LetterPop will allows you to create and send newsletters online. Also you can print the newsletter that you've created. LetterPop owns a real powerful builder that help you do it quickly, easily, and with style. More >>>
Though it is very much possible to get rid of those annoying watermarks in PDF documents, the quality of the final output would largely depend on what software you have to process PDF files.
Is there a way to delete the watermarks that appear in some of the Adobe PDF files.Though it is very much possible to get rid of those annoying watermarks in PDF documents, the quality of the final output would largely depend on what software you have to process PDF files.
Option C [The real hack] - We'll reverse engineer the document in this approach - Use Zamzar to convert the PDF document to a Microsoft Word file. Now either open this Word document in a locally installed copy of Microsoft Word or export it to Google Docs / Zoho Writer.1080p and 1080i ...
While high definition has become a reality for many consumers, the technical jargon associated with this exiting new technology is causing much confusion. Just as we were beginning to understand the differences between Blu-ray and HD DVD along comes a new high-definition format, 1080p. Full Story >>>
Phormer, unlike most of the other gallery mangers tools that require MySQL or any other high-level Databases, uses its own XML database.
Phormer is a PHP-Based PhotoGallery Manager application, that helps you to store, categorize and trim your photos on the web with various helpful features!
StartupSound.prefPane is the software which controls the volume of the startup sound of your Macintosh computer. StartupSound.prefPane mutes the startup sound without changing the output volume setting. And StartupSound.prefPane limits the startup volume so that it may not become loud even if you make the output volume louder.
To set up the startup volume, you select the “Startup Sound” pane added to the “System Preferences.”
Download StartupSound.prefPane 1.0 (PPC) or StartupSound.prefPane 1.1 beta (Intel) from Arcana Research website
Yesterday they announced that the monthly coupon for a free rental can be used for movies OR video games. Also, Blockbuster Movies received by mail can be returned directly at any Blockbuster store, you get a free rental on the spot, and Blockbuster still sends out the next movie in your queue Full Story >>>
Is that old hard drive really clean? Use Swipe or an equivalent type of program to make sure.
How Deleting Really Works
All files are indexed by an important system called the File Allocation Table (FAT). When you delete a file, Windows simply removes the file's reference from the FAT, allowing other programs to use the space. But the file's data still remains on your hard drive, perfectly readable to snoops, forensics and other pests.
Using common tools available on the Internet, even a novice user can easily recover confidential data from your hard drive. Selling Your Computer?
When you sell, give away or dispose of your computer, have you thought about what is on your hard drive?
Confidential documents, memos, customer lists, financial data and personal information can be recovered at the touch of a button. Even formatting a drive does not destroy information on your drive. And with damages from data theft reaching a staggering $59 billion per year, can you afford to let your data fall into the wrong hands?
Swipe Features:
#1
Extremely Secure Deletion Swipe uses 5 secure deletion methods. Two of the methods used by Swipe are based on standards set by the US Defence Department and the Australian Defence Department.
#2
Fast, Small & Attractive When designing this product, they focused on creating a powerful, fast and easy to use application, appealing to both home users and tech savvy enterprise administrators.
#3
Drive Cleaning Feature In addition to targeted secure file deletion, Swipe also includes a drive cleaning feature. This feature allows you to securely remove any files that have been previously deleted by less secure programs.
We'd strongly recommend 'SpyBot' 'SpySweeper' and 'AdAware', which as of this writing, are free as well, although 'AdAware' and 'SpySweeper' also have 'upgraded' paid versions.
Highly recommended SpyBot, as it is absolutely free and does the job .
All are very good programs for eliminating what is known as 'spyware', and should be used together.
Spyware is generally used to gather surfing habits and in some cases even used to extract your e-mail address(es). It is also used used to send marketing information directly to spammers, from which these spammers spam you.
I.E., if you visit a website for a particular item, and have spyware installed, you may all of the sudden notice an increase in spam that you receive for that type of good.
It makes good sense to keep these type of programs up to date with the latest definitions.
Use Mailwasher to stop unwanted spam email
1. Right click on the Explorer icon
2. View the properties
3. Click on the Shortcut tab
4. Where it says Taget type the following examples to see how it works
5. Copy and paste the following examples into the "Start" "Run"
6. Click OK to save the setting when you are satisfied with your choice of directory.
%SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /n, /e, "C:"
%SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /n, /e, "C:\windows"
%SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /n, /e, "C:\program files
Use the following tips to find information using the Google search engine. http://www.google.com
Method 1
Put this string in google search:
"parent directory " /appz/ -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
"parent directory " DVDRip -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
"parent directory "Xvid -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
"parent directory " Gamez -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
"parent directory " MP3 -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
"parent directory " Name of Singer or album -xxx -html -htm -php -shtml -opendivx -md5 -md5sums
Notice that i am only changing the word after the parent directory,
change it to what you want and you will get a lot of stuff. Voila!
Method 2
Put this string in google search:
?intitle:index.of? mp3 You only need add the name of the song/artist/singer.
Example: ?intitle:index.of? mp3 jackson
Get Rid of the Logon Screen: Intended For Windows XP Windows 2000 Windows Me Windows 98 Windows 95
Whether or not you're on a local area network, odds are you don't really need the little logon (login) screen asking for your username and password that comes up when starting Windows.
To remove this prompt, follow the following directions:
Windows XP - solution 1: Select Run from the Start Menu, type control userpasswords2, and click Ok. Turn off the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer option, and click Ok. Windows XP - solution 2: If you have one user account and no password configured, Windows XP will log you in automatically. Otherwise, you'll have to do the following: Obtain and install the Windows XP version of TweakUI. Open TweakUI (it's in Start -> Programs -> Powertoys for Windows XP). Expand the Logon branch, and click Autologon. Turn on the Log on automatically at system startup option, type your username and password, and click Ok.
Windows 2000 - solution 1: Double-click the Users icon in Control Panel, and choose the Users tab. Turn off the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer option, and click Ok. Windows 2000 - solution 2: Double-click the System icon in Control Panel, and choose the Network Identification tab. Click Network ID and follow the instructions on screen.
Windows 95/98/Me (If you don't have multiple users configured): Open Control Panel, and double-click on the Network icon. From the list entitled Primary Network Logon:, choose Windows Logon, and press OK. Note: If this doesn't work, make sure you didn't initially configure a password for yourself. If you did, Windows 98 will always require it. Double-click on the Passwords icon in Control Panel to choose nothing (leave it blank) for your password.
Windows 95/98/Me (If you do have multiple users configured): Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE). Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Network\ Logon. Double-click on the Process Logon Script value, and change the data from 00 00 00 00 to 00 00 00 01 Windows 95/98/Me
If nothing else works: Install Tweak UI, and double-click the Tweak UI icon in Control Panel. Choose the Network tab, and check the Log on automatically at system startup option. Type your username (shown after Log Off in your Start Menu) and your password (leave it blank if you don't have one), and click Ok when you're done.
Not promising this won't have unwanted side effects...it might be better to just designate your install locations manually.
But here goes...
Go to Start
Go to Run
Type: regedit
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
On the right side, find the string called ProgramFilesDir and modify it to the desired path.
Windows XP comes with Terminal Services, IIS, and RAS that can open holes into your operating system. It's often convenient to enable Terminal Services to allow remote control functions for the help desk or administering servers, but you have to make sure it's configured correctly. There are also several malicious programs that can run quietly as services without anyone knowing. Be aware of all the services that all run on your servers and audit them periodically.
Below is a list of the common services found on Windows XP, though don't be surprised if the vast majority are not present on your system. This is an almost complete list from Microsoft. Please read this and keep the running services to only those that you need. A useful tip is that instead of disabling something you are unsure of, set it to manual. When you restart your machine if that service has started then it is probably required by one of your components or software products. If it is still OFF then consider disabling it for greater protection.
Here are a list of the services that you "may" see when in the Windows XP services control panel, along with our recommendation for use in a home environment - please note, that we do specify a HOME environment. These settings may not be appropriate for work-based workstations, though in all likelihood the majority of the recommendations apply there too.
Alerter - notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If this service is turned off, applications that use the NetAlertRaise or NetAlertRaiseEx APIs will be unable to notify a user or computer (by a Message Box from the Messenger service) that the administrative alert took place.
Recommendation: Disabled.
Application Layer Gateway Service - Provides support for 3rd party plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing/Internet Connection Firewall. Required if using Internet Connection Sharing/Internet Connection Firewall to connect to the internet.
Recommendation: Automatic if using ICS, Disabled if not.
Application Management - Used for Assign, Publish and Remove software services. If you can not modify your software installation of certain applications, put this service in to Automatic or Manual.
Recommendation: Disabled
Automatic Updates - Used to check up to see if there is any critical or otherwise updates available for download. It is very important that if you decide to disable this service, you check the Windows Update site often to ensure the latest patches are installed. Manual (and Automatic) update via Windows Update web site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running.
Recommends: Automatic if you do not wish to use Windows Update manually.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Used to transfer asynchronous data via http1.1 servers. According to Microsoft's site, Windows Update uses this "feature." It "continues" a download if you log off or shutdown the system (that is, when you log back in.) Manual update via Windows Update web site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running.
Recommendation: Disabled
ClipBook - enables the Clipbook Viewer to create and share "pages" of data to be viewed by remote computers.
Recommendation: Disabled
COM+ Event System - provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing (Component Object Model) COM components.
Recommendation: Disabled
COM+ System Application - as above
Recommendation: Disabled
Computer Browser - maintains an up-to-date list of computers on your network, and supplies the list to programs that request it. The Computer Browser service is used by Windows-based computers that need to view network domains and resources. Not required unless you attach to a network of Windows computers.
Recommendation: Disabled
Cryptographic Services - Confirms signatures of Windows files. You may always get a dialog box complaining about uncertified drivers if this is disabled. Required for Windows Update to function in manual and automatic mode. Windows Media Player may also require this service to function.
Recommendation: Automatic
DHCP Client - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Client manages network configuration by registering and updating IP addresses and Domain Name Server (DNS) names. If you are only dialling up to ISP via modem, cable, etc. If you have a network card in your PC and attach out via a router or sharing device then this may be required. Set to manual if unsure then check on reboot if it has started. If not then disable.
Recommendation : Automatic if required. Disabled if not.
Distributed Link Tracking Client - maintains links between the NTFS file system files within a computer or across computers in a network domain.
Recommendation: Disabled
Distributed Transaction Coordinator - coordinates transactions that are distributed across multiple computer systems and/or resource managers, such as databases, message queues, file systems, or other transaction-protected resource managers.
Recommendation: Disabled
DNS Client - resolves and caches (Domain Name Server) DNS names. The DNS client service must be running on every computer that will perform DNS name resolution.
Recommendation: Disabled
Error Reporting Service - Calls home to Microsoft when errors occur. Spyware?
Recommendation: Disabled
Event Log -logs event messages issued by programs and Windows. Event Log reports contain information that can be useful in diagnosing problems.
Recommends: Automatic
Fax Service - enables you to send and receive faxes. Disabling this service will render the computer unable to send or receive faxes. Not used by most people.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Telephony - provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP-based voice connections on the local computer and through the LAN on servers that are also running the service. If you never use a dial-up modem on a PC but connect via a router then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic (if using Dial-Up Networking/Faxing/ or PC Phone Services) Disabled otherwise
FTP Publishing Service -Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro,provides (file transfer protocol) FTP connectivity and administration through the Internet Information Service (IIS) snap-in. Big security risk!
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Help and Support - Required for Microsofts online help documents.
Recommendation: Disabled.
Human Interface Device Access - If all your devices function then disable it. Seems new with no devices for it as yet.
Recommendation: Disabled.
IIS Admin - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Proallows administration of Internet Information Services (IIS). If this service is not running, you will not be able to run Web, FTP, NNTP, or SMTP sites, or configure IIS. See also World Wide Web Publishing Service. Not usually required unless you are running a local web server. If you are then make sure that if no external access is required that you firewall protect port 80 to only local traffic! Do not even consider running a public web server unless you are 100% sure of the implications - use an ISP server.
Recommendations: Leave not installed or Disabled unless you understand the implications.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - Used for the "drag and drop" CD burn capability. You will need this service to burn CD's.If you still can not burn a CD with it on Manual, switch to Automatic and feel safe that it will only be used when "needed."
Recommendation : Disabled if you do not burn CD's otherwise set to Manual or Automatic.
Indexing Service - indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers and provides rapid access to files through a flexible querying language.
Recommendation: Disabled
Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing - provides network address translation (NAT), addressing and name resolution services for all computers on your home or small-office network through a dial-up or broadband connection. Not required unless you are sharing a dial-up connection with other PC's on your network - not recommended! Far better to use a router or gateway firewall software for this purpose. Consider using a higher specification firewall like Kerio Winroute if sharing your connection.
Recommendation: Automatic if sharing connection, Disabled if not required.
IPSEC Services - manages IP security (IPsec) policy, starts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and coordinates IPsec policy settings with the IP security driver. Only leave on if you are using IPSec. Opens Port 500.
Recommendation: Disabled
Logical Disk Manager - watches Plug and Play events for new drives to be detected and passes volume and/or disk information to the Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service to be configured. If disabled, the Disk Management snap-in display will not change when disks are added or removed. Turn it on only if you add additional disks and then disable again.
Recommendation: Disabled
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service - as above
Recommendation: Disabled
Message Queuing - A messaging infrastructure and development tool for creating distributed messaging applications for Windows. Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Most home users will never need this service.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Message Queuing Triggers - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Required only if you use Message Queuing service.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Messenger - sends and receives messages to or from users and computers, or those transmitted by administrators or by the Alerter service. Nothing to do with MSN Messenger
Recommendation: Disabled
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - Used in conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy Service. Microsoft Backup uses these services so you will need it if you use that. You will receive Event Log entry complaining about not having this service running if Disabled.
Recommendation: Disabled
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing - allows authorized users to remotely access your Windows desktop from another PC over a corporate intranet by using Microsoft NetMeeting®. Very dangerous - allows remote access to your PC. Only use if absolutely essential and if running effective firewall.
Recommendation: Disabled
Network Connections -manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both network and remote connections.
Recommendation: Automatic.
Network DDE - Useless service unless you use remote ClipBook.
Recommendation: Disabled
Network DDE DSDM - as above
Recommendation: Disabled
Network Location Awareness (NLA) - Required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing Service (server only.)
Recommendation: Disabled unless running ICS/ICF, not required for using an ICS sharer.
NT LM Security Support Provider - enables users to log on to the network using the NTLM authentication protocol. If this service is stopped, users will be unable to log on to the domain and access services. NTLM is used mostly by Windows versions prior to Windows 2000.
Recommendation: Disabled
Performance Logs and Alerts - configures performance logs and alerts.
Recommendation: Disabled
Plug and Play - enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input.
Recommendation: Automatic
Portable Media Serial Number - Retrieves serial numbers from portable music players connected to your computer.
Recommendation: Disabled
Print Spooler - queues and manages print jobs locally and remotely. If you don't have a printer attached then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic if needed, Disabled otherwise.
Protected Storage - provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services processes or users.
Recommendation: Disabled
QoS RSVP - provides network signalling and local, traffic-control, set-up functionality for (Quality of Service) QoS-aware programs and control applets.
Recommendation: Disabled
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address. Disabling the service has no effect on the rest of the operating system. You will have to set up connections to remote computers manually. Whilst this process is convenient, unauthorised applications (such as Trojans) could bring up your network connection without your explicit request. Far better to manually dial.
Recommendation: Disabled.
Remote Access Connection Manager - creates a network connection.
Recommendation: Automatic if using Dial-Up Networking, Disabled otherwise.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. Could create a MAJOR security hole so disable it unless absolutely necessaty.
Recommendation: Disabled
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services. Absolutely essential.
Recommendation: Automatic.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Manages the RPC name service database. Useless service
Recommendation: Disabled
Remote Registry Service - Not available on Windows XP Home. allows remote registry manipulation. This service lets users connect to a remote registry and read and/or write keys to it-providing they have the required permissions. Hacker could use this to attack other PC's.
Recommendation: Disabled
Removable Storage - manages removable media drives and libraries. This service maintains a catalogue of identifying information for removable media used by a system, including tapes, CDs, and so on.
Recommendation: Disabled
RIP Listener - Not installed by default.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Routing and Remote Access - offers routing services in local area and wide area network environments. Shouldn't be required on a home PC.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Secondary Logon - allows you to run specific tools and programs with different permissions than your current logon provides.
Recommendation: Disabled
Security Accounts Manager -start-up of this service signals other services that the Security Accounts Manager subsystem is ready to accept requests.
Recommendation: Disabled unless needed.
Server - provides RPC support and file print and named pipe sharing over the network. The Server service allows the sharing of your local resources (such as disks and printers) so that other users on the network can access them. You should carefully consider the full implications of enabling this!
Recommendation: Disabled unless absolutely needed. Better still REMOVED.
Shell Hardware Detection - Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, some CD drives, etc. Set to Automatic if you are experiencing problems with laptop docking stations.
Recommendation: Disabled unless required.
Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) - Not available on Windows XP Home. Not installed by default on Windows XP Pro. Transports e-mail across the network.
If you are using the built-in mail server for receiving mail then leave on automatic. If not, as would be usual in a home environment, then disable.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Simple TCP/IP Services - Not installed by default, implements support for a number of IP protocols.
Recommendation : Leave not installed or Disabled
Smart Card - manages and controls access to a smart card inserted into a smart card reader attached to the computer. If not using a smart card reader then disable.
Recommendation: Disabled
Smart Card Helper - provides support for earlier smart card readers attached to the computer. As above.
Recommendation: Disabled
SNMP Service - allows incoming (Simple Network Management Protocol) SNMP requests to be serviced by the local computer.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
SNMP Trap Service - receives trap messages generated by local or remote SNMP agents and forwards the messages to SNMP management programs running on the computer.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
SSDP Discovery Service - Used to locate UPnP devices on your home network. Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons Disable this service. Please read the section in the guide on UPnP. Please note that even the FBI recommends disabling and preferably deinstalling this!!
Recommendation: Disabled for security reasons, better still removed totally as per the Steve Gibson instructions in the UPnP section.
System Event Notification - tracks system events such as Windows logon network and power events. Notifies COM+ Event System subscribers of these events. SENS is an AutoStarted service that depends on COM+ EventSystem service.
Recommendation: Disabled
System Restore Service - Creates system snap shots or restore points for returning to at a later time. Big resource overhead! Forget about it!
Recommendation: Disabled
Task Scheduler - enables a program to run at a designated time. Can be very dangerous. If you must run scheduled tasks then consider disabling all users other than administrator from running tasks. Can create major security problems and allow a hacker to comprimise your system by scheduling trojans to run.
Recommends: Disabled unless absolutely required
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service - enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution. Only required if you need to share files with others.
Recommendation: Disabled
TCP/IP Printer Server - Not installed by default, but if needed, you may install it later off of the WinXP CD. Used for setting up a local UNIX print server. If you do not need this function, leave it uninstalled.
Recommendation: Leave not installed or Disabled
Telephony - provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP-based voice connections on the local computer and through the LAN on servers that are also running the service. If you never use a dial-up modem on a PC but connect via a router then disable.
Recommendation: Automatic (if using Dial-Up Networking/Faxing/ or PC Phone Services) Disabled otherwise
Telnet - Not available on Windows XP Home and for good reason!! allows a remote user to log on to the system and run console programs by using the command line. Very dangerous. .
Recommendation: Disabled, preferably deinstall
Terminal Services - provides a multisession environment that allows client devices to access a virtual Windows 2000 Professional desktop session and Windows-based programs running on the server. Big security risk!
Recommendation: Disabled, preferably deinstall
Themes - Used to display all those new XP themes and colors on your desktop. Lots of space needed.
Recommendation: Disabled
Uninterruptible Power Supply - manages communications with a UPS connected to the computer by a serial port.
Recommendation: Disabled
Universal Plug and Play Device Host - Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network. For security reasons Disable this service immediately.Please read the section in the guide on UPnP. Please note that even the FBI recommends disabling and preferably deinstalling this!!
Recommendation: Disabled for security reasons, better still removed totally as per the Steve Gibson instructions in the UPnP section.
Upload Manager - As with BITS, this service manages file transfers between clients and servers on the network. This service is NOT required for basic File and Print sharing.
Recommendation: Disabled
Volume Shadow Copy - Used in conjunction with the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Service. Microsoft Backup uses these services.
Recommendation: Disabled
WebClient - Disable this for security reasons.
Recommendation: Disabled
Windows Audio - This service is Required if you wish to hear any audio at all. If your computer does not have a sound card, Disable this service.
Recommendation: Automatic unless you do not have a sound card, then set it to Disabled.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Used for some scanners and cameras. If, after Disabling this service, your scanner or camera fails to function properly, enable this service.
Recommendation: Disabled
Windows Installer - installs, repairs, or removes software according to instructions contained in .MSI files provided with the applications
Recommendation: Manual
Windows Management Instrumentation - provides system management information. WMI is an infrastructure for building management applications and instrumentation shipped as an integral part of the current generation of Microsoft operating systems.
Recommendation: Automatic
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension - Not available on Windows XP Home. Tracks of all of the drivers that have registered WMI information to publish.
Recommendation: Manual
Windows Time - sets the computer clock. W32Time maintains date and time synchronization on all computers running on a Microsoft Windows network. NTP can be dangerous. Not worth the risk.
Recommendation: Disabled
Wireless Zero Configuration - Automatic configuration for wireless network devices. If you do not have any wireless network devices in use, Disable this service.
Recommendation: Disabled
WMI Performance Adapter - ??
Recommendation: Disabled
Workstation - provides network connections and communications. If this service is turned off, no network connections can be made to remote computers using Microsoft Networks. Use if you require drive-mapping connections to other Windows PC's.
Recommendation : Disabled, Automatic if required
World Wide Web Publishing Service - Not available on Windows XP Home. Provides HTTP services for applications on the Windows platform. Required if you are running a web server, but consider firewalling such a local web server so it is not visible to the world. Use an ISP web server for greatest security. Most commeon entry point for hackers!
Recommendation : Leave not installed or Disabled
As you can see from the above, not very much is actually needed to keep your Windows XP installation functioning in a home environment. All the enabled services just pose an enormous security risk, bring little or no benefit, consume resources and can be safely turned off.
Is my computer infected?
There's a 98.7 % your computers infected with Spyware or Adware, if you are surfing the internet. Adware/Spyware comes bundled with many types of freeware products (greeting cards, Consumer Identity at Risk screensavers, etc) and collect vast amounts of information about you.
Here are the warning signs.
Have you noticed any of the following on your PC?
Excessive Popup's
Slow PC Performance
Hard drive is constantly scanning
Browser Home Page has changed
Why is this a problem, Who is behind this?
Thankfully Spam email is finally being addressed and eliminated. However, businesses that depend on email communication to sell products and services are now losing profits.
Their solution? Offer the consumer Free downloads, laced with Spyware and Adware to generate (annoying) popup's and capture information about "your" online habits.
Advertising companies are creating these programs and charging companies $10,000 just to start sending you their advertising (annoying popup's) via Adware or Spyware! It will not go away.
By the way guess who the #1 purchaser of popup advertising is? Pornographers!
The other danger is quickly surfacing. Criminals and Hackers are now using this same "business model" to steal credit card data and other personal information right off your PC.
Perhaps you innocently send an online greeting card to a loved one. You may be sending them a program laced with Adware or Spyware. Spyware can and will record everything you type on your PC.
Before you start doubting if this is a real problem, download a scanner and see for yourself.
Firstly, lets see if your PC is infected with Spyware/Adware
9 out 10 computers are infected by pests like Spyware, Adware, malicious Trojans and hacker tools making it the most prevalent privacy and security risk in the marketplace. Meaning that your chances of not getting infected by these pests are very low. First things first... click here to download TheSpywareKiller and find out if you are infected. Okay,
So what if I am infected?
Spyware have the potential to extract passwords, credit card numbers and other personal details They can monitor each and every thing you do online from the key strokes you make, the sites you visits, the purchases you make online, and even log your bank account login details with ease. And then the hacker does his job.
As of Adware... they do a pretty simple job.
They keep popping up ads on your screen without your permission. Since these irritating programs are a little intelligent they will pop up ads that are related to the content sites you are visiting. Now there is a chance that you may love this. But they are still programs and are not 100% perfect. So you will be shown a few adult only ads as they are very profitable to the Adware owners. You surely don't want your kids to see those "Adults Only" ads that could be popped up anytime on your PC without your permission.... do you?
But I have an anti-virus and firewall.
Your anti-virus software cannot detect them and they very easily get past your firewall and infect your PC because they came into your PC as a genuine download. Wondering How? Okay, how many times did you download music or share files with your friends? Now this was a voluntary act. Isn't it. And if your friends computer is infected there is a 99.99% chance that your PC is now infected with spyware as you got those files from him. That is exactly how these things work. These programs hide behind genuine looking files and stab you from behind.
This is a great step to increase your download speed by up to 20% with one simple setting:
Did you know Microsoft reserves 20% of your maximum bandwidth for their own use? Such as Windows Update and of course interrogating your PC. Well as you can imagine this takes a huge chunk of bandwidth that you could be using to download other things. Note: The Microsoft Operating Systems that I know this works on are as follows; Windows XP Professional SP2, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Media Center Edition, and Windows Server 2003.
Well now you know Microsoft limits your bandwidth, what are you going to do about it? Well I hope that you’ll read the following text:
Click Start>RunType “gpedit.msc” (no quotes)
Click Local Computer Policy>Computer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Network>QoS Packet Scheduler>Limit Reservable Bandwidth
It will say that it is not configured, this however is a lie! The truth you seek is under the ‘Explain’ tab:“If you disable this setting or do not configure it, the system uses the default value of 20 percent of the connection.”Now click back over to the ‘Setting’ tab and enable it, then set the value to 0.
And there you have it, your connection should go a lot faster.
You also may have to restart your PC for the changes to take affect, not sure though
Learn how to reset or restart iPod following a freeze. Tip: Check out this helpful movie too.
If you have an iPod shuffle, click here for reset steps.
Important: If your iPod is frozen or won't turn on, it may be because iPod is paused or the Hold switch is in the locked position. If so, a lock symbol appears on the screen. Slide the Hold switch to the unlocked position and check the screen.
If you are using your iPod as a hard drive (disk mode), it is normal for "do not disconnect" to remain on the screen until you are ready to eject the iPod in iTunes or from the Mac OS. To avoid having the iPod freeze learn how to eject and disconnect iPod from your computer.
If your iPod is frozen or won't turn on, the steps to reset it vary by model. You can easily tell which iPod model you have if you're not sure.
Tip: If you are having difficulty resetting your iPod, set it on a flat surface. Make sure the finger pressing the Select button is not touching any part of the click wheel. Also make sure that you are pressing the Menu button toward the outside of the click wheel, and not near the center.
If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.
If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep.
If you are still unable to reset your iPod, use only one finger from one hand to press the Center (Select) button, and one finger from the other hand to press the Menu button.
When you reset iPod all your music and files are saved, but some customized settings may be lost. Date and time is preserved (unless the iPod reset itself because it had no power and then was reconnected to power). Other customized settings, such as Bookmarks, On-The-Go Playlists, Shuffle, Backlight timer, and so forth are preserved from the last time the hard drive turned on.
If your iPod does not respond to these steps, see additional steps in the "iPod troubleshooting basics and service FAQ".
This is what we did on our DR drill:
1. Install the OS on the server.
2. Install remote agents for backup software.
3. Make sure that the OS is on the same SP level as the copy being restored.
4. Reboot the DC into Active Directory Restore Mode.
5. Restore only the C: drive and the system state to the original location. Make sure that the backup software is set to overwrite any existing files.
6. Reboot.
7. Work out any kinks that you may have here, which may include doing a repair install from the CD if the server hardware has changed any.
8. Restore the D: drive (presumably this is where Exchange is installed in your case).
9. Go into Exchange System Manager and on the Properties --> Database tab for each storage group check the box to allow database to be overwritten.
10. Resotre all Exchange stores and databases via yuor Exchange backup agent. Select to replay restored logs files only (this may be specific to Veritas).
11. Go back into ESM and uncheck the box to alow databases to be overwritten.
12. Mount databases and test.
If the hardware has changed significantly then there are additional steps. You can find them in KB263532 and KB321290 on Technet. All of the above assumes that this will be a non-authoritative restore onto the DC (i.e., you are restoring old AD data and other servers will replicate over the more current data once the server is restored). If you need to do an authoritative restore (i.e., you have no other AD data other than what's on the backup tape and this DC will overwrite other DCs) then you will need to follow the steps in KB241594 on Technet.
If you run into further problems (especially with different hardware) then post here and I've got a list of a bunch of registry keys that you can delete that will help.
First, I recommend you read this article which will put a lot in perspective for you:
http://www
Dual-core CPU's are able to handle larger workloads without sacrificing as much speed as a single-core processor. In other situations involving light workloads, the advantage isn't all that much. So between the Pentium D and the Pentium 4, it just depends.
The Core 2 Duo, on the other hand, isn't just another dual-core CPU. Unlike the P4 and PD, the Duo is redesigned from the ground up (partially modeled after the Pentium III and Pentium M). A 1.6GHz Duo for example can outperform a 2.8GHz P4 or PD with ease. Because of its lower clock speed, it's also able to run a lot cooler. Pentium D's are notorious for running very hot, even the newer models that were reduced from 130 Watts to 95 Watts.
There quite a few articles you can sift through here:
http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/index.html
If you don't plan on turning your PC into a movie editing studio or intense gaming rig, then I'd say go for a cheap P4 (or better yet an Athlon 64) unless you can afford the Duo. Stay away from the Pentium D at this point.
Common causes:
1.) Bad Powersupply or failing...
2.) underpowered Powersupply...
3.) Buldging or leaking Capacitors... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague
4.) corrosion, ie. the contacts of the RAM or GFX Card... Reseat RAM and GFX Card after cleaning the contact points with a Nr.02 pencil erasor...
A dual core, non-HT CPU will show two processors in task manager.
A single core, HT CPU will show two processors in task manager.
A dual core, HT CPU (Extreme Edition and Xeon chips) will show 4 CPUs in task manager - if the OS supports multi-core and HT CPUs.
You can try to use WCPUID to determine the number of cores and the status of HT:
http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA002374/src/download.html
Or, other programs such as SiSoft Sandra may be able to do it. Lastly, you can try to watch and read the POST screen to see what it says as the computer boots.
I also recommend going to CPUID.com and using the free utility out there. It will give you the exact model number.
Then, I like to keep these CPU charts bookmarked:
(INTEL)
http://i
(AMD)
http://
A really simple way to display whatever jpg's or bmp's you like as wallpaper is with Phyle's Wallpaper switcher. It's a free program with no adware/malware of any kind.
http://philippebedard.net/category/4.aspx
You can create a folder wherever you please,put your pics in it and browse to it with 'setup' option in Phyllwall. You can set it to change to another pic(at random)in the folder from every minute to every six hours with a simple slider. It will change to another pic when you reboot and/or you can change pics by clicking on the icon in the task bar whenever you please.
I've used it since Win9x and it works very well with XP and doesn't hog resources at all..
All free, of course. Includes the typical roundup of Linux/Unix languages, also includes things like cron, openGL, networking, GTK, Gimp, iptables, regex, Grub/LILO, booting between multiple kernels and a plethora of others. More…
Have you ever done something to make an improvement and later regretted it?It would be awesome to be able to go back in time and undo the the thing that were supposed to make an improvement.
While life in general will not allow us to return to an earlier time to make changes, we computer users do have such an option should we experience problems with our Windows XP operating systems.
If you update or install the wrong device driver for your video card, and you delete accidentally delete a critical Windows file, so what.
You can simply use Windows XP's Restore Point feature and, Tada, you're back on track and recovered that deleted file.
Restore Points are snapshots of the state your operating system was in during that time.Windows XP automatically creates a restore point when it senses a major change in your operating system.And Restore Points are created every 24 hours as a safety measure.But you can create a Restore Point manually any time you feel there is a need.
If you have a change of some sort that causes problems with the operating system, you can tell Windows XP to revert to any Restore Point established before the problem occured.After the rollback, every change in the operating system that happened after that Restore Point is eliminated.
Restore Points are generally used when you experience such pc problems as extremely slow performance of the system. Your computer responds far more slowly that it did before you installed or updated something.
Other times to run Restore Point is when your system stops responding after an update or installation. Be sure to create a Restore Point before making any significant change to your computer's software or configuration.
To set a Restore Point, click on Start, point to All Programs, click on Accessories, System Tools, and then click on System Restore.When the System Restore windows appears, click on the button labeled "Create A Restore Point" and click Next.
Enter a description of the restore point, something like "Before scanner device driver install" and click the Create button.A notification will inform you that a Restore Point was made.Now click the Close button and you're all set.
Reverting to a Restore Point is as easy as create one.Click on Start, point to All Programs, click Accessories, System Tools, and System Restore.When the System Restore window appears, click on the "Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time" and then click on the Next button.
Choose the date on which you set the Restore Point and click the Next button.Review the information presented and save any open files.Shut down any other programs that may be running.
Click on the Next button and now your computer will restart. As it restarts, it will present a message informing you of the restore point. Click OK and you're done.
After reading all about setting and reverting to restore points, you should make a known restore point if you have not done so already.Whatever you do after reading this article, don't say I'll get to it soon.Familarize yourself with this feature and create a restore point one.
You should try Restore Point and see how it works before you need it.Create a Restore Point now and update something.You can update Windows Media Player for example.
After the update or the installation of a program,wait a day or so and go back to Restore Point.Revert to the Restore Point you created and see if the old version of Windows Media Player comes back.Or see if that old device driver is present.
Doing a simple task like this can and will boost your computer skills and give you much more confidence in yourself and the Windows XP operating system. More >>>
Needs very little maintenance and is extendable beyond your wildest imagination. All depending on the hardware used, of course.
This is just a COPY&PASTE howto. For more info use the net. I did... However, contributions and suggestions are allways welcome! I know this can be done better, so feel free. Full Story >>>
Article Includes Table of Versions Features. --- There are six main editions of Windows Vista. We're not going to go into the Starter Edition in this article, because there simply isn't that much to say. There is no pricing announced, and you won't find it on store shelves or as an option from major OEMs More >>>
