Archives for March2009

Protect Your Windows PC from the Conficker Worm

March 31, 2009 by admin in PCs and Laptops | Leave a comment

The Conficker worm has infected millions of Windows computers—and is set to be unleashed on April 1st, 2009. Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe.

  • What is the Conficker Worm?

Microsoft released an update in October to resolve a critical security hole in the Windows “Server” service. Since people aren’t as diligent about patching as they should be, hackers created a new worm that spread like wildfire, leaving systems completely under their control. Security researchers have determined that the virus is expected to go “live” on April 1st, 2009, causing your computer to do bad things—but since the worm uses a P2P protocol it’s nearly impossible to identify the source.

  • How Does It Spread?

The worm originally started spreading using a network attack against the file sharing services in Windows, but since it can automatically update itself, it adapted to spread through the autoplay feature on removable media like USB thumb drives, by adding a new option to open where you see “publisher not specified”. This allows the worm to spread to systems already patched against the original vulnerability, so using anti-virus software is even more important, because once it’s on your computer it can spread further.

  • Is My Computer Affected?

Most anti-virus software has already been able to detect and remove the Conficker worm for a while now, so you are probably not at risk as long as you keep up with your updates and have real-time scanning enabled.

To actually detect and remove the worm, you can use the freely available Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool that can remove a large number of viruses.

  • How Do I Stay Safe?

Staying safe from this, and many other viruses and worms, requires a combination of keeping your computer updated and using anti-virus software. Here’s a couple of quick tips to follow:

* Make sure your system is fully patched using Windows Update, and update MS08-067 has been applied.
* Make sure your anti-virus is fully updated, enabled, and you’ve run a full scan.
* Make sure you are using strong passwords.
* Disable the AutoPlay feature.
* Make sure your firewall is enabled when you are on untrusted networks or using public wi-fi systems.
* Make sure your data is backed up.

Keeping your system and your data safe is extremely important, so make sure to take some time out of your day to keep your system patched, updated, and virus-free.

Purchasing a Used Blackberry Cell Phone

March 31, 2009 by admin in Mobile Phones | Leave a comment

Getting a Blackberry is a considered something of a status symbol for a lot of people in today’s modern times, but paying for that Blackberry is what is often difficult to do. Those things are not cheap when you are forced to pay full retail price! The good news is that you can purchase a used Blackberry cell phone for much less than it costs for a new one and it will work just as well. Often, the discount you can find on used Blackberries can be upwards of 50%, which adds up to quite a bit when we’re talking about $600 cell phones. There are some things that you want to keep in mind when purchasing a used Blackberry, however.

 

First, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer. Many people have been scammed by shady cell phone vendors and you do not want this to happen to you. This means you need to find retailer with considerable experience and a record of selling similar phones to people like yourself. You should also look to see if the vendor offers a warranty on their used cell phones. Some do, some do not. Obviously you can rest a little easier if you can find one with a warranty, even if it is only for 30 days. Vendors that offer a warranty are certainly more credible and should always be used over vendors without a warranty, all else being equal.

Second, if you can, try to get your hands on a used unlocked Blackberry. Unlocked phones have the advantage of not being “trapped” to one particular network, meaning you can pick and choose which network you operate on based on the coverage in your area, special pricing packages, and other factors. If you can’t find an unlocked Blackberry, double and triple check that the model you are buying will work on your network, or be prepared to pay the early termination fee associated with switching networks before your current contract expires. Remember that not all phones are made to work on every network. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Most phones are made to operate on one network, so make sure that your used phone is designed for your network. In most cases, being forced to pay an early termination fee will negate any savings that you gained by purchasing the phone used. Some people see this as an advantage as they can essentially switch carriers without feeling the impact of the early termination fee. Others, on the other hand, see this as a waste of money and are better off finding a phone that will work on their network.

If you’re one of the many that wants a Blackberry cell phone but can’t find a way to stretch your budget to afford one, you should consider the used market. You can usually find even the latest models available on the used market for much less than you would pay retail. By purchasing from a reputable seller you can help to ensure that you’ll end up with a phone that gives you the freedom you want as well as the functionality and fun that comes with owning a Blackberry.

Considerations For Buying Electronic Enclosure Systems

March 2, 2009 by admin in Home and Appliances | Leave a comment

Electronics enclosures are extremely important when it comes to protecting electronic equipment. And while they may not seem very different from one another, there are a number of differences that can drastically affect their performance. Also, the manufacturers of enclosure systems may seem similar, yet there are differences in what a company can offer.

When it comes to buying an enclosure, there are a number of key points that can improve purchasing decisions. Overall, strength and rigidity are two of the most important qualities to look for in an electronic enclosure. But once those qualities have been established there are a number of other features to consider, such as expandability and design flexibility.

In terms of strength, a fully welded frame will be more stable and provide better security than a bolt-together frame. Welded frames may seem more expensive, but the cost and time used in assembly will offset that extra cost up front. If a welded frame is not available, some companies offer pre-assembled enclosures that arrive together and ready to use.

Another important quality to keep in mind is thermal requirements. Computer equipment is getting more powerful, and therefore generates more heat. An enclosure system that can dissipate heat effectively is critical. If the environment is dirty or dusty, the enclosure must also be able to filter the air used to keep equipment cool as well. Examine thermal demands of the area thoroughly before making a purchase.

When it comes to setting up an enclosure, no two set-ups will be exactly the same. When ordering an enclosure system, be sure to check out configure-to-order options and color choices. If trying to match existing units, color can be important, and not all suppliers offer more than one or two colors. The ability to custom-configure an enclosure is important. Some companies can offer unique enclosures that meet the needs of a specific situation. When ordering a custom enclosure, insist on in-house design and manufacturing from the supplier. Some companies rely on others for these services, but for successful customization, in-house design and manufacturing is a must. These services assure continuity, accuracy, and overall quality for the project. Knowing that the supplier offers these services will also help when future customization projects arise.

Research a supplier’s manufacturing capabilities and ability to deal with demand surges so that orders will not be late or out of spec because of the scope of the project. Products made overseas are at risk for delays from logistics, so insisting on products made in America will insure quality and more reliable shipping times. Using a “closer to home” supplier will also make receiving a prototype unit easier. The supplier should be able to produce a quality prototype quickly for time sensitive design projects.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification will also help ensure that the manufacturer has a quality system that can support production of the highest quality product. In order to become ISO certified, companies must go through a strict testing and certification process. Not all companies are certified to the highest level, so be sure to research the companies that are available. In addition to ISO certification, not all suppliers provide expertise with special need product types, such as Seismic, EMI, RFI, NEMA, or others.

As a general rule, always be sure to check up on the company that the enclosure is coming from. Check the supplier’s financial strength, reputation, years in business, and look at the other companies they serve. Quality suppliers will usually offer a list of references for potential customers.

In terms of delivery, a quality company should be able to provide documentation of delivery statistics, such as their percentage of on-time deliveries. A supplier that uses its own delivery trucks and drivers is also a sign of quality. These drivers are usually specially trained to handle the equipment being transported, and since they work for the company, have greater incentives for delivering an item undamaged.

Buying an electronic enclosure system can seem overwhelming when considering the number of features. But educating yourself and referring to a few guidelines can help you find a quality enclosure supplier that can meet current needs, and the needs of any project to arise in the future.