to safeguard data traffic.
This means that the estimated US$80 billion spent every year on cybersecurity tools is money down the drain where this form of attack is concerned.
According to Cisco, SYNful does not take advantage of any vulnerability in its own software. Instead it steals valid network administration credentials from the organisations targeted by the hackers so that it can install itself or it can be installed when the hackers gain physical access to Cisco routers.
No matter how it is installed, if a hacker seizes control of a router then he has control over the data of all the companies and government organisations that flow through that router.
According to FireEye, the affected routers have been used to hit multiple industries and government agencies. The company also says that the router logs indicate that the hacks began well over a year ago.
So what does all this imply for the ordinary consumer, who does his or her shopping and banking online?
The answer depends on who the hackers are working for.
The USA's global spy agency, the NSA (National Security Agency), has a habit of intercepting networking equipment and installing backdoors before the equipment reaches customers.
This came to light in May 2014. In 2015, Cisco began offering to deliver this kind of equipment directly to customers in order to avoid interception by the NSA or other miscreants.
The latest findings from FireEye suggest that the miscreants, whoever they are, are managing to implant malware on routers no matter how they are being delivered.
While it is likely that the NSA or some other state actor is the culprit, this is not at all certain, even though FireEye says that interception could only be done a handful of sovereign states. In this writer's view, the miscreants could well be a criminal gang intent on commercial gain.
Perhaps it would be as well to check with you bank to see whether they have any reservations regarding online banking in the light of these revelations.
A router is a specialised computer that directs traffic on the Internet. As the Internet consists of hundreds of thousands of smaller networks linked together, the use of routers is absolutely necessary for it to function.
When you want to visit a particular website, you type the address of the site into your web browser. The address goes to the nearest router and the router decides where the required site is on the Internet.
The router also determines the most efficient path through all the networks to reach a particular destination... based on the traffic in different parts of the Internet and the available connections.
Cisco Systems Inc is an American multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment including most of the routers used on the internet. In fact, 85 percent of Internet traffic travels through Cisco's systems.
Hacked routers
Security firm FireEye announced recently that its researchers have discovered malware (dubbed SYNful) on 14 Cisco routers in the Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and India.
SYNful replaces the operating system used in Cisco's network equipment and thus opens a back door that provides a permanent foothold inside a targeted network.
This enables the hackers to harvest vast amounts of data while going undetected by existing cybersecurity defences, according to Mandiant, FireEye's computer forensic arm.
Cisco have confirmed that it has alerted its customers to these hacking attacks and said that it was working with Mandiant to develop ways for customers to detect the attacks.
Indeed Cisco has published intrusion detection signatures that customers can use to look for attacks in progress which, if found, can then be blocked.
If successful attacks are detected, customers will have to re-image the software used to control their routers.
It is highly probable that many other instances of these hacks have not been discovered, according to FireEye. Indeed it is likely that the infected routers are being used to infect other parts of the Internet.
Because the implanted software duplicates the normal functions of routers it could also affect routers from makers other than Cisco.
How bad is the threat?
Routers operate outside the perimeter of firewalls, anti-virus and other security tools used by organisations to safeguard data traffic.
This means that the estimated US$80 billion spent every year on cybersecurity tools is money down the drain where this form of attack is concerned.
According to Cisco, SYNful does not take advantage of any vulnerability in its own software. Instead it steals valid network administration credentials from the organisations targeted by the hackers so that it can install itself or it can be installed when the hackers gain physical access to Cisco routers.
No matter how it is installed, if a hacker seizes control of a router then he has control over the data of all the companies and government organisations that flow through that router.
According to FireEye, the affected routers have been used to hit multiple industries and government agencies. The company also says that the router logs indicate that the hacks began well over a year ago.
So what does all this imply for the ordinary consumer, who does his or her shopping and banking online?
The answer depends on who the hackers are working for.
The USA's global spy agency, the NSA (National Security Agency), has a habit of intercepting networking equipment and installing backdoors before the equipment reaches customers.
This came to light in May 2014. In 2015, Cisco began offering to deliver this kind of equipment directly to customers in order to avoid interception by the NSA or other miscreants.
The latest findings from FireEye suggest that the miscreants, whoever they are, are managing to implant malware on routers no matter how they are being delivered.
While it is likely that the NSA or some other state actor is the culprit, this is not at all certain, even though FireEye says that interception could only be done a handful of sovereign states. In this writer's view, the miscreants could well be a criminal gang intent on commercial gain.
Perhaps it would be as well to check with you bank to see whether they have any reservations regarding online banking in the light of these revelations.
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