And More! To all the TGM readers in the United States – Happy Thanksgiving
Nov 26th
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Soapbox! – Some companies out there just take advantage and have no morals. SoftwareCandy is one of those.
Nov 26th
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/softwarecandylogo NULL.png) **I will start by saying that this post is entirely my opinion. There is a company that I just became aware of called SoftwareCandy (I will not put their link as they really don’t deserve that). The company claims that they are
Inspired by a Vision
At Software Candy, we believe that your computer should serve you, not the other way around. We believe that your Windows® XP, Windows Vista® or Windows® 7 experience should be fun, easy and productive.
That is why and how we came up with the concept of "the perfect software":
The problem is that what they are doing is going around the web and taking posts and solutions from many sites (sites that do not charge for their time and efforts) and then using that information like if SoftwareCandy was the one who came up with it (not giving credit to the original person), and on top of that SoftwareCandy proceeds to charge for this as well.
So they take others works (things that took and time and effort for the original person to develop) and than take credit for the work and make money from unknowing and unsuspecting visitors to their site.
We as techs all face similar if not the same issues, computer issues are computer issues, but for someone else to wait until you do all the work and then take all the credit for it shows a company with serious moral issues.
To those readers of TGM, I can’t tell you want to do or not do, but remember that you have options. If you don’t see answers to a needed solution here on TGM, you can always search the web for others who work just as hard as TGM to provide assistance without charging you, or you can send TGM and these other sites requests. TGM (as well as many other sites on the web) work very hard to help answer questions sent in by our readers. I’m sure you will be able to get a solution without having to pay a site like SoftwareCandy.
This ends my Soapbox**
Software: Resume Templates for MS Office
Nov 25th
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/work_in_progress NULL.jpg) With unemployment as high as it is currently, sending out your resume has become a full time job for some. I have had a number of family and friends all ask me to look over their resumes (I guess being employed qualifies you to review resumes), and a few of the resumes I saw needed some serious help. So to help them fix their resumes I started looking around for templates and I found some very good and free (if your sending out your resume, you probably aren’t in a position to be more than you have to), and found some very good ones being offered on the Microsoft website (in partnership with monster.com) for MS Office. The templates can be found on the Microsoft Office Online page (LINK: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/FX103504051033.aspx (http://office NULL.microsoft NULL.com/en-us/help/FX103504051033 NULL.aspx)).
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/resumetemplatescreen NULL.jpg)
The page breaks the templates down by resume type (Basic, Entry level / College student, Experienced Professional, Job-Specific, Career move, Academic). Just click on the resume type your looking for and then select from one of the 4 templates for each category.
Since the templates are being “Powered by monster.com”, you will see a couple of links in Office (only while you are using that specific template) pointing giving you the option to post the resume directly to the monster.com site. If you use monster.com, then that’s an extra help, however, if you don’t use monster all you have to do is just ignore the links, as you are still able to save and print the resume itself without any monster.com labels on your resume.
When you open the template you will see a Joe Doe type set up with some made up information, all you need to do is use that as your guide and over ride that information with your resume information.
If your in the need of getting Microsoft Office, one option to consider is downloading the new beta version of Microsoft Office 2010 (LINK: http://us2.office2010beta.microsoft.com/default.aspx?culture=en-US (http://us2 NULL.office2010beta NULL.microsoft NULL.com/default NULL.aspx?culture=en-US)). The beta includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Note, Publisher, Access. The beta version of Office 2010 will expire in October 2010, which gives you a full version of Office for free (Legally), for almost an entire year.
For those in the middle of the job search, TechGeekandMore wishes you luck in your quest.
Software: Use NiNite to Simplify your application install
Nov 25th
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/computer_cartoon2 NULL.jpg) One of the more annoying things about installing or re-installing Windows involves having to install your programs. There is now a way you can speed up the process and eliminate most of the work as well. If you visit Ninite (LINK: http://ninite.com/ (http://ninite NULL.com/)) you will be able to make the installation of some of the most common programs a simple 1 step process.
The following is from the Ninite site showing the programs you can choose from (as of 11/24/09)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image31 NULL.png)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image81 NULL.png) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image131 NULL.png) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image18 NULL.png)
All you need to do is pick all the programs that you would like to install, then click at the bottom where it says Get Installer. You will get a single file to download. Once you have it downloaded, double click it and the remaining work will be taken care of for you.
-Ninite installs apps with default settings and says "no" to browser toolbars and other junk*.
-Ninite checks your PC’s language and 64-bit support to install the latest, best version of each app.
-Ninite runs on Windows XP/Vista/7 and works in the background 100% hands-free.
-All Ninite does is install the apps you choose.
(*The only thing to keep in mind is that the installer will install to your C:\ drive, I point that out to those with more than one drive, in case you prefer to install to another drive.)
How to: What to do if you get a virus or malware via a pop up message
Nov 23rd
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/computervirus NULL.jpg) There have been many posts on TechGeekandMore concerning viruses, spyware, malware, and scareware. If you wonder why, its because as a tech, the number one question and the number one support call that I will take involves pc’s that have already been infected (because the user didn’t know any better) and what to do to clean up the pc.
Sometimes the infection isn’t really bad and a simple scan and delete will clean things up, other times, its a matter of recover/save what you can from the pc and format/reinstall everything (and yes that could mean saying goodbye to important documents or a long downtime). On top of everything else keep in mind that hiring someone like me to clean up your pc could cost $100 / HR or more, and in some cases it may be more cost effective to buy a new pc.
So where do we start, we start at a couple of common things that are DO’s and DONT
1) If your on any website and see a messages like the following
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/avsystemprospyware1 NULL.jpg) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/personalavfakeinstallmessage NULL.jpg)
DO NOT CLICK ON YES OR OK, it is a trick used by the writer of the virus or malware (known as social engineering) to get you to install the malware or virus. Since the message will probably pop up as part of the page your on, you may just think that its a natural part of Windows and agree to it, at least that’s what the bad guy hopes you will believe.
Additionally, when online, DO READ WHAT THE POP MESSAGES SAY AND DONT JUST CLICK ON THEM TO GET THEM OUT OF YOUR WAY. ADDITIONALLY DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT POPS UP (I know this is a hard concept for most). The following are just some of the MILLIONS of possible messages that you could see
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/confickerfakeav NULL.jpg)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/popupmessagevirus NULL.jpg)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/viruspopup2 NULL.jpg) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/viruspopup1 NULL.jpg)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/virus2 NULL.jpg)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/windowssecuritycenterpopup NULL.jpg)
Now lets talk about how these happen, they can happen because the website your visiting has been infected by a virus. These days its not just pc’s that get infected it can also be websites both minor and major (Scareware Pop-Ups Target Google, New York Times (http://www NULL.waco NULL.bbb NULL.org/article/scareware-pop-ups-target-google-new-york-times-13118)), so DONT think that because the only sites you visit are major sites (Google, NY Times, Twitter, Facebook, etc) that your entirely safe. You MUST always stay alert.
What if you machine is under attack from a Virus or Malware
Take immediate action as soon as the message or popup comes up. The majority of viruses and malware is written in such a way that not only will your machine get infected, but the infection will go out to the internet (completely automatically) and download additional files and infections to reinforce itself. So the longer you take to address the issue the harder (and probably more expensive) it will be to clean your machine. Image your self getting the flu, you take care of yourself and in a few days your body recovers and everything is normal again. However, if you get the flu and ignore it and just let it continue without doing anything about it, you could get sick enough to end up in a hospital or even dead. (Sorry to make it so over dramatic, but really that’s what it boils down to).
As soon as you receive a one of these type of scareware/malware/virus pop up windows, you need to use the task manager to close whatever program your using to get to the internet (You should NEVER try and close the program with the ok or cancel button on the program as all the buttons no matter what they say will download unwanted files on to your pc). You can access the task manager 1 of 2 ways
Task Manager via Ctrl Alt Del key
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Hold down ctrl, alt, and delete at the same time. |
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If your on WindowsXP you will see this box. Just select task manager. |  (http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ctrlaltdelwindows7 NULL.jpg) |
If your on Windows Vista or 7, then you will see this window. Select Start Task Manager from here. |
Task Manager via Right Click
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Use an empty space on the task menu (that’s the bar on the bottom where you see your programs) right click, you will see Task Manager as a choice. Select Task Manager from there. |
Once you have opened the Task Manager, you will see the following window.
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/antivirus2009 NULL.jpg) From the applications tab you will see all programs that are currently running. You should highlight any program that is connected to the internet (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc and Anything email) and select End Task. You will be prompted with 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/endprogram NULL.jpg)
and select End Now. Continue doing that until you remove everything that is connected to the internet.
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/emptytaskmanager NULL.jpg)
Once you have closed the Window – what next?
This may take a little time, but its best to check you pc and make sure nothing stayed on it that shouldn’t be there. There are 4 things you need to do at this point.
Step#1 -
If you use Internet Explorer
Go to Tools –> Internet Options –> select delete in the browser history section and delete all
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/internetoptionsie NULL.jpg)
If your using Firefox
Go to Tools –> Options –> Privacy and select clear your recent history and remove individual cookies ( you may need to change the setting to remember history to get to the settings)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ffcache NULL.jpg)If you use any other browser look for the area to remove, cache, temp or cookies and remove all.
***Also make sure you empty your recycling bin.***
Step# 2-
If you don’t already have a copy on your pc, download Super Antispyware (LINK: http://superantispyware.com/ (http://superantispyware NULL.com/)) and install Super Antispyware. **There is a Free and Pro edition, all you will need is the free edition.**
- During the install you will see the following screens. Make sure you say YES to “Would you like Super Antispyware to check for the latest updates….” then select the default or recommended setting for the remaining screens. On the screen asking for email address you do NOT have to enter anything, you can just select the next button.
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(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image NULL.png)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image1 NULL.png)
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Once installed you will see the following screen, just make sure that the definition date (on the bottom right) is current (shouldn’t be more than a day or two old, if not click on check for updates) then select scan your computer (on top left)
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image4 NULL.png) You will then see
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/superantispywarefull NULL.jpg) At which point, select all your hard drives and select “Perform complete scan” and hit next.
Once the scan completes,
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image5 NULL.png) You will see the list of items found. I would recommend that all shown items remain with checks and then select next.
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image6 NULL.png)The lastly once the clean up completes. You will be prompted to reboot. I recommend you close anything that is still open and select yes to reboot.
Step# 3
If you don’t already have Malwarebytes, download and install (LINK: http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (http://www NULL.malwarebytes NULL.org/)). **There is both a free and paid version, home users just need to get the free version.
– During the install you will see the following screens, you can select the default choices. Toward the end of the install you will see a choice for “Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware” make sure you have a check next to that choice.
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image7 NULL.png) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image8 NULL.png) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image9 NULL.png) 
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(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image11 NULL.png) 
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image12 NULL.png) 
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(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image15 NULL.png)
As soon as it is installed, you will see the following screen. Make sure to select “Perform full scan” and select all your drives and run your scan.
(http://www NULL.rj-diamond NULL.com/alex/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image16 NULL.png)
Once completed you will see a list of all items found. Select all and remove. Then reboot pc.
Step# 4
Lastly, whatever Anti-virus you have, make sure you update it to the latest updates or signature file (depending on which one you have) and run a full scan of all your drives. If it finds anything select removal and then reboot.
If you don’t have an Anti-Virus program or yours is expired, TGM recommends Microsoft Security Essentials which is free. (LINK: http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/Security_Essentials/) )
I know this was a long post, but the steps listed above would be exactly the steps I would take if you called me (and probably most other techs) to take care of your pc. Hopefully this information helps you stay informed and helps you save a headache and some money in the future.
(http://www