ACME Installer demo shows off Android/WebOS dual-boot on HP TouchPad

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px;"></span><br /> <div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"> <div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: center;"> <img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="182" mce_src="http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/50/acmeinstaller540x303.jpg" src="http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/50/acmeinstaller540x303.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="324" />There are geeks working hard out there to get Android onto the HP TouchPad that failed so brilliantly. The future of WebOS might be murky and the future of updates is something that many that own the TouchPad may be worrying about. With a port that allows Android to run on the TouchPad the little HP tablet would get a second life and more usability for the average geek. A video has landed on YouTube that shows a demo of ACME Installer with dual boot for the TouchPad.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"></span></div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> The demo shows a geek with the ACME Installer mounting the TouchPad to a Mac and then moving some needed files over to the tablet. Once the files are over on the TouchPad, the files can be executed. To do this they create a folder called cminstall, copy a zip file over, and use the novacom program to start the ACME installer.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> It doesn’t take that long to get Cyanogen 7 running on the tablet and you can swap back to WebOS whenever you want. The addition of the new OS needs only three files including the ACME installer, novacom, and cm-update payload file. The video points out that the demo doesn’t mean the ACME installer is close to release though. The Cyanogenmod was benchmarked not long ago.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Thanks for the tip Tony.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> )</div> </div> </div>

ACME Installer demo shows off Android/WebOS dual-boot on HP TouchPad

There are geeks working hard out there to get Android onto the HP TouchPad that failed so brilliantly. The future of WebOS might be murk...

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Ransomware - Paying For Your Own Files

<br /> <p>Making sure your IT systems-even if that translates into a humble desktop unit that dates to the Clinton Administration-are safe and secure is important for any business of any size. After all, any loss of data can easily have repercussions far larger than the loss itself. But what if something happens-some nasty bit of malware infects your computer-and instead of losing your data, you are forced to pay to be able to access it?</p><p>Yes, you read it right: What if your files were being held for ransom right on your own hard drive?</p><p>They call it ransomware, for obvious reasons. It works by hitching a ride on a Trojan horse virus or some other piece of malware your system isn't ready for. Once there, instead of shutting you down or having all your personal information e-mailed to the hacker that sent the thing to you, it works by making encrypted copies of your files and then erasing the originals. Think of it like a safe: copies of your files are inside the safe and to get to them, you need a combination to open the lock. That combination is the encryption code and if it is done right, you are not going to crack it.</p><p>Once your files are safely under lock and key, when you try to access one of them, a message pops up reading something like this:</p><p>Your files are now fully encrypted with the new and unbreakable RSA-1024 algorithm. To view and work with these files, you must purchase our decrypting tool, which is available for purchase at....</p><p>Sometimes you are told to pay directly for the decryption software, sometimes you have to make one or more purchases at certain other websites, but either way they want you to spend money to get access to your own files. It is one thing to accept the idea that your data was stolen. It is quite another to know that your files are still there, on your hard drive, in your computer, and that you cannot reach them. What do you do? You have two options:</p><p>1. Pay the hostage-taker (Yes, your data is being held hostage).</p><p>2. Get around the hostage-taker and rescue as much of the data as possible.</p><p><strong>Millions for Defense, Not One Cent for Tribute</strong></p><p>There are a number of problems associated with paying the ransom, not the least of which is the fact that the bad guy wins. That is unacceptable. Another problem is that once you pay, you risk sharing your financial information with a criminal who will continue to take as much as they can from you. Finally, this creep is a criminal, not a boy scout. What in the world makes you believe that paying the ransom will lead to getting your files back? He could just as easily take the money and run. Remember, the more contact he has with you, the greater his exposure to capture. Keeping an agreement with you to release your data isn't going to be worth the risk that comes with it.</p><p><strong>Working the Problem</strong></p><p>Not paying the ransom and trying to break the encryption or work around it certainly feels better on a number of levels, but it does have its drawbacks as well. Early versions of ransomware had weak encryptions and so their codes could be broken fairly easily. They had gaps in the programming that could be used as an opening to reverse engineer the malware and uncover the code. The latest version, which uses the RSA-1024 encryption algorithm, does away with these problems and is so proving to be a very tough nut to crack. The other major issue is data loss or corruption. Whatever route you take to solve this problem puts your data at risk, but if you cannot crack the code that is a risk you will have to face.</p><p><strong>The Nuclear Option</strong></p><p>After trying everything else you may find that you have no choice but to reformat your hard drive and start fresh from your computer's original, out-of-the-box configuration. Considered a kind of "nuclear option," doing this would wipe out the malware and its nasty encryption, but it would also wipe out everything else including all the software you have installed since getting the machine and any other files that were not effected. There are, however, less destructive ways to proceed.</p><p><strong>Try to Find the Code</strong></p><p>While the very latest version of this malware hasn't been hacked yet, that doesn't mean that previous versions, which are still floating around out in cyberspace, haven't had their codes revealed. So, the first logical step is to get on the Internet and see what you can find. Start by googling the name of the virus and see what comes up. For example, enter the name Trojan.Archiveus and see what comes up. The first listing on the search results is Symantec's page, which includes the codes you will need to release the effected files as well as instructions on removal. If you can't find what you need online, there are other alternatives.</p><p><strong>Restore from a Clean Back-up</strong></p><p>Depending on how long ago you backed-up your files, this could be a minimally invasive fix with most files being restored properly, or it could be nearly as destructive as a reformatting. If the back-up itself is clean, however, you will certainly get rid of the malware and the encryption problem. On the other hand, you will be restoring the configuration that was vulnerable to the viral attack in the first place, so make sure your antivirus software and firewall are up-to-date and that you and your employees are practicing "safe surfing" when out on the Internet.</p><p><strong>Data Recovery</strong></p><p>The funny thing about Windows is that when you delete something, it is never really gone. What gets deleted is the tag used by the system to identify it. It isn't so much that it's gone as that Windows just can't see it. As long as you don't reformat your hard drive, such deleted information should still be there. Now, doing this yourself can be tricky and having a professional do it can be expensive but depending on the value of the files, it might be worth the expense. Just remember that data recovery is not perfect and some file corruption may take place. Also, if you don't get rid of the virus before you recover the files, you risk reinfecting them.</p><p><strong>Protect Yourself</strong></p><p>Of course, if you have gotten to the point where your systems are so infected, then you have not been running a tight enough operation. Take a few moments to look at your IT protection efforts-a good, hard look-and learn from what you find. There are two components to any effective IT security strategy. Unless they are both fully engaged, then you are not secure, period. These components are technological and human.</p><p><strong>Technology</strong></p><p>Bear in mind that antiviral software works by playing catch-up to the viruses. In other words, a new virus comes out, it is identified, analyzed, a solution is found and it is added to the list on the next update. That is a little like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. It does nothing for the most recent viral attacks, but it will keep previously known viruses from infecting your machine. That said, keep your firewall, your anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-this, anti-that, anti-everything software fully up-to-date and functioning so that you can have what protection it offers. For the cutting edge threats, however, you should try something called whitelisting.</p><p>Anti-virus software, child protection software, anti-spam utilities, anti-spyware software and the like all function by a principle called blacklisting. When something is blacklisted, it is placed on an exclusionary list and when something tries to do something, it is checked against the blacklist. If it is on the list, whatever it is trying to do is forbidden in some way. Spam, for example, is removed from the rest of the e-mail and placed in a special folder. Whitelisting works in exactly the opposite way: Only applications that appear on the whitelist are permitted. If it isn't on the list, it doesn't get to do anything. The great thing about this is that it not only works with programs, it also works with devices.</p><p>That means a file piggy-backed to an email or smuggled in on a downloaded image from a website will be prevented from running since it is not on the whitelist. It also means that the sales manager's teenage son can't install something he downloaded onto his mother's computer or plug an unauthorized peripheral device into the machine. This enhanced end-point security and IT policy enforcement are two additional reasons why whitelisting technology is something to consider.</p><p><strong>The Human Factor</strong></p><p>People are the weakest link in any security-related situation. You may have totally honest people working for you. In fact they may-each and every one of them-be shining paragons of light and virtue. Unfortunately, honesty and Galahad-like goodness do not translate into responsibility, much less intelligence. Even the best people do foolish and irresponsible things.</p><p>From an IT security point of view, these foolish and irresponsible things are usually done in complete innocence. They include downloading unapproved software, like a cool new screensaver, or installing software from a disc; plugging strange devices, such as a USB thumb drive, into their computer, just to see what it is; and other, similar activities.</p><p>Another innocent source of trouble is found when employees take their laptops out and access the Internet from the wireless networks available in airport lounges or coffee shops like Starbucks. Places like this open the user to a variety of attacks, most of which are very hard for the user to even detect. By employing a whitelist solution that covers both hardware and software, you mitigate problems caused by well-meaning but irresponsible employee activities.</p><p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p><p>Viruses in general are annoying. They waste time and money, they spy on your activities, steal your personal information, and depending on the systems that are effected or the information taken, they can do a great deal of damage. We understand these things and accept them as part of the risk we run when we connect to the Internet. Ransomware, on the other hand, is something else, something purely infuriating. It isn't simply anonymous theft. You don't get mad for a while and then pick up the phone and start canceling your credit cards and taking other steps to mitigate the damage. There is no damage done, yet. In fact, any real damage is damage that the creator of that evil piece of code, not that he has you trapped, is forcing you to do to yourself. Think the movie Saw, but on your computer, and your credit card instead of a hacksaw, but the principle is essentially the same. The crime here is something we associate with gangsters-simple extortion-and that makes it personal. The question I have is whether law enforcement will see it and treat it that way or will they treat it like any other virus? We will see.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Ransomware - Paying For Your Own Files

Making sure your IT systems-even if that translates into a humble desktop unit that dates to the Clinton Administration-are safe and secu...

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How to Display All Files on a Memory Stick

<P>Take off the cap from the memory stick, if it has one.</P><P>Plug the memory stick into your computer's USB drive (on the back or side of your computer) or slide the memory card into the mini drive on the side of your computer. A message will pop up that says "Installing Device Driver" the first time that you plug in the stick.</P><P>A prompt will then pop up called "AutoPlay". Look for the "General Options" icon.</P><P>Click on "Open Folder to View Files (Using Windows Explorer)." A box will pop up showing all the folders and files stored on the memory stick.</P><P>If the "AutoPlay" box does not pop up, click on your computer's "Start" menu and double-click on "Computer." The memory stick will show up in this menu as a "Removable Disk." Double-click on the assigned drive for the memory card to view the files on the card.</P><P>Click on each file folder to view its files. After you click on the folder, the list of files stored in that folder will be displayed. Certain files, not assigned to a folder, will show up separately.</P>

How to Display All Files on a Memory Stick

Take off the cap from the memory stick, if it has one. Plug the memory stick into your computer's USB drive (on the back or side of you...

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How to Play XMM Files From XM Radio

<P>Download XMicroplayer 1.4 (if you have an XM account) or XMicroplayer 1.5 (if you are a SIRIUS account holder).</P><P>Double-click the self-extracting installer. Wait while the program installs itself.</P><P>Click "Start > All Programs > XMicroplayer."</P><P>Click "File > Open."</P><P>Locate your XMM stream file. Double-click it to start playing it.</P><P>Download Lenware XM Radio Player Desktop Edition (see Resources).</P><P>Double-click the setup file to begin installation. Click "Next" throughout.</P><P>Browse to your XMM file on your computer.</P><P>Double-click the file. If prompted to choose a program, select the Lenware XM Radio Player Desktop Edition.</P><P>Enter your account login details when prompted. Your stream will now open in the desktop client.</P><P>Download XMTuner (see Resources). Double-click the setup file to install the application.</P><P>Locate your XMM file on your computer. Double-click it and choose to open with XMTuner.</P><P>Enter your login details. Your stream will appear in the channels list.</P>

How to Play XMM Files From XM Radio

Download XMicroplayer 1.4 (if you have an XM account) or XMicroplayer 1.5 (if you are a SIRIUS account holder). Double-click the self-extra...

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How to Uninstall a Program With Missing Files

<a alt="Stubborn programs with missing files can take up valuable disk space and clog your computer." and="" can="" clog="" computer.="" disk="" files="" href="" missing="" programs="" space="" src="file:///C:/Program%20Files/ABS/Auto%20Blog%20Samurai/data/Hacking%20Tricks/EhowCom/uninstall-program-missing-files-200X200.jpg" stubborn="" take="" title="#jsArticleIntroImageCredit rel=thinbox><img title=" up="" valuable="" with="" your=""></a><br /> Stubborn programs with missing files can take up valuable disk space and clog your computer.Fotolia.com"> Programs with missing files can thwart your operating system's best attempts at uninstallation. Incomplete programs must be removed manually, but simply deleting the program's folder doesn't clear all remnants of the program from your system. These bits and pieces left from old programs can slow your machine and even cause errors.<br /> Reinstall to UninstallMost of the time when you're having trouble uninstalling a program from the Start menu or from Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel, it's because of a missing installation "log file." This file contains a list of program components that were copied to specific locations on your hard disk when the program was installed. The best way to fix this problem is to dig up your installation discs and reinstall the program over the old copy. This should fix the log file problem and allow you to uninstall as you would normally.Use an Uninstallation Software UtilityUsing an uninstallation software utility program is a great way to cleanly uninstall incomplete programs. Simply download the uninstallation utility of your choice and use it to remove your unwanted application. Bear in mind that trial or shareware versions of utility programs may not give you full functionality and may need to be purchased to fully work, or uninstalled after the trial period ends.Manual UninstallIf reinstalling didn't work or you don't want to purchase a program, you can manually delete all program data. Browse to Windows/Program Files and find the program folder. Click on it to select it and hit the delete key on your keyboard. The program is now deleted, but there still will be shortcuts to it on the desktop and in the Start menu. Delete these shortcuts also. This manual uninstall method is a last resort, as there will still be registry entries left in the system that can bog down your system. References <a" href="http://examples.oreilly.com/9780596528270/removing_stubborn_programs.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Windows Vista: The Missing Manual: Removing Stubborn Programs Resources<a href="http://www.uninstallplus.com/download.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uninstall Plus! 4.1 trial software page</a><a href="http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advanced SystemCare utility page</a></a">

How to Uninstall a Program With Missing Files

Stubborn programs with missing files can take up valuable disk space and clog your computer.Fotolia.com"> Programs with missing fil...

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Can Websites Compress Their Files So Their Bandwidths Aren't So Large?

<P><a a="" available="" compress="" free="" is="" of="" software="" their="" title="#jsArticleIntroImageCredit rel=thinbox><IMG title=" to="" variety="" webmasters="" website="" who="" wish=""></A></P><br /><P>A variety of free software is available to webmasters who wish to compress their website files. A wide variety of optimization tools are available for webmasters looking to reduce bandwidth by compressing the files on their website. Depending on the type of file, you may be able to achieve a 90 percent reduction rate with compression which, in turn, will save a tremendous amount of bandwidth.</P><br /><P></P>FirebugFirebug is a Web development tool that not only inspects HTML and offers a JavaScript debugger but also shows what files can be compressed on the website. Only available as an extension for Firefox, Firebug is free open-source software. Once installed, Firebug can be opened from the "Tools" drop-down menu. The webmaster should click on "Analyze Performance" and wait for a detailed report as to what the development tool recommends regarding compression of files and images.GzipGzip is another open-source software application that provides file compression. The free program can be downloaded from the Gzip website, which offers detailed instructions as to how to set up and operate the software.OthersAdditional compression software is available, including 7-Zip, IZArc, WinRAR, PeaZip and the Unarchiver. References <A" href="http://getfirebug.com/whatisfirebug" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Get FireBug: What is FireBug</A> <a href="http://www.gnu.org/software/software.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gzip: GNU Gzip</A> <a href="http://www.15seconds.com/issue/020314.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15 Seconds: Web Site Compression</A>

Can Websites Compress Their Files So Their Bandwidths Aren't So Large?

A variety of free software is available to webmasters who wish to compress their website files. A wide variety of optimization tools are ava...

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How to Locate BSDL Files

<P>Click the Windows Orb on your desktop task bar. The search text box is at the bottom of the popup menu.</P><P>Type "*.bsdl" into the text box. Press "Enter." Windows opens a window with a magnifying glass, indicating that the search is processing.</P><P>View the list of files in the detail screen. You can double-click a file to open it on the <a class="StrongLink" href="http://www.ehow.com/computers/">computer</A>. All BSDL files are listed in the detail pane.</P>

How to Locate BSDL Files

Click the Windows Orb on your desktop task bar. The search text box is at the bottom of the popup menu. Type "*.bsdl" into the te...

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Tutorial: How to share files over a network in OS X

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.intro-200-200.jpg"> <br /><P>Sharing files between computers used to be something of a dark art, and this has perhaps permeated the collective consciousness of Mac users. </P><br /><P><br /><P>Seemingly few realise how simple it is to enable file sharing across networked Macs.</P><br /><P>In fact, with each revision of Mac OS X, Apple has made it easier to share files over a network, and to access networked Macs if you have relevant clearance. </P><br /><P>This walkthrough takes you through the process of sharing files with other Mac users, and also details settings that will enable Windows users to access your Mac (although those settings should only be active for as long as they need to be). </P><br /><P>We also briefly mention how to share your photos and music using iPhoto and iTunes, rather than attempting to do the same using standard file sharing. When it comes to file sharing, it's worth noting that you should only share what you're comfortable for anyone on the network to access. </P><br /><P>The Sharing System Preferences pane, iTunes and iPhoto all avoid defaulting to sharing all of your content, instead letting you decide what you want to share. However, do note that guest accounts cannot do anything destructive with your files. </P><br /><P>For example, if someone uses a guest account to access a shared folder via Finder, they can view the folder and open files, but they cannot delete anything, nor can they edit files 'live'. Only when you provide someone with login details (a username and password) can they edit documents on the shared computer – so only give out those details when you're absolutely certain they won't be misused. </P><br /><P>Finally, shared files can only be accessed when the host Mac is awake, so be mindful of network users when shutting your Mac down. </P><br /><P>How to share files over a network in OS X:</P><br /><P><STRONG>01. Unlock sharing settings</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 1" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.001-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>In System Preferences, click the Sharing icon under Internet & Wireless. In the Sharing pane, click the lock icon. In the subsequent dialog box, type your admin password (and username, if relevant) and then click OK to continue and return to the pane. </P><br /><P><STRONG>02. Enable file sharing </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 2" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.002-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>Check File Sharing and you'll see the LED graphic next to File Sharing go green. Under Shared Folders, you can determine which folders are shared by default. Click + to add to the 'Public' folder(s). To removed a folder, select it and click the minus (–) button. </P><br /><P><STRONG>03. Access the files </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 3" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.003-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>Other Macs on the network should show your shared machine's name (the one stated in the Computer Name field in the Sharing pane) in the Shared section of Finder sidebars. Select a machine to connect to it as a guest and browse the folders enabled in the previous step.</P><br /><P><STRONG>04. Connect as a user</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 4" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.004-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you own multiple Macs and need fuller access to one that's been set to share files, click Connect As… underneath the Finder window's search field. Type in your username and password for access to the same content you can usually access on the shared machine. </P><br /><P><STRONG>05. Share with Windows</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 5" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.005-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you need to share folders with Windows users, return to the Sharing pane and click Options. In the sheet, check Share files and folders using SMB. They should then be accessible via the Windows sidebar (My Network places in XP; Network in Windows 7). </P><br /><P><STRONG>06. Share photos </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 6" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.006-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you want to share photos, avoid file sharing and use iPhoto. Open the Sharing section of iPhoto's preferences and check Share my photos; either check Share entire library or select albums to share. Other users can access shared content via the sidebar's Shares section. </P><br /><P><STRONG>07. Share music</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 7" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.007-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you want to share your music, you could share /Music in step 2, but it's simpler to use iTunes. Again, use the Sharing section within preferences, and share your library or selected playlists. Connected users will be able to navigate shared content in List view only. </P><br /><P><STRONG>08. Use Home Sharing </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 8" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.008-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>iTunes offers a second way to share content across computers. Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing activates Home Sharing, which enables purchased content to be automatically transferred to authorised computers. But for occasional sharing, stick to the previous step.</P>

Tutorial: How to share files over a network in OS X

Sharing files between computers used to be something of a dark art, and this has perhaps permeated the collective consciousness of Mac user...

Continue Reading>>

Tutorial: How to share files over a network in OS X

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.intro-200-200.jpg"> <br /><P>Sharing files between computers used to be something of a dark art, and this has perhaps permeated the collective consciousness of Mac users. </P><br /><P><br /><P>Seemingly few realise how simple it is to enable file sharing across networked Macs.</P><br /><P>In fact, with each revision of Mac OS X, Apple has made it easier to share files over a network, and to access networked Macs if you have relevant clearance. </P><br /><P>This walkthrough takes you through the process of sharing files with other Mac users, and also details settings that will enable Windows users to access your Mac (although those settings should only be active for as long as they need to be). </P><br /><P>We also briefly mention how to share your photos and music using iPhoto and iTunes, rather than attempting to do the same using standard file sharing. When it comes to file sharing, it's worth noting that you should only share what you're comfortable for anyone on the network to access. </P><br /><P>The Sharing System Preferences pane, iTunes and iPhoto all avoid defaulting to sharing all of your content, instead letting you decide what you want to share. However, do note that guest accounts cannot do anything destructive with your files. </P><br /><P>For example, if someone uses a guest account to access a shared folder via Finder, they can view the folder and open files, but they cannot delete anything, nor can they edit files 'live'. Only when you provide someone with login details (a username and password) can they edit documents on the shared computer – so only give out those details when you're absolutely certain they won't be misused. </P><br /><P>Finally, shared files can only be accessed when the host Mac is awake, so be mindful of network users when shutting your Mac down. </P><br /><P>How to share files over a network in OS X:</P><br /><P><STRONG>01. Unlock sharing settings</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 1" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.001-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>In System Preferences, click the Sharing icon under Internet & Wireless. In the Sharing pane, click the lock icon. In the subsequent dialog box, type your admin password (and username, if relevant) and then click OK to continue and return to the pane. </P><br /><P><STRONG>02. Enable file sharing </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 2" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.002-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>Check File Sharing and you'll see the LED graphic next to File Sharing go green. Under Shared Folders, you can determine which folders are shared by default. Click + to add to the 'Public' folder(s). To removed a folder, select it and click the minus (–) button. </P><br /><P><STRONG>03. Access the files </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 3" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.003-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>Other Macs on the network should show your shared machine's name (the one stated in the Computer Name field in the Sharing pane) in the Shared section of Finder sidebars. Select a machine to connect to it as a guest and browse the folders enabled in the previous step.</P><br /><P><STRONG>04. Connect as a user</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 4" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.004-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you own multiple Macs and need fuller access to one that's been set to share files, click Connect As… underneath the Finder window's search field. Type in your username and password for access to the same content you can usually access on the shared machine. </P><br /><P><STRONG>05. Share with Windows</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 5" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.005-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you need to share folders with Windows users, return to the Sharing pane and click Options. In the sheet, check Share files and folders using SMB. They should then be accessible via the Windows sidebar (My Network places in XP; Network in Windows 7). </P><br /><P><STRONG>06. Share photos </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 6" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.006-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you want to share photos, avoid file sharing and use iPhoto. Open the Sharing section of iPhoto's preferences and check Share my photos; either check Share entire library or select albums to share. Other users can access shared content via the sidebar's Shares section. </P><br /><P><STRONG>07. Share music</STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 7" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.007-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>If you want to share your music, you could share /Music in step 2, but it's simpler to use iTunes. Again, use the Sharing section within preferences, and share your library or selected playlists. Connected users will be able to navigate shared content in List view only. </P><br /><P><STRONG>08. Use Home Sharing </STRONG></P><br /><P><img alt="step 8" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/MacFormat/MAC%20227/MAC227.tut_bins.008-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG></P><br /><P>iTunes offers a second way to share content across computers. Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing activates Home Sharing, which enables purchased content to be automatically transferred to authorised computers. But for occasional sharing, stick to the previous step.</P>

Tutorial: How to share files over a network in OS X

Sharing files between computers used to be something of a dark art, and this has perhaps permeated the collective consciousness of Mac user...

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Ransomware - Paying For Your Own Files

<br /> <p>Making sure your IT systems-even if that translates into a humble desktop unit that dates to the Clinton Administration-are safe and secure is important for any business of any size. After all, any loss of data can easily have repercussions far larger than the loss itself. But what if something happens-some nasty bit of malware infects your computer-and instead of losing your data, you are forced to pay to be able to access it?</p><p>Yes, you read it right: What if your files were being held for ransom right on your own hard drive?</p><p>They call it ransomware, for obvious reasons. It works by hitching a ride on a Trojan horse virus or some other piece of malware your system isn't ready for. Once there, instead of shutting you down or having all your personal information e-mailed to the hacker that sent the thing to you, it works by making encrypted copies of your files and then erasing the originals. Think of it like a safe: copies of your files are inside the safe and to get to them, you need a combination to open the lock. That combination is the encryption code and if it is done right, you are not going to crack it.</p><p>Once your files are safely under lock and key, when you try to access one of them, a message pops up reading something like this:</p><p>Your files are now fully encrypted with the new and unbreakable RSA-1024 algorithm. To view and work with these files, you must purchase our decrypting tool, which is available for purchase at....</p><p>Sometimes you are told to pay directly for the decryption software, sometimes you have to make one or more purchases at certain other websites, but either way they want you to spend money to get access to your own files. It is one thing to accept the idea that your data was stolen. It is quite another to know that your files are still there, on your hard drive, in your computer, and that you cannot reach them. What do you do? You have two options:</p><p>1. Pay the hostage-taker (Yes, your data is being held hostage).</p><p>2. Get around the hostage-taker and rescue as much of the data as possible.</p><p><strong>Millions for Defense, Not One Cent for Tribute</strong></p><p>There are a number of problems associated with paying the ransom, not the least of which is the fact that the bad guy wins. That is unacceptable. Another problem is that once you pay, you risk sharing your financial information with a criminal who will continue to take as much as they can from you. Finally, this creep is a criminal, not a boy scout. What in the world makes you believe that paying the ransom will lead to getting your files back? He could just as easily take the money and run. Remember, the more contact he has with you, the greater his exposure to capture. Keeping an agreement with you to release your data isn't going to be worth the risk that comes with it.</p><p><strong>Working the Problem</strong></p><p>Not paying the ransom and trying to break the encryption or work around it certainly feels better on a number of levels, but it does have its drawbacks as well. Early versions of ransomware had weak encryptions and so their codes could be broken fairly easily. They had gaps in the programming that could be used as an opening to reverse engineer the malware and uncover the code. The latest version, which uses the RSA-1024 encryption algorithm, does away with these problems and is so proving to be a very tough nut to crack. The other major issue is data loss or corruption. Whatever route you take to solve this problem puts your data at risk, but if you cannot crack the code that is a risk you will have to face.</p><p><strong>The Nuclear Option</strong></p><p>After trying everything else you may find that you have no choice but to reformat your hard drive and start fresh from your computer's original, out-of-the-box configuration. Considered a kind of "nuclear option," doing this would wipe out the malware and its nasty encryption, but it would also wipe out everything else including all the software you have installed since getting the machine and any other files that were not effected. There are, however, less destructive ways to proceed.</p><p><strong>Try to Find the Code</strong></p><p>While the very latest version of this malware hasn't been hacked yet, that doesn't mean that previous versions, which are still floating around out in cyberspace, haven't had their codes revealed. So, the first logical step is to get on the Internet and see what you can find. Start by googling the name of the virus and see what comes up. For example, enter the name Trojan.Archiveus and see what comes up. The first listing on the search results is Symantec's page, which includes the codes you will need to release the effected files as well as instructions on removal. If you can't find what you need online, there are other alternatives.</p><p><strong>Restore from a Clean Back-up</strong></p><p>Depending on how long ago you backed-up your files, this could be a minimally invasive fix with most files being restored properly, or it could be nearly as destructive as a reformatting. If the back-up itself is clean, however, you will certainly get rid of the malware and the encryption problem. On the other hand, you will be restoring the configuration that was vulnerable to the viral attack in the first place, so make sure your antivirus software and firewall are up-to-date and that you and your employees are practicing "safe surfing" when out on the Internet.</p><p><strong>Data Recovery</strong></p><p>The funny thing about Windows is that when you delete something, it is never really gone. What gets deleted is the tag used by the system to identify it. It isn't so much that it's gone as that Windows just can't see it. As long as you don't reformat your hard drive, such deleted information should still be there. Now, doing this yourself can be tricky and having a professional do it can be expensive but depending on the value of the files, it might be worth the expense. Just remember that data recovery is not perfect and some file corruption may take place. Also, if you don't get rid of the virus before you recover the files, you risk reinfecting them.</p><p><strong>Protect Yourself</strong></p><p>Of course, if you have gotten to the point where your systems are so infected, then you have not been running a tight enough operation. Take a few moments to look at your IT protection efforts-a good, hard look-and learn from what you find. There are two components to any effective IT security strategy. Unless they are both fully engaged, then you are not secure, period. These components are technological and human.</p><p><strong>Technology</strong></p><p>Bear in mind that antiviral software works by playing catch-up to the viruses. In other words, a new virus comes out, it is identified, analyzed, a solution is found and it is added to the list on the next update. That is a little like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. It does nothing for the most recent viral attacks, but it will keep previously known viruses from infecting your machine. That said, keep your firewall, your anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-this, anti-that, anti-everything software fully up-to-date and functioning so that you can have what protection it offers. For the cutting edge threats, however, you should try something called whitelisting.</p><p>Anti-virus software, child protection software, anti-spam utilities, anti-spyware software and the like all function by a principle called blacklisting. When something is blacklisted, it is placed on an exclusionary list and when something tries to do something, it is checked against the blacklist. If it is on the list, whatever it is trying to do is forbidden in some way. Spam, for example, is removed from the rest of the e-mail and placed in a special folder. Whitelisting works in exactly the opposite way: Only applications that appear on the whitelist are permitted. If it isn't on the list, it doesn't get to do anything. The great thing about this is that it not only works with programs, it also works with devices.</p><p>That means a file piggy-backed to an email or smuggled in on a downloaded image from a website will be prevented from running since it is not on the whitelist. It also means that the sales manager's teenage son can't install something he downloaded onto his mother's computer or plug an unauthorized peripheral device into the machine. This enhanced end-point security and IT policy enforcement are two additional reasons why whitelisting technology is something to consider.</p><p><strong>The Human Factor</strong></p><p>People are the weakest link in any security-related situation. You may have totally honest people working for you. In fact they may-each and every one of them-be shining paragons of light and virtue. Unfortunately, honesty and Galahad-like goodness do not translate into responsibility, much less intelligence. Even the best people do foolish and irresponsible things.</p><p>From an IT security point of view, these foolish and irresponsible things are usually done in complete innocence. They include downloading unapproved software, like a cool new screensaver, or installing software from a disc; plugging strange devices, such as a USB thumb drive, into their computer, just to see what it is; and other, similar activities.</p><p>Another innocent source of trouble is found when employees take their laptops out and access the Internet from the wireless networks available in airport lounges or coffee shops like Starbucks. Places like this open the user to a variety of attacks, most of which are very hard for the user to even detect. By employing a whitelist solution that covers both hardware and software, you mitigate problems caused by well-meaning but irresponsible employee activities.</p><p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p><p>Viruses in general are annoying. They waste time and money, they spy on your activities, steal your personal information, and depending on the systems that are effected or the information taken, they can do a great deal of damage. We understand these things and accept them as part of the risk we run when we connect to the Internet. Ransomware, on the other hand, is something else, something purely infuriating. It isn't simply anonymous theft. You don't get mad for a while and then pick up the phone and start canceling your credit cards and taking other steps to mitigate the damage. There is no damage done, yet. In fact, any real damage is damage that the creator of that evil piece of code, not that he has you trapped, is forcing you to do to yourself. Think the movie Saw, but on your computer, and your credit card instead of a hacksaw, but the principle is essentially the same. The crime here is something we associate with gangsters-simple extortion-and that makes it personal. The question I have is whether law enforcement will see it and treat it that way or will they treat it like any other virus? We will see.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Charles Cooper is the Web Editor and blogger for <a href="http://www.gowithabc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.gowithabc.com</a> the Web site for America's Best Companies. He is also a staff writer for America's Best: The Magazine for Small Business Owners.</p> <br />

Ransomware - Paying For Your Own Files

Making sure your IT systems-even if that translates into a humble desktop unit that dates to the Clinton Administration-are safe and secu...

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How to Crack Encrypted Winrar Files

<P>Click "Next" and "Open RAR file." Find your RAR file and click "Open."</P><P>Click "Add to project," "Next" and "OK." Click "Bruteforce attack," "Add" and click any of character sets which may be included in the password.</P><P>Use the settings to enter any information you know about the password. Click "Next," "Enter a file name" and "Finish."</P><P>Click "Open," find your RAR file and click "Open."</P><P>Use the settings in the window to set any information that you know about the password length or characters.</P><P>Click "Start" and "I want to try RAR Password Recovery before I buy it" if you have not already purchased the program.</P><P>Click "Next," "Load RAR archive," browse to your file and and click "Open."</P><P>Click "Add to project" and "Next." Click "Bruteforce attack," "Next," "Add" and click any of character sets which may be part of the password.</P><P>Set the minimal and maximal password lengths using the arrows next to these items. Click "Next," "Type a file name" and "Finish."</P>

How to Crack Encrypted Winrar Files

Click "Next" and "Open RAR file." Find your RAR file and click "Open." Click "Add to project," ...

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How to Restore a Record From APE Files

<P>Download a data recovery program for free online, such as EASEUS, Smart Recovery 4.5 or TOKIWA. Install and open the recovery program on your PC.</P><P>Select the "C:/" drive from the drive selection menu. The recovery program will scan the drive for deleted APE and other files. The deleted items will show up in a list of thumbnails.</P><P>Choose the APE files you want to retrieve and click the "Restore" tab. The command will return the APE files to the hard drive.</P>

How to Restore a Record From APE Files

Download a data recovery program for free online, such as EASEUS, Smart Recovery 4.5 or TOKIWA. Install and open the recovery program on yo...

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How to Crack Encrypted Winrar Files

<P>Click "Next" and "Open RAR file." Find your RAR file and click "Open."</P><P>Click "Add to project," "Next" and "OK." Click "Bruteforce attack," "Add" and click any of character sets which may be included in the password.</P><P>Use the settings to enter any information you know about the password. Click "Next," "Enter a file name" and "Finish."</P><P>Click "Open," find your RAR file and click "Open."</P><P>Use the settings in the window to set any information that you know about the password length or characters.</P><P>Click "Start" and "I want to try RAR Password Recovery before I buy it" if you have not already purchased the program.</P><P>Click "Next," "Load RAR archive," browse to your file and and click "Open."</P><P>Click "Add to project" and "Next." Click "Bruteforce attack," "Next," "Add" and click any of character sets which may be part of the password.</P><P>Set the minimal and maximal password lengths using the arrows next to these items. Click "Next," "Type a file name" and "Finish."</P>

How to Crack Encrypted Winrar Files

Click "Next" and "Open RAR file." Find your RAR file and click "Open." Click "Add to project," ...

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How to Restore a Record From APE Files

<P>Download a data recovery program for free online, such as EASEUS, Smart Recovery 4.5 or TOKIWA. Install and open the recovery program on your PC.</P><P>Select the "C:/" drive from the drive selection menu. The recovery program will scan the drive for deleted APE and other files. The deleted items will show up in a list of thumbnails.</P><P>Choose the APE files you want to retrieve and click the "Restore" tab. The command will return the APE files to the hard drive.</P>

How to Restore a Record From APE Files

Download a data recovery program for free online, such as EASEUS, Smart Recovery 4.5 or TOKIWA. Install and open the recovery program on yo...

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Password Protect Folders and Files!

<br /> <p>Finding out the best software to password protect important and confidential files and folders is one of the most critical issues which almost all the computer users as well as companies and organizations have been facing now especially when they connect to internet. This is because when you connect to internet, you have to face severe viral attacks as well as hacking attempts.</p><p>There are many tricks and techniques that people use to safeguard themselves from viruses and hackers, but to be very honest simple tricks and techniques are not going to protect you because hackers have become very smart these days and are well versed with all the hacking tools. Similarly viruses, malware and spyware are the big threats for your data.</p><p>There are other ways of securing your data and important files, photos, office documents and videos like you can zip your confidential data with win.rar but this is also not a secure way because at some stage they may or will cause you data loss as zipped files can easily be deleted.</p><p>Data Locking Software that use advanced password protection technology can protect your files from all possible hacking attempts as well as viral attack. This means your data will be protected not only from viruses but also from unauthorized users and hackers; even if a hacker is able to hack into your Operating System he cannot hack your data if your data locking system works on Kernel level. such type of data securing and locking software assure you the complete security of your personal data and give you complete peace of mind from all worries of data lost and data theft.</p><p>In my opinion using a reliable data locking software is the best approach to protect your confidential data. Using a sub-standard data locking or encryption software is the waste of time and waste of money and also a risk for your confidentiality. I would prefer using a reliable software preferably one that uses military standard technology and will assure me complete security and privacy, no matter even if I have to pay for it.</p><p>For better security, you can use folder locking software like <a href="http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">Folder Lock</a> or Folder Protect that will password protect your files and folders. This would be the easiest and most secure way to protect your personal and private stuff.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Mark Neil is associated with New Software Inc that provides <a href="http://newsoftwares.net/folderlock" target="_new">File Lock</a> software.</p> <br />

Password Protect Folders and Files!

Finding out the best software to password protect important and confidential files and folders is one of the most critical issues which a...

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How to Reinstall Boot Files

<P>Place a Windows 7 installation disc into the CD/DVD drive of the <a class="StrongLink" href="http://www.ehow.com/computers/">computer</A>, then reboot and press the space barwhen the "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" message appears.</P><P>Select your preferred options in the "Language to install," "Time and currency" and "Keyboard or input method" drop-down boxes. Click the "Next" button and then click the "Repair your computer" link located in the lower left corner of the "Install Windows" window.</P><P>Click on the Windows 7 operating system you wish to restore that is listed in the "System Recovery Options" window and then click the "Next" button. Click the "Startup Repair" option to repair or reinstall the boot files. When "Startup Repair" has completed (this may require more than one reboot), restart the computer to verify that the boot files have been reinstalled or repaired.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7432071_reinstall-boot-files.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a></p>

How to Reinstall Boot Files

Place a Windows 7 installation disc into the CD/DVD drive of the computer , then reboot and press the space barwhen the "Press any key...

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How to Speed Up Your Computer by Defrag and Deleting Temp Files

<br /> <p>Computers are an amazing piece of technology that has completely changed the ways that we live. With computers, we can now do things that were once unthinkable.</p><p>We can order groceries from home, purchase airline tickets, interact with people, meet future spouses, play games, listen to music, watch movies, and a million other things.</p><p>Unfortunately, with ever evolving better technologies to enhance the computer experience, one must keep up with ever evolving computer technology.</p><p>Computers are something that can very easily be upgraded. RAM, Hard Drives, and other hardware pieces are fairly easy to remove and replace with updated technology. But why just settle for upgrades?</p><p>Computers are becoming so cheap that one can easily buy a brand new computer for sometimes cheaper than it would cost for an upgrade. A new computer will speed up just about every process and activity that you may do on a computer. Games will load and play faster, CDs and DVDs can be burned easily, Windows will load up applications quicker, etc.</p><p>If you don't want to buy a new computer, there are several options one can do to make their current computer faster. You can delete temp files to clean up hard drive space and then defrag your hard drive.</p><p>To delete temp files:</p><p>1. Open Internet Explorer and click on Tools<br /><br>2. Click on Internet Options<br /><br>3. On the General Tab, in the middle of the screen, click on Delete Files<br /><br>4. You may also want to check the box "Delete all offline content"<br /><br>5. Click on OK and wait for the hourglass icon to stop after it deletes the temporary internet files<br /><br>6. You can now click on Delete Cookies and click OK to delete cookies that websites have placed on your hard drive.</p><p>To clear the Internet History in IE:</p><p>1. Open Internet Explorer and click on Tools<br /><br>2. Click on Internet Options<br /><br>3. On the General Tab, in the middle of the screen, click on Clear History<br /><br>4. Click OK</p><p>To clean up other temporary files on your computer in Windows 98 or higher:</p><p>1. Click Start, Programs (or All Programs), Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup<br /><br>2. Choose the correct drive usually C:<br /><br>3. Check the boxes in the list and delete the files</p><p>After this is done, if you'd like to defrag, you can do this:</p><p>1. Open My Computer.<br /><br>2. Right-click the local disk volume that you want to defragment, and then click Properties.<br /><br>3. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now.<br /><br>4. Click Defragment.</p><p>There are literally dozens of other ways to speed up your computer. But deleting temp files and defragging is one easy way to speed up your hard drive. If you want that doing these tricks doesn't really help, then you can always buy a new computer, for real cheap.</p><p>Another tip to speed up your computer, that does cost some money, is to run ScanDisk. This will find any problems with your hard drives and / or Windows and will help run you computer more smoothly.</p><p>1. Press the Start button.<br /><br>2. Click My Computer.<br /><br>3. Highlight the disk which you want to scan for bad sector on the list of Hard Disk Drives.<br /><br>4. Open the File menu and select Properties<br /><br>5. Select the Tools tab.<br /><br>6. Click the Check Now button.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>To get a Brand New Free Dell, which you can easily Defrag and Delete Temp Files, go visit my site at : [http://organicsarebetter.com/blog]</p> <br />

How to Speed Up Your Computer by Defrag and Deleting Temp Files

Computers are an amazing piece of technology that has completely changed the ways that we live. With computers, we can now do things that...

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