T11M

One of the main things people ask me after getting to know me and what I do for a living is:

“Tim, can you help me pick out a new computer? I just don’t know what to get and I don’t understand all the tech jargon that goes along with it.”

It never fails. I’ve even met people at parties and had them ask me after 10 minutes of conversation. I love to talk computers and I enjoy specking out new models so feel free to ask, but I thought I would write down the basics of purchasing a new PC so that you can be more informed consumers and not get snowed by those lousy, good for nothing BestBuy Geeks. (A quick sidebar – I hate BestBuy. If you can find someone to help you they rarely work in the department your question is about, and when you do find the correct sales rep he or she usually only knows enough about the products and technology to make themselves sound proficient in their area of “expertise”.) Anyway, when purchasing a new PC you have to balance the latest in technology with the amount of cash you are willing to hand over. Don’t skimp just because it may cost a few more dollars, but you probably don’t want to ride the bleeding edge of the technology curve either. Here is a quick rundown of the key components of a computer:

1. Processor – This is the “brain” of your PC. The faster it is the more quickly your computer can process data. However it relies on the cache and RAM to feed it the data that it needs to process making the processor and the RAM contingent on each other. Speed is measured in gigaherz (Ghz). Processors can also have multiple cores which allow each single processor to basically function as multiple processors while remaining the size of a single processor – a dual core processor has the equivalent speed of two processors but fits in the space of a single processor – really cool technology. Dual core processors are pretty standard now and I wouldn’t recommend anything less. Quad cores are even better.
2. RAM – the RAM or Random Access Memory is what temporarily stores data while your computer is processing the information you are feeding it. Usually more RAM is better, however it can get expensive really quick. RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) and 4 is pretty much standard anymore.
3. Graphics Card – This is what processes and displays the graphical images you see on the screen. Most computers come with one built in now, however you can upgrade to much nicer ones if you are going to be doing graphics intensive work like photo/video processing or playing games. Measured in megabytes (MB) and 256 or 512 is about standard.
4. Hard Disk Drive – where your files are stored. The bigger the hard drive, the more files you can store. Measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB) where 1024 GB = 1 TB.
5. Audio Card – most likely integrated into the system and not necessary to purchase an extra one – unless of course you are doing high end audio recording and playback. Then you need to spend the money on a good audio card.
6. Operating System (OS) – This is what allows you to actual interface with the computer hardware. The most prevalent are Windows and Mac, but Linux is becoming more prevalent. The biggest question you face now when purchasing a new OS is 32 bit vs 64 bit. Basically these numbers simply tell you the level of processing the OS can do. Until very recently most programs didn’t run in 64 bit making the 64 bit OS highly impractical for every day use. In my opinion Windows 64 bit is still fairly impractical. Apple however is doing all of the 64 bit migration in the background and allows you to run in both 64 bit and 32 bit mode simultaneously making things much easier for end users (basically you can run any software on it regardless of whether the software is 64 or 32 bit compatible). In my opinion you should purchase a 32 bit OS
7. Display – The thing you look at. Most displays are LCD or LED backlit. Both are good but the LED backlit screens use less power allowing for longer battery life on laptops.

Anything else being sold with the computer is probably extraneous. Don’t spend your money on anti-virus software or this that and the other thing that a computer retailer is going to try and sell you. Keep it basic and you’ll save yourself a lot of money. There are free applications for almost everything anymore, all you have to do is look for them.

Now, when you go to purchase all you need to do is look at the processor speed, the amount of RAM, the size of the video card, the size of the hard drive and the operating system you want to have on it. Combine all those together and you’ll get your final price. Dell has a really good method for customizing your own computer which can give you a great estimate of what a computer with your desired specifications should cost.

My final tip is SHOP AROUND! Don’t buy the first computer you come across that looks good and is in your price range. Take your time and find one that fits your needs exactly. Good luck!

Linux, OS X, Windows, Work PC

Conficker has been reeking havoc on unpatched Windows machines for the last couple of months.  As I’ve mentioned before that’s because people don’t update on a regular schedule.  So those of us who get called in to deal with viruses (either in person or via phone) have our usual array of tools to clean up the machine.  One really easy way to tell if your computer has been infected with the Conficker worm is to go to the Conficker Eye Chart.  If you see all of the pictures you are safe, if not better download MalwareBytes.

Windows Virus

I’ve been contemplating how to explain data backups in a way that will communicate exactly how critical this subject really is.  I have dealt with a number of computers recently that were not backed up and have suffered some form of a hard drive failure – partial or total failure.  In almost every case these people have lost valuable data that they will never be able to retrieve.  So listen up, take heed, and actually start backing up your computer.

First, a computer will NOT run forever; its components will begin to fail over time or with damage.  A computer is composed of a vast array of extraordinarily small electronic circuits that work together to give you the computer that you use every day.  One of the key components to a computer is the hard drive which physically stores your data.  Depending on your type of hard drive it is either composed of a group of spinning discs or a solid medium that can be manipulated with electric impulses.  Either way if this physical device becomes damaged in any way it can (and most likely will) cause a loss of data – whether that loss be partial or total depends on the extent of the damage.  Damage to a hard drive can occur in a number of ways – dropping it, overheating it, freezing it, rapidly changing its temperature, an electrical spike, a power failure, or just normal wear and tear.  All of these things contribute to the physical breakdown of a hard drive and eventual data loss.  You should always be careful with your hard drive and do your very best to keep it from being damaged.

Second, your computer should never be trusted as the sole keeper of your data.  As I stated before age or damage can cause data loss, but there is another more common way data is lost – deletion.  No matter how savvy you may think you are or how careful you are to ensure you are deleting the correct files, everyone at some point makes a mistake.  Whether you accidentally delete the wrong file or overwrite a file with another, data loss is inevitable.  Therefore you must back up your files on a regular schedule that coincides with the usage of your files.  Simply put, you should always back up your computer after making changes to your files.

Finally, data loss happens through theft or loss of the device.  This is pretty simple to understand.  Whether your computer is stolen, taken, or somehow misplaced your data is gone.  The only recourse you have is a back up that you have created.  If done properly your back ups should never be taken at the same time as your main computer. 

Now that you understand just how easily it is to lose your data the next step is to back it up.

Linux, OS X, Windows Data Backups

Generally Microsoft’s advertising department is about as useful as a flashlight is to a blind person, but here they have finally done something right.  This video definitely pokes fun of what we do on the Internet while simultaneously showing off the cool functionality of IE 8.  Will I switch?  Hell NO!  But I do give Microsoft a thumbs up for a good ad.

Web, Windows Funny

A large part (to be honest over 90%) of my consulting business is based upon fixing computers that have been infected with viruses and malware. The majority of the time these infections could easily have been prevented.  However, over the past few years we have seen a serious escalation in the abilities of Black Hats (malicious computer crackers) to create near believable phishing attempts, pop ups, and other delivery methods for their malicious software.  One of the most recent viruses that I have dealt with on multiple user machines is “Microsoft Antivirus 2009″.  This virus can be exceptionally malicious and does an amazing job of hooking into the operating system and altering your ability to remove it.  The worst part is the longer you allow these new viruses to operate on your computer the more damage they cause.  In every case I have completely wiped the computer’s hard drive and started over with a fresh installation of Windows.  Side note: It is best practices to always perform a complete reinstallation of a computer’s operating system when it has been infected with malicious software.  The extent to which viruses and spyware can penetrate your computer have reached the point where regardless of the anti virus software you use, it is nearly impossible to know if you have purged your system of the malicious software.  So here are a few guidelines to hopefully help you avoid malicious software on the internet.

1. Never open email attachments from anyone you do not trust! NEVER! And sometimes don’t even open attachments from people you do.
2. Unless you know exactly what the files are and that they are trustworthy do not open files with these extensions: .exe, .bat, .vbs, .scr, or .pif.
3. Never click on a popup no matter how good the offer or how much it looks like a real windows notification.  If you have a web browser open (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc.) then any notification could be malicious.
4. If a window won’t let you close it, there is a good possibility it is trying to deliver malicious software to you.  Use the task manager to end that program.
5. If you are surfing the Internet, do not believe anything that states your computer has been infected with a virus.  Websites that say your computer is infected with a virus are only trying to con you in to downloading their software, which is most likely a virus.
6. Don’t disable Windows firewall or Defender.  These programs help block malicious software.
7. Test your firewall with ShieldsUP! to see if you have any rogue open ports.
8. Always update your computer’s operating system.  If you are still running Windows XP make sure that your computer is updating by visiting Microsoft’s software update site.  http://update.microsoft.com.  Vista users should ensure that their system is updating regularly.
9. Remember that anti virus (AV) software is a reactive measure, not a preventative measure – it doesn’t protect your system from viruses that it doesn’t know about.  Update your AV frequently.
10. Don’t give your user account administrative privileges.  If you don’t have the ability to install software then it is very unlikely that the malicious software won’t either.
11. Don’t let your children play games on the Internet or torrent (download) files.  There are just too many opportunities for your system to become infected.

Here are some good links to read.  They explain the various threats on the internet as well as some key methods to avoid infection:

• User’s Guide to Avoiding Virus Infections
• Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Viruses
• Don’t be a Computer Virus Victim

Web, Windows Malware, Spyware, Virus

So a friend at work showed me Tab Mix Plus today. It’s a Firefox Addon that allows awesome customization of the tab features in Firefox. You can change the way tabs open, enable click functionality (middle click, double click, etc), and change the way the tab bar functions. Pretty freakin’ sweet. Man I love the functionality of Firefox!

Linux, OS X, Windows Firefox

So I finally was able to download the Windows 7 Beta. What a pain! They require ActiveX controls to be installed, which pretty much rules out downloading with an OS X only machine. So anyway, I finally got it downloaded using a PC at work.  Now on to the install…

9:30 am – I’m using VMware Fusion to load it as a virtual machine.  I chose all default settings, install from ISO image, and using Windows Vista settings (VMware doesn’t currently support Windows 7, but that’s expected).  Started the install.

9:50 am – Holy crap!  I’ve never installed any version of Windows that fast, let alone a beta.  I’m astounded.  Oh, and VMware tools is installing automatically.  I’m very impressed.  It’s as if Microsoft wants this product to be good!

9:55 am – VMware tools installed perfectly and readjusted my video settings.

10:00 am – Verified that VMware tools are actually working.

10:02 am – Entered Unity mode.  It’s really smooth and fast.  That’s a testament to both VMware and Windows 7.

10:05 am – Just for kicks I bound it to the domain at work.  I’ve never tested that before.

10:08 am – Waiting for my roaming profile to load.  It’s taking quite a bit of time, but that is the common experience so far in all Windows OS configurations.

10:11 am – Roaming profile loaded properly.  None of the logon scripts we have configured worked.  It said it couldn’t find the network resources… have to investigate that.

10:12 am – All of the network resources appear to be available.  I wonder if it is a problem with roaming profiles and VMware Fusion…?

10:16 am – Uh oh… Tried to restart to finish installing updates and got a Windows alert asking if I wanted to Force Quit applications or Cancel and close them myself.  Clicked Cancel and now just the background visible.

10:17 am – Ctrl-Alt-Delete allowed me to restart just fine.  Configuring Windows update and rebooting.

10:30 am – Installing Microsoft Office 2007.  At this point I am an hour in and have a very functional OS, not to mention it is inside of a Virtual Machine.  It seems like all of the software I have that worked in Vista is going to work just fine in Windows 7.  Nice.  Props to you Microsoft.  Props to you.

Windows beta, Windows 7