Spyware

11/4/2008

Spyware

spyware is different to a virus , spyware is unwanted programmes which install on to the host machine (that's your computer) without the users knowledge and/or consent , these programmes then go about tracking and watching everything you do on the Internet and build a profile of what you like in the event to show you pop up ads to things you are interested in, this information is then shared with any interested parties.

These are a pain install alot of the time without your knowledge and can hog system resources and slow your computer down , sometimes to a halt but there are ways of fighting back and a few rules to follow when surfing and downloading on the Internet

1. beware of trick advertisements which make it look like it is part of your computer , never click on the directly to close it (even if it says it will) just click the cross in the top right part of the window

An example of a clever ad pretending to be a spyware scanner , but by clicking on it you invite the hidden spyware tracker to install on your computer.

2. When installing software which you downloaded off the internet make sure its from a source you trust , sometimes a useful application can be hidden with spyware such as games, spyware scanners etc...

3. Install adaware and run scans regularly , i recommend maybe 3 times a week, you can start the scan when u wake up of a morning and let it run while you're getting ready , run a scan while your going to lunch or to dinner or even leave it on over night and schedule a scan when no-one would be using it.

Wireless Access Points

10/4/2008

So i've been reading alot of questions on this online help site where alot of people are asking "How do i setup my Wireless Internet ?" it really is quite simple , and i will try to generalise the steps required to successfully setting up your own wireless network but please be aware there are alot of different makes and models of wireless access points or AP's (Access Point) out on the market but the general idea is usually the same so lets get started:

In this guide I'm assuming that you have got the Internet working allready (that's why you're here reading this) and you are sick of all the cords so you have decided to either

1. Purchase a wireless access point to make your current connection wireless
or
2. Decided it's time you learn how to use your Wireless functions on your ADSL modem

Now using your wireless card in either your Laptop or Desktop computer you can enjoy surfing the web wire free but it's not a simple as plugging it in a smoke and mirrors does the rest there are a few things you should know first.

Question 1: What are the letters b/g and or n ?

These letters let you know what kind of wireless standard the AP is working on , most commonly these days you will see AP that are sold saying b/g on them these are my most recommended devices to buy and they are very common and most of all work!.

The "b" standard has a network transfer rate of only 11mb/s and a range of about 38m indoors and 100m outdoors

The "g" standard has a network transfer rate of 54mb/s much quicker then "b" a range of about 38m indoors ans 140m outdoors and is also backwards compatible with "b" standard products

the "n" standard is a much newer technology has a transfer rate of 248mb/s a indoor range of about 70m and outdoors of about 250m , one problem with "n" standard AP's is that you will need other "n" standard wireless cards to fully use the potential of the "n" standard (oh did i mention its expensive :O)

so when purchasing wireless hardware make sure that you have the right letter for the right job :)

Question 2: I have all the gear plugged in and ready to go what do i do now ?

This part of the guide is where there are a few solutions,

1. You plug it in and your computer can see the signal but you don't know the password
2. You plug it in and your computer can see the signal but there is no password and you want one (Highly recommended you put one on)
3. You plug it in and there is no signal to be found

Ok lets answerer these one by one

Number 1: you plug it in and your computer can see the signal but you don't know the password

simple it's usually stuck to a sticker on the bottom of the wireless access point and would be fairly complicated , don't worry one you input the correct password in, you wont need to do it everytime :) congratulations on your wireless Internet. If you want to learn abit more cause you like to play with things keep reading you may just learn something.

Number 2: you plug it in and your computer can see the signal but there is no password

keeping you wireless access point unsecured is like keeping the front door of your home wide open , you're just inviting unwanted people in! , so you will need to put a password on your wireless connection to do this you will need to get to the Web GUI of your AP to access the configuration and settings

1. click on the start menu
2. click on run
3. in the 'run' window type 'cmd' (without the quotes) and hit ENTER
4. in the dos window type the following 'ipconfig'

you will see something like this:

below we are looking for the Wireless Network connection and its Default Gateway
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C:Documents and SettingsNCR>ipconfig

Windows IP Configuration


Ethernet adapter Hamachi:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : kc.ncrad.com
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.16.74
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.16.254

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. now those four numbers on my Default gateway (192.168.16.254) are what i am looking for now go into your Internet browser be it Internet explorer on FireFox and in the address bar type those four numbers eg. 192.168.16.254 and then hit enter
5. next you will be probably prompted for a username and password , if you haven't set this yourself try one of the following defaults

Username	Password
admin	(leave blank)
administrator	(leave blank)
admin	admin
admin	password
administrator	password
administrator	administrator

if none of these combinations work , look in the user manual which was supplied with your AP and it will have it in there!
6.next you will have to click around until you can see the wireless settings , and in there put find security or similar and turn on WPA2 (if available) or WPA or WEP security WPA2 is the strongest so if you have it use it
7. next just apply the settings and save, you AP will probably reboot and you should have to enter a password now before the Internet will work

Number 3: you plug it in and there is no signal to be found

also quite simple , firstly check ti the products install guide that you have done it right , if then you still don't see any signal , do the same as above and find the AP default gateway, input that into the Internet browser and hit ENTER and then login and find the routers wireless settings, just click around till yuo see something , you may notice that by factory default the manufacturer has turned the wireless mode off , there should be and option to either enable disable or turn it on or off and then it is a simple process of applying the WPA2 password and there you go wireless Internet.

after sitting here writing this i have decided that the wireless topic can go much deeper and i have only provided a very basic look at WiFi so if by following these simple instructions you still don't understand give me an email at geordie.nufc@gmail.com also i will begin writing an in depth guide to wireless Internet as it seems to be a very popular topic.

First Post

9/4/2008

Hello and welcome to my first post here on Hey! Fix IT Now! , i started this Blog to answer peoples questions to everyday problems that they have with their computers and hardware. There are big Corporations out there that will support you but they can easily deceive someone who doesn't have the knowledge about Computers , i know this because i work in the It industry and i often here how people forked out unfair amounts of cash to get something as easy as their RAM (Memory) changed , when it is seriously like a 2min job , that's stereotype the industry and say we overcharge for our services as their are jobs which people will do that involve alot of time , planning and co-ordination to solve , also Desktop and hardware support requires alot of knowledge and practical experience to help troubleshoot sometimes those frustrating questions.

I myself work in the IT industry working for a medical imaging Organisation providing first line support for all our staff , who use various types of machines , the PACS imaging archive servers and the uptime of our propritary appoitment system which is constantly upgraded by two fellow collegues and even with that experience behind me i am always reading and learning about old and new technologies that are in place , its almost impossible to keep up with all that is going on in this Industry , so that's why i am trying to bring some of that knowledge to my readers and possibly you can bring some of your knowledge to me :)

Well since this is my first post i thought i would being something interesting to your attention:

currently writing this post i am using "Google Docs" , just like Microsoft Word or similar i can create headings , list points , change the font size and colour, insert tables and pictures and al' that basic stuff that's essential for document writing , it may only be a simple web based application but without having to part with your hard earned cash and install Microsoft's office suite you can create a "Google Account" and get all essentials. A few good points are that they save online as well as to your local hard drive , so if you forgot to take a copy of your document to your meeting or event , all you need is internet access and you can easily get to your hard work. Another great feature is that you can share your document/s with people who you choose and they can either view and comment on the document or you can create a collaborative document where they can edit and add thier own material. it really is quite a handy applications to use and best of all its free.

below: A comparison of Google Docs and Microsoft Office 2007, as you can see Google Docs has all the essientials and even looks less cluttered and not as confusing

i hope you enjoyed my first post and even more interesting (Alot more interesting) things to come on my blog , if you have a problem of your own give me an email at:

geordie.nufc@gmail.com

and i'll get to them when i can Thanks!