This is a little rant I'm afraid. I know it's basically my fault BUT!!!!!

Sometimes when at clients premises, I have to use a series of rescue/installation discs to resolve an issue.

Sometimes, it can take quite a few hours to sort out the multiple problems people allow to accumulate on their computer before seeking professional help. A lot of which is helped along by the 'bar room fixers' who know absolutely sod all in real terms about much at all.

They don't know what the real problem is because they've not seen it and clients rarely know how to describe the problem fully anyway - not that there's anything wrong with that, I don't expect it.

The client then goes and mis-follows the wrong advice they've been given and make an even bigger dogs breakfast of the whole thing and after they've totally screwed their computer, they call me.

Now to the point of my rant.

After I've spent hours sorting out the cock-up, I put my things back in my bag (or so I think) and head off home. Some days, or even weeks, later I open my bag looking for the discs to find that I've accidentally left at my clients.

The annoying thing is the client, who now has a full set of service and recovery discs that I've paid for, and doesn't have a clue in hell how to use them, hasn't had the decency to ring me and let me know I've left them. This has happened every time I've done it.

I now have to go through the time and expense of getting a new set of dics together.

ONE THING YOU GET FROM ME IS HONESTY, IF YOU CAN'T RETURN THE FAVOUR THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE THE SERVICES I OFFER.

​I will work out where I left them and that person will have a heavy bill next time they call me!

It just goes to show, there's a lot of really dishonest immigrants out there.

This latest scare affects all versions if Internet Explorer (IE) from version 6 - 11, that includes the version you're using. Are we surprised, not really!

I've never had much faith in IE once I realised Microsoft leave the settings wide open so it's easy for people to steal your information by default. Unless you know what you're doing, you will always be at risk using IE. I've also known my Internet settings change following Microsoft updates.

These are reasons I will not use IE. These are also the reasons why you shouldn't be using IE. Add to this a report I read a couple of years ago where the guy behind IE openly admitted it was rubbish. He cited Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as being far superior to it.

I would agree on both counts there although I wouldn't recommend Firefox just now because I find it crashes too regularly. Even on PCs that I'm asked to maintain remotely, I can see that Firefox crashes a lot. The only plus side is, it's a lot more secure than IE.

I can't get on with Google Chrome some of you will shout. How do I get Google Chrome some others will shout. What are you talking about some will say.

Some will even say, I use Google all the time then open IE because they don't know what we're talking about. That's perfectly fine because if everybody knew what it's all about, I would be out of a job.

I always use Google Chrome because it's faster.

Anybody wanting to try Google Chrome, please download it from www.ninite.com. Once the download process starts, it will download and install in one go without you having to do anything else.

Yes, it is different, that's because it isn't IE. No, it doesn't have all the cumbersome toolbars that get added to IE, because toolbars break things - keep away from them. Most of you don't know how to use them but insist on keeping them - WHY?. No, don't sign in to google unless you already have a gmail account, click the skip now link.

Most people won't use it because they think it's black magic or, because we always use IE, or in reality, they don't want to learn something new because they're scared of change.

A lot of people will simply accept that Windows has IE built in so that must be what you have to use. I only use Windows because I have to, so I can keep up to speed with how bad it is.

I'd much rather be using Linux Ubuntu. None of my clients that have tried Ubuntu has ever needed to come back with problems. I do, however, have to still visit these people to sort out their Windows machines. Says it all really.

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How the mighty fall.

Bitcoins, the on-line currency that was recently worth over $500 per coin has suddenly disappeared - along with all its' investors money. Oooppppssssss.

They've deleted all their Tweets from Twitter and their CEO resigned on Sunday.

It would appear that Bitcoins has 'lost' 744.408 of its' users bitcoins worth almost $360 million. Seems they didn't foresee the way their system could be used for fraud and put a halt on all withdrawals earlier this month but by the time they'd stopped all trading on Monday, the bitcoin value had plummeted to just $130 - ouch.


Full story here.


There are other implications to this as anybody who now gets infected with the Cryptolocker virus might have a problem getting their files back as the villains behind it were using the anonymity bitcoins offered to ply their trade.

So what happens now is anybodies guess as I'm not aware of any other on-line payment system they can hide behind for more than a couple of days without being found out. Long term, that's a good thing but for the short term, many people will be up the creek without a paddle. Don't let it be you.


Don't have nightmares - back-up your data - stay safe.

A group called Malware Must Die have just reported they have successfully identified and suspended 138 Cryptolocker Command and Control (C&C) servers.  This is wonderful news but is surely just a drop in the ocean but there could be other ramifications with this for those people already infected with Cryptolocker.

The way Cryptolocker works is by encrypting your files using a public and private key. The public key is on your computer and the private key is held elsewhere. In this case on a C&C server. Once this process is complete, it then tells you you're infected and currently, the ONLY way you can get your files back is by paying the 'ransom' displayed on your screen before the countdown timer gets to zero. This 'ransom' could be anything upwards of $300.

But what if your private key is on one of the C&C servers suspended by Malware Must Die? Quite simply, I believe your files are toast because your computer cannot communicate with the C&C server to retrieve the private key and decrypt your files.

Don't think this will never happen to you. It has hit BIG companies and private individuals alike, all who believed they were immune to such attacks, or didn't think they had anything worth bothering about. How wrong they ALL were.

Now if you haven't done so already, get your files backed up off your computer. If you back up to a USB drive, make sure it's totally disconnected from the computer between backups and don't try backing up if you find yourself infected with Cryptolocker unless you want to lose the lot.

How do you back up?

You could use the Windows Backup and Restore option if you wish, or just follow the instructions below.

First, make sure all your files are where they should be - somewhere in your 'My Documents' folder (Win XP) of somewhere in your 'Libraries' folder (Vista/7/8) and not on your desktop like I see all too often.

Then all you need to do is copy the 'My Documents/Libraries' folder to the external drive.

Keep safe!

If you ever needed a reason to move away from a Windows OS, this is it.

The Cryptolocker Virus is gaining victims by the hour and there is very little you can do about it.

When you know you have this particular virus, the damage has already been done. The way it works is by getting into your system via email, social media sites (facebook), pirate downloads or other infected website that you happen to drop on. It then starts encrypting EVERY data file on your Windows PC using industry standard technology as used by places such as The Pentagon and other high profile organisations.

There are currently only 2 ways to get your data back, pay the €300 ransom or totally format your hard drive, reinstall from your recovery discs (you know, the ones I'm always telling you to do) and restore your data from that backup you've done (what do you mean, what backup).

I think that means you have a couple of jobs to do sooner, rather than later! That's backup your data - all those photos and important documents - and create your recovery discs so your PC can be reset to the day you bought it. Generally speaking, if you have Windows XP, you should have an installation disc somewhere, if not, get one form your PC manufacturer or we can source one for you. Most Windows 7 systems have an option to create recovery media as do Windows 8. Do it!

You cannot be complacent, this threat can and will destroy your data and/or the entire contents of your hard drives if you don't pay the ransom.

I am receiving regular updates of individuals and corporations alike, all succumbing to this threat at an alarming rate and most are paying the ransom to get their data back because they didn't look after it in the first place. Don't let this happen to you.

The easiest way to backup your photos and documents is to copy your 'my documents' folder (or libraries folder - win7/8) onto a usb memory stick. If you don't have all the photos and documents on your PC in the 'my documents/libraries' folder, then put them there now and stop being sloppy. That's where they belong if they're on your PC.

Please be assured that if you get this and you don't have your data backed up, there is only one way you MIGHT get it back, and that's paying the €300 to the crooks within 3 days or it's gone. If they 'give' you your data back, it can take days before all your files are returned and you need to keep you PC turned on and connected to the internet until the job is finished or you lose what hasn't been undone.

This can be a problem for those on wireless services such as Ole, Telecable, TeleEast and the like because they always have momentary dips in service when it's not available and this can be enough to disconnect from the remote PC doing the decryption.

7 Inch Android Tablet PC with GPS Navigator, DVB-T + ISDB-T TV, 1.2GHz CPU and Car Mounting Kit. Combining Android, GPS and TV, all into one system!

This unit brings a GPS, Android and DVB-T + ISDB-T TV together into one small and portable 7 inch device. Use it on the go to browse the internet, watch movies or listen to music and when traveling, simply turn on the GPS function and let it navigate you to your destination. But what makes this Tablet PC truly special is its capability to receive DVB-T and ISDB-T (SBTVD) digital television. Tune in to your favorite TV station anywhere, anytime using just the tablet.

The conveniently sized 7 inch screen offers an 800x480 resolution and performs excellent for both multimedia use and portable GPS use. Coming with a custom car mounting kit, you’ll be able to securely attach it to your windshield or dashboard in a matter of seconds and when leaving the car, just slide the tablet out of the holder to take it with you. Equipped with 8GB of internal memory, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your media and it can even be upgraded with an external Micro SD card up to 32GB . Last but not least, featuring an HDMI port, you can connect to any HD TV through a HDMI cable and display its content on a larger screen for your viewing comfort.

At a Glance...

• 7 Inch Android Tablet
• GPS Function
• DVB-T + ISDB-T TV
• HDMI Port

Manufacturer Specifications
General

• OS Version: Android 4.0
• CPU: TCC 8925 Cortex A5
• Processor Speed: 1.2GHz
• RAM: 1GB
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
• 3G: External USB Dongle (Not Included)
• Google Play
• Adobe Flash
• 2 Megapixel Rear Camera + 0.3 Megapixel Front-Facing Camera
• Mic and Speaker
• Battery Size: 3000mAh
• Usage Time: 3 Hours
• Battery Standby: 10 Hours

Display

• Display Size: 7 Inch
• Display Resolution: 800x480
• 5 Point Capacitive Multi Touch Display

Memory

• Internal: 8GB
• Micro SD Card up to 32GB

GPS

• Receiver Module: MT3329
• Signal Channels: 24
• Frequency: 1.575GHz
• Tracking Sensitivity: -161dBm
• Position Sensitivity: 10m
• Data Update Rate: 1Hz
• Recapture Time: 0.1s
• Cold Status: 42s
• Warm Status: 35s
• Hot Status: 5s
• Maximum Position Altitude: 18000M
• Maximum Speed Rate: 515m/s
• Speed Rate: 0.1m/s

Media Formats:

• Video: AVI, H.264, DIVX, XVID, RM, RMVB, MKV, WMV, MOV, MP4, FLV
• Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, EAAC+, AMR, WB-AMR, MIDI, OGG, Vorbis
• Picture: JPG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG
• eBook: TXT
• ISDB-T: UHF (470-862MHZ), VHF
• DVB-T: UHF (470-862MHZ), VHF High Resolution

Ports

• HDMI Port
• Micro SD Card Slot
• 3.5 mm Audio Out Port
• Micro USB Port
• DC IN

Dimensions

• Main product dimensions: 185x125x10mm (L x W x D)
• Main product weight: 310g

Product Notes

• The Android OS version on this device cannot be upgraded or flashed and any attempts to modify the default OS will void the warranty. We provide no software support, advice, or training regarding the Android operating system and software.

Package Contents

• GPS Tablet
• USB Cable (Product Specific)
• Car Charger (Product Specific)
• Power Adaptor (Product Specific)
• Mounting Bracket (Product Specific)
• Tablet Mount (Product Specific)
• User Manual (Product Specific)

I bet you didn't know that, did you! I wonder how many of you out there have been doing your on-line banking using some Android App, or other in blissful ignorance.

Me? Never! Android is the most targeted mobile operating system on the market - just like Windows is the most targeted operating system on PCs.

Ahhh, you reply, I've got my anti-virus program in place to protect me!

That is good, says I but the way this works by-passes your anti-virus programs protection system.

The best of it is, this vulnerability was discovered some 4 years ago in Android 1.6 (Donut) and has been carried over into every version since.

Basically, the flaw exposed in the Application Packages (APK) allows a hacker to add malicious code into an already signed App without changing the Apps signature so the App still reads as genuine and safe.

It is effectively like giving the hackers the keys to your device. They can steal all your data, accounts, passwords and run any App on your phone without your knowledge.

Google were notified of this vulnerability in February (which begs the question why were they kept in the dark for so long) and have reworked the Google Play store so it rejects any Apps that are vulnerable to the flaw. Any infected Apps already on your phone will no longer get updates from Google Play Store.

What this means for you is that any App you downloaded before this month COULD (not IS) be infected. The only ways to ensure your phone has no infected Apps is to download and install your Android operating system from the Android archives (only for experienced users) or uninstall all your Apps and reset your phone to factory defaults (assuming this hasn't been infected).

How do I keep myself from being infected?

Keep away from those 3rd party app providers - only download from a trusted source - make sure you've got that in your settings be careful of emails and don't plug in any USB device from your friends (this also means don't plug your USB device into a friends phone). Basically the same advice you give to anyone with a computer.

Don't have nightmares folks!

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I'm getting more and more clients calling me because their Yahoo email is being compromised.

You need to ask yourselves why. Your account becomes compromised because you have used a password that's totally insecure.

What do I mean by that?     You are using a name or a word that is in the dictionary! Makes things dead easy to crack.

What should you do?        Get your password changed NOW, before it gets hacked. Your password should appear to be a random set of numbers AND letters (both upper and lower case). Don't just use a word and replace letters with numbers (people often use the number 4 to represent the letter A) because that's as bad.

The people trying to get into your account have already got your email address from someone else who has had their account hacked so they're now after yours. If you know anyone who's had their account hacked then you need to change your password now.

It would seem that they've had all the rich pickings from hotmail and are now starting to target Yahoo more and more.

Basically, once they've got your email address, they have a computer constantly filling in different passwords in the hope they'll get yours. The first things they try are words from the dictionaries (all languages), names, mis-spellings, letter replacements and so on. This is why it should appear to be a random set of numbers and letters.

Please don't try the argument that you can't remember something like that because you don't have to remember it. Another massive don't is let you browser remember it for you. When you enter passwords, you get a prompt asking to remember your password - don't do it because they can easily get them from there.

Your password should look something like this - F5to0%2fmYgZW - the longer the better. I would recommend at least 12 characters.

Another nono with your passwords is use the same one for everything you log in to on the internet because as soon as they've got it, they're into everything you have. Use a different password for each website - email, facebook, twitter .......

Whilst it appears handy to link all your social networking together so you only make one post and it propagates across all your accounts, do you really want someone to have access to everything you own without your permission and make posts on your behalf!

Get a book to record your passwords and keep it at the side of your computer. Don't be tempted to create a document on the pc and keep them there. That's as bad as asking your browser to save them.

Not only will they start spamming from your account, they will delete all your contacts once they have taken them. They will change the settings in your email account and forward all emails to their account, so get into your email account now and familiarise yourself with all the settings, where you can change your password, where the mail forwarding and all the other controls are. That way you can keep ahead of the cyber criminals.

Just because your account hasn't been hacked yet, it's just a matter of time for 80% of you so act now and protect yourself!