Inside the brain of a Geek: Did you reboot?

“Did you reboot?”  It always throws me when I get asked that question.  I’m a Geek and rebooting is Geek 101.  But my answer to his questions was “No.”  I had broken a Geek commandment. I did as instructed and was torn between want my problem fixed and not wanting it to be a so simple.  The reboot didn’t solve my issue but it gave us a fresh start the made finding the problem easier.  This experience made me think, what do my client think when I ask that question?  Do they understand why rebooting is important?  I’m hoping this will answer a lot of question about why Geek’s ask “Did you reboot?”  I promise no geek speak just an analogy to help you better understand the process. 

Image your computer as a daycare.  Now image your software and programs as kids in that daycare. The day starts off smoothly with children being dropped off with instructions to behave and to play nice.  But as more children arrive the conflicts arise.  PowerPoint is trying to save a presentation but Adobe is hogging the hard drive.  Firefox got a new upgrade and now Java is refusing to be her friend. No one wants to play with IE because he never passes the memory.  Word borrowed a DLL from Windows 7 and now he can’t find it.  Several hours of this and even the best children are shrieking errors and moving slowly.  Now just imagine this daycare 10 days from now?  This is exactly what is happening on your computer every day.  Some of us have a few kids in our daycare and they get along most of the time while others are beyond capacity.  What would a reboot do?  Put all the children down for a nap, put everything back in its place, a quick cleaning, empty the memory, and a few seconds of quiet.  

Below are five signs that the kids are being unruly and you need to reboot.

1.  Programs running slow

2.  Programs locking up or freezing

3.  Newly installed hardware not working

4.  Overall system sluggishness

5.  Programs not starting or working properly

Just for fun!

Below is a YouTube link to a video called “IT Crowd - Have You Tried Turning It Off And On Again?”  IT Crowd is a British sitcom about a two socially awkward IT guys.

Inside the brain of a Geek: Just Zip It!

A question we get a lot.  How do I resolve the problem of emailing large files?  Our recommend solution is 7-Zip.  Why use 7-Zip over WinZip or the native Windows option?

How to create and email a zip file you ask?

Select the files you wish to email

 

Option 1:  Right click on the selected files and select 7-Zip – Compress to “temp.zip” and email

 

Your default email program will open automatically with the zip file already attached.

 

Option 2:  Right click on the selected files and select 7-Zip – Add to archive

 

This option will allow you to customize your zip file.  You can add a password, encryption, split into volumes, and change the name.  This file will be saved on your computer which you can then add as an attachment to an email.

Inside the brain of a Geek: Customizing your web experience in Chrome

We covered Firefox add-ons last time; in Chrome they are called extensions.    What are extensions?  They are aftermarket additions that allow you to customize Chrome to fit your needs and preferences.  Here are a few things extensions can do for you:  Customize appearance; translate content; block ads; display the weather; easy word definition; and increase security. 

Our top Chrome Extensions:

1.       AdBlock. AdBlock is our favorite and the most popular Chrome extension.    With over 3 million users it is the number one add-on for blocking video ads, banner ads, Flash ads, Facebook ads, test ads….  See the before and after screenshots in the attachment pdf. http://chromeadblock.com

2.       ScriptNo. A simple extension that blocks scripts while emphasizing simplicity and intuitiveness.  “We don’t need no stinkin’ site garbage!” is their motto. ScriptNo only allows executable content to run from websites that you choice.http://code.google.com/p/scriptno/

3.       Turn Off the Lights. Great extension for video viewing. Fades the background website so you can watch the video as if you were in a cinema.  With on click, the page will be fading to dark and automatic focus to the video.  Click again, the page will return back to normal. http://www.stefanvd.net/

The PDF attachment  (2.88MB) contains detailed instructions for finding and installed extensions in Chrome.

Inside the brain of a Geek: Customizing your web experience in Firefox

As geek there are things we do that we just assume everyone does.  Remember that old saying about assuming?  I’m making it my goal to stop assuming and start educating. Today we are starting with our must have web browser add-ons for Firefox.  What are add-ons?  They are aftermarket additions that allow you to customize Firefox to fit your needs and preferences.  Here are a few things add-ons can do for you:  Customize appearance; translate content; block ads; display the weather; price comparison; visualize bookmarks; and increase security. 

Our top Firefox add-ons:

1.       AdBlock Plus.  Carlos and I both agree that our number one add-on for Firefox is AdBlock Plus.  With 14 million users it is the number one add-on for removing online advertising.  See the before and after screenshots in the attachment pdf. http://adblockplus.org/en/

2.       NoScript. Their website states that NoScript is “The best security you can get in a web browser” and we agree. This is a preemptive approach to security on the web.  NoScript only allows executable content to run from websites that you choice.  Run this add-on for a few days and you will be shocked by all the content executing without your knowledge.  Vulnerabilities in executable are exactly what malware exploits to infect your computer.http://noscript.net/

3.       Certificate Patrol.   “Your browser trusts many certification authorities and intermediate sub-authorities quietly, every time you enter an HTTPS web site. This add-on reveals when certificates are updated, so you can ensure it was a legitimate change.”  https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/certificate-patrol/

4.       HTTPS Everywhere.  “On supported parts of supported sites, HTTPS Everywhere enables the sites' HTTPS protection which can protect you against eavesdropping and tampering with the contents of the site or with the information you send to the site. Ideally, this provides some protection against an attacker learning the content of the information flowing in each direction — for instance, the text of e-mail messages you send or receive through a webmail site, the products you browse or purchase on an e-commerce site, or the particular articles you read on a reference site.”  https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere

The attachment (PFD 3.3Mb) contains detailed instructions for finding and installed add-ons in Firefox. 

Next week:  I will cover add-ons in Chrome.

Inside the brain of a Geek: Finding protection in a cloud

After cleaning an infected workstation, I usually get the follow question, “What can I do to protect my other workstations?” There are many options available but one of the fastest and most cost effect options is OpenDNS. OpenDNS is protection in a cloud. 

What does OpenDNS do?

            Protects against malicious internet treats

            Ensure an appropriate internet environment through web filtering

            Web filtering based on categories  (Examples:  Adult Themes; Auctions; Drugs; Gambling; Social Networking; Instant Messaging; Jobs/Employment)

            Web filtering based on domain names (Examples:  facebook.com; twitter.com; ebay.com; yahoo.com; gmail.com; quibids.com)

            Whitelists and Blacklists to customize the category based filtering to fit your needs

Why we use and recommend it?

            Offer a basic package that is free 

            Deploys in less than 30 minutes

            No additional hardware, software or desktop client needed

            Easily managed from any internet connection

            Protects all devices on the network

Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles OpenDNS offer free Parental Control options for home use.

Inside the Brain of a Geek: Spam, Spam Go Away!

What is spam?  According to Wikipedia “to send unsolicited bulk messages indiscriminately.”  Spam has been around much longer than the internet.  In the late 19^th Century Western Union allowed telegraphic messages to be sent to multiple locations.   Up until the Great Depression wealthy Americans would be deluged with unsolicited telegrams with investment offers.

We no longer have to worry about telegrams but with spam averaging 78% of all email sent we are still experiencing a deluge.   Below are a few tips to help you slow the flood and distinguish the good from the spam.

1.       If you start receiving emails from a company that you didn’t provide with your email, don’t use the unsubscribe option.  When you do that you are confirming to the spammer this is a valid email address.   Use the spam filtering options in Outlook, Trend Micro, or ESVA to block these emails.

2.       Turn off the “Reading Pane” in Outlook.  When you use the reading pane you are opening the email, for better or worse.  Emails can contain distinct images that when loaded provide the sender feedback of the exact user that opened the email.

3.       No legitimate company will ask you to send personal or sensitive information via email.  If you are unsure if an email is legit.  Call the company directly or go to their known website for help.   Don’t click links provided in the email.   Don’t call the phone number provided in an email.

4.    If it sounds to good to be true or far fetched, check www.snopes.com.   Snopes.com is the definitive Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.  

5.   Ask an IT professional.  Please don't hesitate to call if you receive a email that doesn't seem right.  When in doubt don't open it.  

Inside the Brain of a Geek: Screen Shots

One question I get often is “How to capture a screen-shot, screen grab, print screen or snip?”  It can be a multi-step process and most of the time you get more than you want.  Microsoft has addressed that in Windows 7 with the snipping tool.   The snipping tool allows you to make free-form, rectangular, window, and full-screen snips that automatically copy into the clipboard and mark-up window.  Using the mark-up window you can email, save, or copy to any application that allows pasting. 

To access the snipping tool click on the Windows Key, or left click on the Start button, and type “Snip” in the search box. Once the “Snipping Tool” is highlighted select “Enter” to launch the program. Use the drop down box to the right of “New” button to select the snipping tool you want to use.   A white overlay appears on your screen until you capture a snip.  Holding down the left click button, draw around the area you want to snip.   Once you release the left button it will copy the snip to the clipboard and open the mark-up window.   From there you can email, save, or paste into another application. 

 

I made the snip below using the free form snip.   I then used the highlighter in the mark-up window to highlight the text.  

For a full tutorial on using the Snipping tool in Windows 7 use the link below.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Use-Snipping-Tool-to-capture-screen-shots

For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:  Click the window you want to capture.   Press Alt+Print Screen by holding down the Alt key and then pressing the Print Screen.  The Print Screen button is usually located in the top right of your keyboard.  It might be marked with “PrtSc”.   This only makes a copy of the window.  You can then paste the screen shot in any application that allows pasting.  These are just a few Paint, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook email, Photoshop, etc...  Open one of these applications then right click inside the application and select paste.  If you want a full screen shot, just use the Print Screen button. 

For iPhone users:   You can take a screen shot by pressing the Home & Sleep/Power buttons at the same time.  Don’t hold down the buttons, just a quick press at the same time is all that you need.  You will hear the camera shutter sound and the screen shot will be save in you photos.

For Android users:  It is possible but very difficult to take screen shots with an Android phone.   Buying an app looks like the best option.   The app “No Root Screenshot it” gets 4 ½ out of 5 stars.  

Inside the brain of a Geek: 10 keyboard shortcuts to increase your productivity!

Keyboard shortcuts, or hotkeys, can make it easier to navigate your computer, saving you time and effort.  

Carlos and I have discussed making a short how to video of these shortcuts.  If you would find a video helpful please let us know and we will make it.

Windows 7 Users

Windows logo key +Spacebar

Preview the desktop.

Windows logo key +Up Arrow

Maximize the window.

Windows logo key +Left Arrow

Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.

Windows logo key +Right Arrow

Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.

Windows logo key +Down Arrow

Minimize the window.

Windows logo key +Tab

Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Windows logo key +number

Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.

Windows logo key +L

Lock your computer or switch users.

Windows logo key +F

Search for a file or folder.

Windows logo key +M

Minimize all windows.

For a full list of all Windows 7 keyboard shorts go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Keyboard-shortcuts

Windows XP Users:

Windows Key

Display or hide the Start menu

Windows Key + M

Minimize all windows

Windows Key+Shift+M

Restores minimized windows.

Windows Key + D

Shows the desktop

Windows Key + F

Windows + F is used to start the Windows Search.

Windows Key + E

Open My Computer

Windows Key + L

Locks your computer if you are connected to a network domain.

Shift + Delete

Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin.

Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Open Task Manager

Alt + Tab

Switch between the open programs

For a full list of all Windows XP keyboard shortcuts go to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301583

Inside the toolbox of a Geek: The need for PDF speed!

I’m sure you have heard Geeks talk about the speed of processors, memory, hard drive rpm, boot times, internet downloads, but PDF readers?!?   If you are like us and have ever had to open a large pdf document with Adobe Reader then you understand the need for pdf speed.   We use and recommend Foxit Reader to our clients because it is feature rich, bloat free, and fast.

The Best PDF Reader – Foxit Reader

• Fast - so you're not waiting forever to read files.
• Lightweight - so it's easily deployable and doesn't exhaust system resources.
• Secure - so you don't get infected with viruses and can keep sensitive information safe.

The Foxit Reader is a small, fast, and feature rich PDF viewer which allows you to open, view, and print any PDF file. Unlike other free PDF readers, Foxit Reader also includes easy to use collaboration features like the ability to add annotations, fill out forms, and share information with social networks. Foxit Reader has a small footprint that starts up instantly, renders PDF files quickly and uses very little memory, which is especially important with today's handheld devices. The Foxit Reader is packed full of convenient and easy to use viewing, commenting and printing features that make document collaboration simple. Foxit Reader's secure platform insures worry free operation against malicious virus and provides a secure and reliable digital signature verification platform for exchanging electronics documents without putting the user at risk from falsified documents.

Foxit Reader is part of your patching agreement.  Let me know if you would like to have it installed.  

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Inside the toolbox of a Geek: Logins, and Passwords, and Links! OH MY!

I did some rough calculations and we keep track of 800+ passwords.   Over the years, we have tried many ways to consolidate of all this information.  Many years ago Carlos found our current solution and we have been organized ever since.   How do we tame all our logins, and passwords, and Links?  KeePass Password Safe.   

“KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish).  KeePass can generate strong random passwords for you.  You can define the possible output characters of the generator (number of characters and type).”

KeePass is part of your patching agreement.  Let me know if you would like to have it installed.  

KeePass Features:

• Stong Security
• Multiple User Keys
• Portable and No Installation required (options)
• Support of Password Group
• Time Fields and Entry Attachments
• Auto-Type, Global Auto-Type Hot Key and Drag & Drop
• Intuitive and Secure Clipboard Handling
• Searching and Sorting
• Strong Random Password Generator
• Open Source