On Tuesday March 18th, Microsoft finally released Vista SP1 in its final form. SP1 contains a year of updates and improves on some of Vista's features the public has complained about. At the moment it is available through both Windows Update as an optional download or through the Microsoft Download Center as a standalone download. In the middle of April it will become a mandatory automatic download from Windows Update.  There are a couple of issues with the download and installation that have been discovered since release, so if you want to wait until the download bugs are gone, best wait until April.

The download issues that have been found, include a problem with the updated hardware (device) drivers that Vista SP1 needs  (the software that makes each hardware device work).  Windows Update is set up to identify those specific hardware devices that require an updated driver, and it then downloads and installs most of those updates to your computer, prior to installing SP1.  However, you may have hardware that does not have an  update yet or does not have an update available for Vista.  In this case SP1 will not appear in the option list for Windows Update until April.  Here is a list of hardware that may not have an updated driver yet.  Some of your hardware may stop working after SP1 is installed and to determine if one of your hardware devices is affected you can open the device manager and look for one or more yellow exclamation marks. (to open device manager, right click on 'My Computer' on your desktop with your mouse, choose 'properties', then the 'hardware' tab and click the button for 'device manager'). More information is available in KB948187.

There is a list of prerequisite updates that are needed on your PC before SP1 will download and install in KB937287. After you review the installed updates on your PC in Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs and find you are still unable to download and install Vista SP1, please refer to KB948343, for possible causes and solutions. There was an issue with a February update for Windows installation software. This is one of the prerequisite updates for installing Vista  SP1 and may still remain an issue for a few people. Check your list of installed updates to make sure you have KB937287 installed and if not, please go to the manual installation instructions at the bottom of the page.

Another issue with the installation of Vista SP1 occurs when there are inconsistencies in the registry of that particular system.  If your installation of SP1 fails then there is a small program you can download called CheckSur which will fix most issues. Before Windows Update downloads and installs Vista SP1 it will check for  inconsistencies in the registry will download and run CheckSur,  if it finds any.  If your installation fails and CheckSur is not automatically downloaded you can find instructions for a manual download and install of  CheckSur at the bottom of the page. 

You may be surprised to find that after Vista SP1 is installed, you are asked to re-activate Windows Vista. This does not happen to everyone. Among those affected are those who have made hardware changes, or have updated their software device drivers, prior to installing SP1. For added security, Vista is very sensitive to any hardware change and if the above circumstances occur, you will be asked to re-activate Windows Vista after SP1 is installed. This is expected behaviour of Vista. Some people have found that when they install SP1 they are unable to re-activate Windows Vista over the internet, but must phone the activation center. This also is expected behaviour under some circumstances.  Please refer to the information in KB947519. There is also a discussion of this topic in the MS Genuine Advantage Forum. 

It happened with previous OS's and now again with Vista, when a service pack was installed. Existing third-party  programs conflict with the service pack, resulting in a reduction in function. You will find a list in KB935796.  As I said above, there is no need to install SP1 yet because it will become an automatic download in April.  Some of the conflicts and installation issues may be solved by then giving you a smoother installation process.  If you want to add the service pack now then please note the above information and read the associated KB articles before installing it.

So you think your PC is secure. You have a resident Antivirus program, an Antispyware program and a firewall. You have Microsoft Updates set on ‘auto’ so that your copy of Windows is updated automatically as soon as one is available. You have set up all your third-party programs to notify you when any update becomes available. You have added all the recommended tools that don’t conflict, for example: IE-Spyad and SpywareBlaster to your PC.  You have UAC turned ON in your new copy of Vista.  Now you say “phew! My PC is secure so I now can do anything I want and be protected from all the nasties on the internet.”  

• clicking a link and finding yourself on a page that you didn’t expect.
• Visiting a familiar website and landing on an unfamiliar page.
• Clicking a link that starts an automatic download that you didn’t expect.
• Following a link to a familiar site that doesn’t look exactly like it should.
• Your PC starts to download something that you didn’t initiate.
• You receive a file transfer that you weren’t aware was being transferred.

The bottom line to maintaining a clean computer is to use your head. If anything unexpected happens, get off the internet and scan your computer with each of your protection programs. If your computer starts to slow down, get some help at one of the antispyware forums to clean it.   In this day and age every infected computer should be cleaned by someone who knows what the malware does to a PC because many things can be left behind on the infected PC because of the nature of the malware.  Many people have been left with infected files after cleaning their own computer which have later caused them serious problems.  Be cautious, even suspicious when surfing the internet, you never know where the latest malware is hidden!

There is a new forum that may be of interest to Windows, Linux and/or Cross-Platform developers.  The  Linux and Windows Development  forum was started by my son Darin who has most recently been programming linux software. Interested in programming since he was a child, he continues to find it a very satisfying hobby.  Another area of interest for him is Security for personal computers.  At Linux and Windows Development  he hopes to create an area where programmers can discuss their interests, share their knowledge and ideas about the different Operating Systems, about Security or to just chat.  

His interest in PC Security stems from the knowledge that people are more in danger of being attacked by malware today, than ever before.  Identity Theft has become a major issue, more so because many do not take the threat seriously until they become a victim.  In his forum he hopes to encourage the development of tools and software that will be effective in the fight against today's malware.

The forum opened recently and Darin is now looking for people to help him  build an inviting place for those with similar interests.  Moderators and FAQ writers for all platforms are also needed.   If you are interested in helping him create a thriving forum for programmers to meet, please drop by Linux and Windows Development  and send him a PM, including your interests and background. 

Even if you do not have time to help, please visit  Linux and Windows Development and take a look around, you may find something that interests you!  Please register at the forum and introduce yourself to everyone.

Did you get a new computer for Christmas?  If so, you have probably spent the time since Christmas exploring your computer and surfing the internet to find out what all this Internet fuss is about. Perhaps playing games, watching videos, exploring things you are interested in - hobbies etc., chatting with others, and generally looking around.  In a word you’ve had fun with your new toy! 

Included with your new computer are the OS (most likely Windows XP or Windows Vista), some Proprietary software from the manufacturer and some Trial software.  Most manufacturers today no longer include disks containing the Windows Operating System, the proprietary software or the trial software that was on the hard drive of your new PC. In other words, the manufacturere gives you nothing with which to restore your computer to the condition it was in, when you first turned it on.  

Instead of disks, the manufacturers provide you with a program that helps you create your own backup disks of the data on your PC when it was purchased.  Many people procrastinate or ignore this procedure because they may not have the CD's or DVD's to use for the backup, and they are thrilled with their new PC and anxious to get online to find out what their computer has to offer.  These disks are vital to your future computing needs because at some point in the future, you will have to reinstall everything your computer came with.  This can occur when a problem arises with your hardware, software or as a result of a malware attack. However, if you haven't created these disks containing the original software, you will be left with a large, very expensive paperweight when your hardware fails, you are the victim of a malware attack, or you have one of a myriad of problems that requires you to reinstall all of your software. 

The software included with your new PC, especially the Trial Software needs attention within a short time of starting to use your new PC.  The operative word here is TRIAL, meaning that this software expires after 30, 60 or 90 days and on that date it becomes totally useless!  New PC's usually have several trial programs, maybe Microsoft Office, a few games and a Security Suite.  Buying Microsoft Office, the games and other trial software are a personal decision that will not affect the security of your new PC at this time. However, the Trial Security Suite Software will affect your security because during the trial you and your PC have been protected by a trial AntiVirus Program, a trial AntiSpyware Program and a trial Firewall as part of the Suite, for 30, 60 or 90 days.  The Trial Security Suite has been your only protection from the evils of the internet including malware, rootkits, Identity Theft etc. for the specified length of time, and at the end of that time it  becomes totally useless if it has not been either purchased or replaced. After just over 30 days of use you may still have time before the trial ends to ensure your PC is protected, preventing you and your computer from becoming a victim of the evils of the Internet. You may think I am exaggerating, but the results of studies have shown that an unprotected computer will become infected with some type of malware, in less than 5 minutes of exposure to the Internet!

You've now had time to familiarize yourself with your new PC, have searched the internet, played a game or two, sent and received email and you now know how to enjoy your new PC.  Now it's time for you to take a few minutes  to make sure your fun continues without any unpleasant and nasty interruptions. Start preparing your computer for a safe and secure future with the following:

1.      The first thing you need to do is make the backup disks of all the manufacturer’s software and the Operating System.  The built-in software from your computer manufacturer only allows you to make ONE copy.   IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE BACKUPS, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RELOAD YOUR ORIGINAL SOFTWARE INCLUDING THE OS. Use the built-in backup software to make the only copy of your built-in software NOW.  Then put the DVD’s, CD’s or other backup media in a safe place where they can’t be damaged. If you used DVD's or CD's, I suggest that you buy cases for the disks to keep them safe from dust and other contaminants

2.      Your Anitvirus, Antispyware, and Firewall program as well as other offerings in the Security Suite on your new PC, are in most cases TRIALS. Assess each program that is trial software that came with your computer.

·        Is it a Security Suite?  If so you need to make a decision to either BUY it or REPLACE it as soon as possible to maintain continual protection, so that it does not expire leaving you unprotected.

·         If you don’t like the Security Suite that was included with your PC, then check out the available Security Suites on the internet or individual programs Antivirus, Antispyware and/or Firewall.  Download and install them before the trial ends and your security suite expires. You can always use the Windows built-in Firewall and a free Antivirus and/or AntiSpyware such as the ones from AVG, Antivir or Avast while you decide which Security Suite you like best that is easy to use.  Free Security programs are available see my article  Protection For  Your  PC

·        Is it a program like Microsoft Office that you may not want or need?  If it is a suite of programs like Microsoft Office, do you want it? Is it affordable?  If your answers are yes, then buy the program. The most important protection for any program or suite is to set it up so that when there are updates, they will be downloaded and installed.

3.      Setup your AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and Firewall Programs to update automatically when there are either updates to the program itself and for new definitions. Your computer is not protected unless it has the most recent definitions for your programs.

4.      Set up Windows to automatically update your Windows Operating System when an update is available. If you set it up to notify you of updates, make sure you download them as soon as possible because it is likely the updates are to close a hole or vulnerability that has been discovered.

5.      For your other programs, check each program for an update setting in the Options that will automatically update your program. If there is no update setting in the options, then go to the developer’s website and arrange to have them notify you when there are updates by email. You will then receive an email anytime there are updates to the program, and you will be able to go to the website, download and install the update as soon as you are notified.

6.      You will also need to check for updates from the manufacturer of your computer because the proprietary software that came with your PC and usually major updates to the Operating System, will be available through them. Your hardware including your video card, audio system, modem, Ethernet card, in fact all of your hardware is operated by software ‘drivers’. Without these drivers your hardware will not function. Updated drivers are released regularly by your PC manufacturer.  If by any chance you are unable to sign up to receive email updates, check the manufacturer’s website regularly. I suggest you use a calendar to remind yourself to check for these updates on a regular basis.   

7.      If you have any questions about your computer, the manufacturer of your PC  should be contacted first.  If you do not receive a satisfactory response to your question, some of the manufacturers have a forum where you can ask questions and receive answers. There are also  many online forums where trained people respond to users questions. You will find them by using a search engine with the basic information in your question as the search string.

8.      To prevent the loss of all of your personal files, you need to set up a schedule for backing them up onto a DVD or CD or other media.  It is very important to have them backed up onto media that is not accessible to a malware attack or you will lose all of them if/when you have to format your computer. 

Whether your OS is Windows XP or Windows Vista, it is absolutely necessary to complete the above. There are many ongoing activities that will keep your computer running well eg: Defragmenting the files on your hard drive which improves the speed of your computer.  Current protection and security with up-to-date definitions is also necessary for a good online experience. Windows Vista is advertised, quite rightly, as the most secure Windows Operating System to date. However, the scumware writers keep busy creating more and more devious ways of infecting innocent users and their computers, to rob you of your positive Internet experience and make your life miserable.  In many cases prevention is far more effective and much less trouble than cleaning up after a malware attack.  Prevention involves keeping ALL of your software and hardware drivers up-to-date.  Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that your PC will remain clean but there is a far better chance of staying clean, if you follow the simple rules of protection and security.

Is your home as secure as your computer?  If your answer is "Yes it is", then you are WRONG.   

For your computer security you have installed all the recommended security programs and a Firewall, set all of your software to download updates as they become available, and your computer is now as secure as possible. But have you added the equivalent protection to your home?

A reporter with WMC-TV memphis discovered that all the locks you have carefully installed and use, won't keep a thief out of your home.  The tecnique used to enter your home is called "Lock Bumping". The following video from WMC-TV Memphis demonstrates how insecure your home is despite the locks you have installed. You will be taken to YouTube when you click the following link:

 After watching the video and finding out how easily a thief can break into your home, you should be concerned or even a little afraid.  As a service to its viewers, WMC-TV also posted another video giving you some

Solutions To Lock Bumping

to help you secure your home at a reasonable cost. There are other videos on the site that give more detailed information about Lock Bumping.  Check your security today, both on your PC and in your home!

 Have you joined the wireless world?  Many people think of wireless technology as applying only to computers.  If you have a cordless phone, a garage door opener, GPS in your car, a satellite hookup for your TV, or a cell phone, then you have been using wireless technology as long as you've been using those items.  Surprised?  Many people are when they realize they have been using a cordless phone or garage door opener, for several years. 

In the computer world you have Laptops/Notebooks,  PDAs (personal digital assistants), wireless keyboards and mice and anything else that inter-connects without wires or batteries, that is related to a computer.

The one thing most people don't realize is that using any of the above devices creates it's own security problems.  Anyone using a cordless phone should realize that their phone calls can be intercepted.  Most people have no reason to worry about whether someone is listening to their calls, but there are occasions when the information discussed in a phone call is so sensitive that they should not be using a Cordless phone or cell phone to make the call.  Would you want a call to your bank intercepted? or A call to your physician? or  A call to your lawyer?  Businesses are more at risk than the average person because sensitive information is often discussed by phone, but more businesses are becoming aware of how insecure using wireless technology actually is.

If you use wireless technology, you should be aware of the Security necessary to keep your interactions over the device secure.  No matter what wireless equipment you want to use, there is wireless technology available for someone who wants to listen or steal the information you are sending over that specific equipment. Now, the information sent by a garage door opener isn't particularly sensitive but people use phones, laptops, PDAs, keyboards etc., to exchange sensitive information with others that they don't want to share with others. This is especially true over the Internet.

If wireless computing is in your future, make sure you pay as much attention to Security for the device as you do to choosing and purchasing a laptop.  For different ways of making sure your wireless computing is secure, please read  Wireless Security - A Timely Topic,    Wireless - Why Do I Need Security?  and  Wireless Security - How To Protect Yourself.  If a cell phone, cordless phone, wireless keyboard or mouse or any other devices is in your future, then the some security information about these devices is in   Wireless - Bluetooth Device Security.

 Securing and Protecting yourself and your information should be at the top of your list, before using the wireless device you have chosen. Sadly in this computer age, security and protection are becoming absolutely necessary before we can enjoy our 'electronic toys'.  Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing evils of the 21st century. 

 Almost 2 years ago I wrote the first article called Protection For Your PC and the second Protection For Your PC - Part 2 almost 6 months ago.  All of that information, though 6 months and 2 years old respectively, applies today. However, in the past 2 years since I wrote the first article, the nasties have become nastier, the ID theft more rampant, and the scumware writers more adept at creating Spyware, Malware and other Scumware that is harder to detect and more invasive into your private life.

Though gains have been made against this evil that has entered our lives with the computer age, there are still plenty of scumware writers out there producing junk to make your life miserable. The scumware writers took a hit when Microsoft introduced Vista last year, but they are rapidly trying to get back their hold on the Internet and more needs to be done to stop them. 

The next article in the series: "Protection For Your PC - Part 3" is here today.  In it I have focused on the worst and most malicious of today’s Malware, because it is the most damaging for the innocent computer user and web surfer.  This particular type of Malware surfaced in the fall of 2005 and is much more difficult to recover from than the advertising  popups, the spyware that tracks your online surfing habits, and the take over of your computer by an infection so that you are unable to surf the internet.  This type of Malware steals your identity and takes over your life, not just your PC. 

Please read "Protection For Your PC - Part 3"  for an update to my previous articles and added information on Securing your PC.  Other articles on PC security will follow.

 People who use Linux as an Operating System, often say they don't need to protect their computer from Malware,Spyware, Adware, Identity Theft etc etc. because they believe Linux is not at risk partly because it is not  the main target of the scumware writers.  Well they are wrong.  The Malware writers are increasingly aiming at the alternate OS's with their scumware because it is more of a challenge now than Windows. Every hacker/cracker writes scumware for Windows, not every hacker/cracker writes for Linux. BUT the day is coming folks when Linux will be as heavily infected as a Windows OS.  Many of the Security recommendations are the same as they are for Windows, but there are also unique

Minimal protection for a Linux System is:

• a firewall such as  Smoothwall Express  or SmoothGuardian  which is a commercial firewall with more advanced features. Please read   A Linux Firewall Primer  for a discussion of the use of Firewalls in Linux
• the National Security Agency of the US government has been researching the use of firewalls in Linux.  This research of  Security-Enhanced Linux has resulted in the development of the SELinux firewall, and several versions available for download making this an excellent site for security information related to the Linux OS.
  
• an Antivirus program to prevent viruses from infecting the Windows computers that connect to your system several are discussed in Antivirus Solutions For Linux  
  
• Keeping the OS up-to-date is as important with Linux as with Windows to prevent any vulnerabilites in the Linux core OS remaining unpatched
• run the OS as a 'Limited User' rather than as 'Administrator' will prevent many infections from taking over your system.
  

Today I became aware of a new FREE e-book for students entering college. It could also be useful to High School students in the upper grades because they have reached the point where their computing needs have become much more demanding.

This e-book titled "Safe Computing For The College Bound"  was written by fellow Microsoft MVP Dan Appleman, a software developer and author of several books on technology and security.  In it is advice for the teenager who is a student who is headed off to College, on buying a computer.  Among other things, he discusses laptops and desktops and how to choose the best computer for you.  After he discusses the options in computers, he focuses on security for your computer in a college atmosphere.   He also advises the best way to keep your computer secure while you are away at College and  also covers the rules and regulations you are likely to find for the Computer Networks at College.

"Safe Computing For The College Bound" is a free e-book that is likely to give you a good start to finding the right computer for you and learning to keep it safe and secure in a completely different environment than you've had before.

 Dan Appleman is the founder and CEO of Desaware Inc. and co-founder of APress  and also maintains a blog. He has written several books including Moving to VB.NET: Strategies, Concepts and Code and maintains his website Always Use Protection: A Teen's Guide to Safe Computing

Many Canadians at this time of year crave the beach because of the long winters here.  Unlike them, I love winter, especially when we have lots of snow.  Outside it is so clean and fresh looking, the air is cold and crisp, the nights so peaceful and quiet.  It is naturally beautiful.  As much as I like the beach, living in a country where each of the four seasons are different, I appreciate them all. So for now, winter will be my blog theme.

The temperature outside my house is -20 degrees celsius (-4 degrees fahrenheit) and I think that the beach at the top of my blog was a little inappropriate.  I went looking for a nice winter picture to replace the beach and found it with MSN search.  After altering it to be a banner for my blog, I posted what I think is reflective of a Canadian winter.  The weather will remain cold for only a day or two but winter and snow will be around for several months yet.  Enjoy!

A good friend Corrine  helped get me moving on this project, by pointing out that my links to other MVP's blogs, were sorely outdated.  When I logged in to make the necessary changes, I decided it was time for a change. I thank her again for her help. I don't know what I would do without her!

With this update to my blog, I hope to bring you new information in the next while that will help prevent you from becoming a victim of Spyware, Adware, Malware, Viruses, Trojans etc etc.   These threats are still very active and every time you connect to the internet, whether it be by email, or surfing the Internet, you put yourself at risk. 

My only advice today is to Protect yourself, Protect your computer etc! etc! etc!  Get that Antivirus program up-to-date! Get that Anti-Spyware program up-to-date!  Set your protection programs on automatic and have them checking for updates hourly.  Keep that Firewall at High at all times and if you let someone send you a file, scan it before opening.   If you receive an email from someone you don't know, or even someone you know, be cautious opening it.  Scan all attachments before opening them.  Remember to Protect yourself, Protect your computer! Protect your Identity!

Happy New Year to one and all!  2008 is the year we are going to gain an edge on Malware and begin wiping this scourge from the Internet! 

With the armies of people fighting the Malware we have to gain an edge at some point, and 2008 is as good as any year.  The antispyware forums, software developers, Microsoft, the media, and government awareness of the problem, is growing. Ordinary people surfing the Internet are becoming more aware of the implications of surfing the internet without protection. They are protecting themselves with Firewalls, Antivirus and Antispyware programs and keeping them up-to-date.  Microsoft has taken a large step forward into secure computing with the advent of Vista in 2007.

 Having a positive attitude can work wonders!  I hope  that on January 1, 2009 I can look back at this blog and see that my predictions for 2008 were true.  There are simple things each person can do to ensure their safety on the Internet:

• every individual learns about safe-surfing techniques
• every parent teaches their children how to protect themselves on the internet
• every parent uses Parental Control programs to protect their children from websites they shouldn't visit.
• each and every person makes security of their PC the most important aspect of computing
• each and every person follows the instructions on the Microsoft Security At Home Website to keep their PC safe.
• most importantly each person who uses a computer becomes aware of the risks of not protecting their PC. 

 If everyone who uses a computer does the above, my predictions for 2008 can become reality!

On the other hand, if my predictions fall short and you become infected with malware, please visit Malware Complaints  to tell your story.  Visiting Malware Complaints  will broadcast your difficulty to those that can change laws and help all people who surf the Internet, toward the day when this scourge no longer exists!

 Woo-hoo! I’m finally joining the wireless world by buying a laptop! Do you want to know the things you should consider when moving from wired to wireless computing?  You may want to read the steps I took...

For several years I have been thinking about buying a laptop but between the extra security needed and the price, I decided that a laptop just wasn’t meant to be.  This year things changed.  (For those of you who have also thought of  buying a laptop, I will  list the steps I am taking in case it is useful to you).

 In September I realized my HP desktop computer was 3 years old and seems to be running slower now that the Vista enabled software updates with the added software . As you have read in my earlier blog on the subject,  I went looking for RAM to boost the performance of my desktop and on the same page I saw an ad for a brand new laptop for $599.99 CDN.  Previous laptops I looked at started at $1200.00 and moved upwards with $1700.00 being the average for one that I would want.   I looked at my finances and the age of my desktop, and decided to look a little further. 

As I like to investigate most purchases before buying, I went to several web sites looking for recommendations for the best manufacturer, cost vs. value, reliability and anything else I could find out.

I started by making a list of what I needed, then what I wanted in a laptop.  My list went as follows:

 First the Items I need: 

• a Dual Core processor so that it could run Vista Premium all the way to Vista Ultimate and future OSs.
• a DVD burner
• A firewire port (aka 1394 net adapter) for transferring information from a digital camera, other hardware that can be connected by firewire.  Firewire transfer rate of information is much faster than USB.
• Minimum of 1Gig of RAM expandable to at least 2 Gigs
• The OS needs to be a minimum of Vista Home Premium, because the laptops with Vista Home Basic, in most cases cannot be upgraded to run the other versions of Vista, such as Vista Ultimate, due to slower processors and minimum hardware for past OS's (older technology).
• all the system components in the laptop must meet the system requirements for all forms of Vista.
• weight no more than 6 1/2 lbs. (2.94 kg) in case I want to carry the laptop with me.
• A battery with a short charging time, but not necessarily a long life while fully charged because I will be using it plugged into the wall most of the time.
• Minimum 1 year warranty. All warranties are limited so make sure you know that the warranty covers what you need it to.

 What I want in a Laptop that is not necessary for its function:

• as large a screen as possible after taking into account all the necessities.
• Minimum of 4 USB ports for all the hardware I need/want to plug in

• A manufacturer with a good repair/reliability record and very few warranty claims.

• Connectors to plug in a full size monitor, keyboard and mouse if I find I don't like the built-in's.

• 2  Ethernet LAN network adapters, one for hard-wired connection to the internet or to other devices like my desktop computer and one for wireless connection to the internet. (every laptop will have a wireless LAN adapter, but not all have one for hardwired connectivity.

• a switch to turn off the wireless adapter if it is not in use. (This is a great security feature)

• an access point or wireless router for connecting to the Internet using wireless technology ( I don't consider this a necessity because I will be using my laptop where I can plug it in most of the time but most people would consider it a necessity ).

• what software included with the laptop. (some brands include a great deal of useless software that you won't use but it will take up space and memory). It is strictly a personal decision whether you want this bundled software or not.

• does it have a built-in Webcam?

• What is it going to be used for – business, pleasure, school, or at home to replace a desktop.
• are you planning to carry it around with you or is it going to sit on your desk where it can be plugged into an outlet all the time?
• Do you want a Windows OS or a Mac?
• How much do you want to spend
• How many USB ports – printers, mice, external keyboards, scanners?
• Does it have a firewire connection to transfer digital photos or information?
• Can you plug in a monitor to it in case you don’t like the laptop monitor
• How many Ethernet cards are inside – wireless and LAN? You will need both if you want to set up a network with your desktop PC and connect to the internet at the same time. You will also need a hardwired Ethernet card if you want to connect to the internet without using the wireless adapter.
  
• Does It have expansion slots and how many?
• Is there a Bluetooth wireless wireless hookup for a cell phone or another laptop?
• What is the warranty offered by the manufacturer?

Malware Complaints is my newest project.  It was the brainchild of ChrisRLG and Nellie2 from Malware Removal University.  With all the projects they have on-the-go, they don’t have the time to invest into this very worthy cause so they have handed the reins to me.

The idea behind the formation of Malware Complaints was to give everyone who has been attacked and infected with Viruses, Trojans,  Spyware, Adware, Malware and all other scourges of the Internet, a place to complain. Designed to bring together all those thousands of people, who have suffered at the hands of the Malware writers.

It provides a place where YOU as an individual can FIGHT BACK against those people who are intent on destroying your online experience and by doing so  have made your life miserable. 

It is a place to constructively Stand Up and Be Counted among those who would like to make their  malware infection and the misery they felt, do something good.  It is time to make those Malware writers accountable for their evil deeds.

Malware Complaints  gives you a place to join with other victims of malware infestation and petition those that can make changes to hold these miscreants accountable. 

Malware Complaints gives you the opportunity to post a detailed account of the misery you suffered while cleaning your computer.  We offer you specific ways to contact your government representatives and the media in your country. There are online petitions where you can add your name to the list of thousands who have been infected

There are templates for letters you can write, email you can send to the politicians and government representatives in your country. Let them know how frustrated you are with the current laws that allow these people to continue their illegal activities.

We encourage people to complain to the media, their MP or government representative, by asking you to write a detailed account of your experience with Malware. We ask you to include your country, what you were infected with (if you know), how much inconvenience it caused you in money and time, the website where you were infected if you know, and what you would like your government to do about it.

We need you to 'Stand up and be Counted', among those who want change.  Depending on the country where you live, there are many ideas available at Malware Complaints   for you to  Fight Back!

Among my first duties is to ask our staff to help find ways to make Malware Complaints better and more effective for the victim.

If you have had a Malware infection, please visit us at Malware Complaints and tell your story!

My desktop computer is a 3 year old  HP a510n with a 120gig hard drive and 512 K of RAM.   To reduce the memory drain when using third-party programs, upgrading the RAM is the easiest, cheapest and most effective solution.  Before upgrading it is best to find out if I can use Vista on this machine without having to upgrade other components. Running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor,  will determine if I can run Vista on this computer. It appears that with a RAM (memory) upgrade to 1 gigabyte I can upgrade to Vista Home Basic or Vista Home Premium. For Vista business or Vista Ultimate I will need 2 gigabytes of RAM.   However, I will also need to upgrade my graphics card with any installation of Vista.  I am quite happy with XPsp2 Pro at this time. Therefore, to increase speed and make more memory available for running programs, upgrading the RAM is the cheapest and easiest to do.  To determine if you can run Vista on your PC, you can use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.

RAM upgrades can be done by the home user, or at a computer store. I will assume that my reader will be upgrading the RAM themselves.  To go through this process I will need to find the following information.

• ·        Manufacturer and model number of the PC

• ·        Type of motherboard

• ·        Model number of motherboard

• ·        How many RAM slots on the motherboard

• ·        Brand, speed, size and type of RAM installed before upgrade

• ·        Capacity of each RAM slot in Gigabytes (maximum each will hold)

• ·        Whether to use Buffered or Unbuffered RAM

• ·        Motherboard uses ECC or non-ECC RAM

• ·        Maximum speed the motherboard can utilize.(PC2100,PC2700 etc)

• ·        Brand names of RAM that is compatible with motherboard

Now to find the type of RAM that can be installed. First, I need the name of the motherboard. System Information, (msinfo32) should give you this information or in the BIOS (F2 on bootup for mine, not all PC’s use F2) when you turn it on. I find an ASUS motherboard  model number A7V8X-LA.  So off to the ASUS website!  Search using the model number of the motherboard.  Specifically what speed,  type of RAM, number of  slots are installed on the motherboard.

On the ASUSTek website, I find that a maximum of 2 Gigabytes of RAM, from PC2700, PC3200 or PC4000 group, DDR SDRAM that is unbuffered and non-ECC can be installed or the motherboard will not be able to use it.  I  now have 1 slot in use with 512K in it, therefore I could add 256K, 512 K or 1 Gig of RAM to the empty slot, but the motherboard won’t get the use of all features in the new stick. In fact the motherboard may not even recognize it if the new brand is not compatible with the 512k Hyundai original.  All new sticks of RAM now run faster at 333/400MHz than the one you already have that operates at 166MHz, even though both sticks are PC2700.  So question to myself : do I add the compatible stick I found, 512k of PC2700 333MHz DDR unbuffered non-ECC SDRAM costing $80, which is the easiest and cheapest way, but not the best.  Or do I replace the RAM you have and add another stick? Another question follows, do I increase your memory to 2 gigabytes of RAM to get relief from the struggle against bloated software updates? If I go to 2 Gigs of RAM, I would buy 2 sticks that are 1 gigabyte each of PC3200 333MHz DDR, unbuffered, non-ECC RAM.

But wait..I’ve seen something while looking for the RAM… an ad for a new laptop computer for $599! (the lowest price I had seen when I looked before was over $1200).   I decide to take a chance and install 512K at 333 mHz of RAM from a different manufacturer and start checking out available laptops.

The new RAM seems compatible with the original 512K of PC2700 and the computer no longer is struggling after Software Updates.

added note on November 18th : the desktop is functioning well after installing the extra stick of 512 K @ 333mHz RAM from a different manufacturer.  Testing of the two sticks indicates that the original stick of 512K @ 166 mHz is running at a speed of 166/133mHz and the new stick of 512K @ 333mHz is running at 200/166 mHz. It is adequate for my needs and saved me a small amount of money to put into more RAM in my new laptop. 

Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you….Happy Birthday my trusty desktop computer…you are 3 years old, today.   

A Hewlett-Packard a510n, it has been a reliable and predictable, performing remarkably well, with few repairs. Since the life expectancy of a desktop is about 5 years, and this computer has all the features I will need (as long as I stick with XP sp2 Pro) it should last a few more years. 

However, there is noticeable slowing after I update my third-party software, since the release of Vista.  All third-party software is being updated by their developers so it will run with Vista.  The updates for the software that runs with XPsp2 are now bloated, and the software itself is using more memory, so it can co-exist with Vista, despite the fact I am still running XP sp2 Pro. 

So what to do.. buy a new computer? Buy a new desktop computer? Buy the laptop I’ve always wanted? OR Simply upgrade the RAM in my current desktop to give it a few more years of life without struggling along like it is now. Maybe I’ll do both, or all of the above, but realistically I’m far from rich so that is just a dream.

Think simple…Think cheap!
 

Tom Coyote Wilson initially started helping at the original Lavasoft Support forum (owners of Ad-Aware) in the mid to late 90’s. After leaving the Lavasoft Support forum, he moved to SpywareInfo.   His desire to help people with computer problems, as well as adware and spyware infections  continued and his fertile mind needing an outlet; found the answer with the opening of his own site:  Tom Coyote.   The  Tom Coyote Forum  followed, while he remained active as forum Moderator and Administrator at SpywareInfo.  The Tom Coyote Forum had arrived with the help of other talented spyware fighters.

By 2003, the Tom Coyote Forum had found its place in the Security Community. All staff were seeing an increase in spyware infections and with it, the need for more trained people to help clean the victims’ computers.  At that time there was no organized program for groups of ordinary computer users to learn how to help victims of spyware and adware infections. A very limited training program for a small group of interested people had been started in 2002 at SpywareInfo by Spyware Fighter , ‘cnm’, using Private Messages (PMs).   As a school format would be able to train larger numbers of ‘newbie’ computer users, thoughts of setting up a school within a forum were entertained.  With the help of several well known members of the Security community, Tom put the training program for anyone using a computer, into a format that could be used in a forum, and “The Classroom” was born.

As the first online school of its kind, it stood out as a beacon in the war against adware and spyware. (Malware, Root Kits and Identity Theft were only just starting to join the list of threats to the average person’s computer.)  In early 2004, the Tom Coyote Forum became a target for the first DDOS attack on a security forum with a school. Though the DDOS attack was also directed at other Internet Security sites, the attack on the Tom Coyote Forum was so relentless that it literally knocked the forum off the internet, causing the forum and The Classroom to close for over a month.  The scumware writers seemed victorious at first but within a day or two, the good guys were back at SpywareInfo.  As “The Classroom” was forced to close, a new school to train spyware fighters was given the go-ahead at SpywareInfo and the “Boot Camp” was founded under the supervision of cnm. The second school for spyware fighters was now open for business.  To continue their education, most members training in “The Classroom” found their way to the “Boot Camp” and training became more popular than ever before.

The Tom Coyote Forum and Classroom reopened during late March 2004 with some of the original students moving back from Boot Camp to the Classroom. While the Tom Coyote forum had been under the DDOS attack, many of the Classroom students, including myself, had graduated from Boot Camp. They were now trained Spyware Fighters, helping victims of spyware infestation, and were spreading out to other existing Security forums with some starting their own Security forums.

I give the impression that a graduate of one of the many security schools is fully trained. However, they are actually just ready to start learning how to help with the more complicated infections. A graduate is fully trained for easily cleaned infections and have a desire to learn more as they help the public. Graduation really means that a trainee no longer needs supervision and can be relied on to continue learning on their own. Internet Security is constantly changing along with the learning process and self-education is the biggest part of it. The infections change almost daily becoming harder to clean and more of a threat to computer security.

During the DDOS attack, Tom Coyote Wilson as co-founder,  was instrumental in the formation of the Alliance of Security Professionals (ASAP) .  Initially  including a small group of internet Security sites affected by this DDOS, it has grown to represent the best Security sites on the Internet. An excellent source of information on Security Sites that provide reliable help, free of charge to the victims of malware and other scourges of the internet.

By late 2004, the Tom Coyote Forum and the Classroom were well-known, respected members of the Security community, having trained a rapidly growing number of Spyware Fighters.  Training schools similar to the Classroom were becoming very popular, with several new teaching facilities joining the Classroom and Boot Camp as new Security forums. The mission of all schools in the community is to train as many people as possible, to clean up the mess left behind by the increasingly dangerous malware that continues to infect internet surfers’ PC’s.

In late 2004 and early 2005,  Tom Coyote Wilson was suffering from serious health problems followed closely by personal financial loss. To keep the Tom Coyote Forum and The Classroom online and continue the work he had started, while getting some financial relief, his only option was to sell the Tom Coyote Forum while retaining an Administrative role, as part of the arrangement.  

As time has passed since the sale in February 2005,  inevitably there have seen many changes in the Tom Coyote Forums, some visible to the public, some not so visible. ‘The Classroom’ has evolved over the years with the most notable difference being seen in the operating staff.  Though the atmosphere has changed,  the quality of education appears the same.

We now arrive at August 2007 and the biggest change since the sale of the Tom Coyote Forum is now imminent. But where is Tom Coyote Wilson?

In June 2007 Tom Coyote Wilson gathered a group of Spyware Fighters together  and asked them to help build his new forum AntiSlyware.   After 2 months of hard work by Tom and this dedicated group, it opened to the public on August 13, 2007 and will continue to evolve as content is added.  AntiSlyware  is a special computer forum offering Hardware, Networking,  Operating System and Software support as well as  helping victims clean slyware/malware infections off their PC’s. At this writing, there is no school for teaching Spyware Fighters though we do have the trainees from Malware Removal University  helping in our Slyware/Malware HijackThis Log forum.

At this writing “The Classroom” still exists, the Tom Coyote Forum  is in the process of having its name and policies changed.  Whether the Classroom will suffer the same fate, remains to be seen.  Even if  The Classroom is not renamed, the original concept and people behind-the-scenes are gone.  You will find Tom, many of his staff, and his policy of putting the visitor first, alive and well at his new forum,  AntiSlyware.  .  We’ll wait and see the results of these changes, and I’ll let you, the public, be the judge.

Today after many months of preparation, AntiSlyware opened for business!  AntiSlyware joins TomCoyote.org as another forum created by the fertile mind of Tom Wilson. It can be found at http://antislyware.com/aswf/index.php? 

There are many differences between TomCoyote.org and AntiSlyware with the most obvious being the lack of a classroom to teach the general public how to help others with malware infections.  Instead of a classroom Tom offers his users specialized help with Windows, Linux, and Unix led by Wolfgar, Fyredragn and Jam^.   Instead of making malware the focus of the forum, it has been given equal emphasis with Hardware, Networking, and Operating Systems. Malware or Slyware (as Tom calls it) is probably the most prolific thing affecting the average user today.

Among the special things you will find at the new AntiSlyware forum is a security blog by Corrine, a well known Microsoft MVP who is frequently seen at  Landzdown and Freedomlist.  Of the different areas we have available for our users, there is one to help those with Malware (Slyware) infections. In this area we offer well trained staff to give our users the best help available.  A general area for those with questions or issues covering Windows 9x through Vista and a Networking area with one of the most skilled people in the antispyware community leading it - Fyredragn.  We have  an area for those using Linux or Unix as their operating system led by a well known member named Jam^. Another area covers any questions and discussions about hardware. Our  Windows and Hardware forums are led by another skilled member of our community by the name of Wolfgar. 

Wolfgar is well known for his IRC chat server "wolfchat"  that holds all of the AntiSlyware chatrooms.  A java client is available at AntiSlyware for those users who do not have an IRC client such as mIRC.  This will allow those who need immediate help with their computer to access our trained staff after posting in the forum.

We invite everyone to try us out, drop by for a visit, I believe you'll find something you like.  If it is questions about your computer, or to get help with a malware/slyware infection, we welcome all who drop by. Come one ...Come all ...Try Us Out!!

AntiSlyware Forum