If you’re in hurry and want to save your data/computer from other but you don't want to log off? Then don’t worry you can create a shortcut to lock your system with single click.
HERE'S THE SIMPLE STEP :
To create a shortcut on you’re desktop to lock your computer. Right-click the desktop and do this with the help of given steps:
* Right Click > New, and then click Shortcut.
* The Create Shortcut Wizard opens. In the text box, type/copy & paste the following:
* rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
* Click Next.
* Enter a name(like Lock myPC) for the shortcut or choose any name you like.
Click Finish. (Change the icon if you like)
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Backup Registry Before Too Late
All Windows stores its configuration information in a database called the registry. The registry is the central storage for all computer configuration data.
Although the registry appears to be in one file, it is actually placed on your computer in several files. Depending on your system configuration, registry files can be found in any of the following locations:
C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\ on Windows 2000, XP.
C:\Windows\System32\Config\ on Windows 2000, XP.
C:\Windows\ on Windows 95, 98, ME.
C:\Windows\Profiles\ on Windows 95, 98, ME.
How To Back Up Windows Registry ?
In windows NT, 2000 and XP not possible to back up registry files while the operating system is running. Registry files remain fully locked all the time while Windows is running, But hereYou can use an integrated Windows XP's System Restore feature for registry backup.
But using registry editor (regedit.exe) you can to export partial or complete copies of the registry, while the Windows is up, and the exported files can then be backed up with any other traditional file backup utility. You can follow these simple steps to back up the whole registry or any particular registry subkey:
* Click Start button and then type Regedit in Run option.
* Locate and then click the root subkey that contains all the child subkeys and values that you want to back up.
* On the File menu, click Export.
* In the Save box, you can select the location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg) file, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
The exported registry file is about 10-50 MB in size on a typical Windows NT/2000/XP installation.
The Importance of Backup
If you are new computer user first you should learn about the importance and need of back up. Because without backup yon can lose your data any time due to any virus, power failure and hard disk problem. This has happened to many people. In extreme cases, it has put companies out of business. Computers are becoming more and more reliable. This creates a false sense of security - we begin to think all our data are safe and secure and will never go away. It's not true - and never will be. If you don't back up your computer system regularly. Backups are really a necessity, and you are responsible for making backups of your files.
Although the registry appears to be in one file, it is actually placed on your computer in several files. Depending on your system configuration, registry files can be found in any of the following locations:
C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\ on Windows 2000, XP.
C:\Windows\System32\Config\ on Windows 2000, XP.
C:\Windows\ on Windows 95, 98, ME.
C:\Windows\Profiles\ on Windows 95, 98, ME.
How To Back Up Windows Registry ?
In windows NT, 2000 and XP not possible to back up registry files while the operating system is running. Registry files remain fully locked all the time while Windows is running, But hereYou can use an integrated Windows XP's System Restore feature for registry backup.
But using registry editor (regedit.exe) you can to export partial or complete copies of the registry, while the Windows is up, and the exported files can then be backed up with any other traditional file backup utility. You can follow these simple steps to back up the whole registry or any particular registry subkey:
* Click Start button and then type Regedit in Run option.
* Locate and then click the root subkey that contains all the child subkeys and values that you want to back up.
* On the File menu, click Export.
* In the Save box, you can select the location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg) file, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
The exported registry file is about 10-50 MB in size on a typical Windows NT/2000/XP installation.
The Importance of Backup
If you are new computer user first you should learn about the importance and need of back up. Because without backup yon can lose your data any time due to any virus, power failure and hard disk problem. This has happened to many people. In extreme cases, it has put companies out of business. Computers are becoming more and more reliable. This creates a false sense of security - we begin to think all our data are safe and secure and will never go away. It's not true - and never will be. If you don't back up your computer system regularly. Backups are really a necessity, and you are responsible for making backups of your files.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Help to keep your computer secure.
I am often asked how a user can prevent them from getting viruses, junk email, diallers etc. The answer is it can be difficult and there is no single piece of software that will take care of the job for you. However there are some steps you can take to ensure that you do not fall victim to hackers and those "internet nasties".
Firewalls:
A Firewall is a piece of software (or hardware) that assists you to keep your internet connection secure. They vary in form and operation some put your computer in "stealth mode" by selectively blocking incoming connections into your computer. Others can even prevent unauthorised applications on your computer from accessing the Internet. If you are a Windows XP user then there is a firewall built into the operating system, this one only blocks incoming connections. There are others on the market, use your preferred search engine and look for firewalls.
Anti-Virus:
The anti-virus is the computer equivalent to a good dose of penicillin. These are often employed as a preventative measure to ensure that your computer does not become infected. If, however, your computer was to become infected then the anti virus program would enable you to preserve your system by either placing the infected file into quarantine or deleting the infected file. Also, in some cases, the file can be restored (the virus component removed). This is useful if the file that became infected was of some importance. If your system has been infected to such a state that it is impossible to boot and or work with the system then some anti-virus vendors produce stand alone virus cleaners, these are bootable disks that then scan and remove virus.
Spyware removers:
Today's internet surfing is not without countless perils and pitfalls, these nasty little annoyances come in many shapes and sizes, some are as "innocent" as cookies that track your surfing (a cookie is a small document placed on your hard disk that can record data) to fully fledged programs that install on your computer and take over your internet experience. The answer to this comes in the shape of a spyware remover, such as Spybot Search and Destroy. These programs scan your computer for spyware components and then remove them, but be advised some "free" programs (for example file sharing programs like bearshare) use spyware to pay for those programs.
Conclusions:
When you are on the internet or taking a file home to your pc remember that there are many ways a computer can become infected or make it's self vulnerable to attack, some sound investments in good anti virus and firewall software will help guard against these attacks, but above all be vigilant, if you get an email from some one you do not know with a file attached to it then do not open it, it may well be a virus.
Remember also that when you are surfing on the internet that there is a potential risk that you are "leaking" information. Look into spyware removal software, and be mindful about where and who you offer personal information to.
Firewalls:
A Firewall is a piece of software (or hardware) that assists you to keep your internet connection secure. They vary in form and operation some put your computer in "stealth mode" by selectively blocking incoming connections into your computer. Others can even prevent unauthorised applications on your computer from accessing the Internet. If you are a Windows XP user then there is a firewall built into the operating system, this one only blocks incoming connections. There are others on the market, use your preferred search engine and look for firewalls.
Anti-Virus:
The anti-virus is the computer equivalent to a good dose of penicillin. These are often employed as a preventative measure to ensure that your computer does not become infected. If, however, your computer was to become infected then the anti virus program would enable you to preserve your system by either placing the infected file into quarantine or deleting the infected file. Also, in some cases, the file can be restored (the virus component removed). This is useful if the file that became infected was of some importance. If your system has been infected to such a state that it is impossible to boot and or work with the system then some anti-virus vendors produce stand alone virus cleaners, these are bootable disks that then scan and remove virus.
Spyware removers:
Today's internet surfing is not without countless perils and pitfalls, these nasty little annoyances come in many shapes and sizes, some are as "innocent" as cookies that track your surfing (a cookie is a small document placed on your hard disk that can record data) to fully fledged programs that install on your computer and take over your internet experience. The answer to this comes in the shape of a spyware remover, such as Spybot Search and Destroy. These programs scan your computer for spyware components and then remove them, but be advised some "free" programs (for example file sharing programs like bearshare) use spyware to pay for those programs.
Conclusions:
When you are on the internet or taking a file home to your pc remember that there are many ways a computer can become infected or make it's self vulnerable to attack, some sound investments in good anti virus and firewall software will help guard against these attacks, but above all be vigilant, if you get an email from some one you do not know with a file attached to it then do not open it, it may well be a virus.
Remember also that when you are surfing on the internet that there is a potential risk that you are "leaking" information. Look into spyware removal software, and be mindful about where and who you offer personal information to.
Alternative operating systems.
Today when we buy a computer most often it comes installed with Microsoft Windows; while that is okay for most users out there this can have cause for concern for those of us who like a little more choice.
Now today you can have that choice, firstly there is Microsoft Windows that as mentioned comes with most modern day computers, then there are the various forms of Linux out there and here is the surprising thing – most of them can be obtained for FREE.
That’s right, there is no charge for these systems and indeed the gargantuan amount of applications that are supplied with them are also free of charge.There is more too, most of these systems can be used as server’s too (a server provides file access, web access etc to other computers on a network).
In future entries we will take a closer look at the different Operating Systems in more detail.
Now today you can have that choice, firstly there is Microsoft Windows that as mentioned comes with most modern day computers, then there are the various forms of Linux out there and here is the surprising thing – most of them can be obtained for FREE.
That’s right, there is no charge for these systems and indeed the gargantuan amount of applications that are supplied with them are also free of charge.There is more too, most of these systems can be used as server’s too (a server provides file access, web access etc to other computers on a network).
In future entries we will take a closer look at the different Operating Systems in more detail.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Hard Drive Backup Software
Hard drive backup software is used for data safety purposes. It produces disc image files containing exact copies of hard drives. These drive image files can be stored in a variety of mediums such as CD, DVD, and Iomega Zip.
Software that backs up your hard drive enables you to rapidly restore your system to normal functioning after an operating system crash, virus attack, or hardware failure. Hard drive backup software is also useful for mass system deployment involving many identical computers. Hard drive backup software also helps you restore only necessary files.
Hard drive backup software enables you to secure all your programs, operating systems, data files, financial records, pictures, and music files. This software does the backup job without stopping any operating system or other running programs. Hard drive backup software normally does not interrupt the functioning of a computer. It protects data by archiving it at scheduled times. Many hard drive backup software packages have timetable settings that can be adjusted by the user.
Several hard drive backup software packages are available in the market so that you can select one that matches your needs perfectly. Some backup programs are designed for personal and small business computers, while others are only for professional use. Most hard drive backup programs work on more than one operating system.
Also available on the market are different versions of the same hard drive backup software for different operating systems. When purchasing hard drive backup software, it is advisable that you invest in a backup software product that does bit-level verification. Hard drive backup software is extremely important for all businesses that use computers; it is the only remedy to survive system and network crashes.
Software that backs up your hard drive enables you to rapidly restore your system to normal functioning after an operating system crash, virus attack, or hardware failure. Hard drive backup software is also useful for mass system deployment involving many identical computers. Hard drive backup software also helps you restore only necessary files.
Hard drive backup software enables you to secure all your programs, operating systems, data files, financial records, pictures, and music files. This software does the backup job without stopping any operating system or other running programs. Hard drive backup software normally does not interrupt the functioning of a computer. It protects data by archiving it at scheduled times. Many hard drive backup software packages have timetable settings that can be adjusted by the user.
Several hard drive backup software packages are available in the market so that you can select one that matches your needs perfectly. Some backup programs are designed for personal and small business computers, while others are only for professional use. Most hard drive backup programs work on more than one operating system.
Also available on the market are different versions of the same hard drive backup software for different operating systems. When purchasing hard drive backup software, it is advisable that you invest in a backup software product that does bit-level verification. Hard drive backup software is extremely important for all businesses that use computers; it is the only remedy to survive system and network crashes.
PC Backup Software - Are There Any Good Ones?
Why bother with backup? Can you imagine what would happen if all of a sudden *poof* everything is wiped off your computer. You had not installed any pc backup software. You could not get into files, retrieve pictures or music downloads and all programs and saved documents were lost. Permanently. Most people dread the thought and yet system crashes, file corruption and emergency disasters do happen to computers on a daily basis. So what can be done about it?
Saving the day
There are numerous commercially available software programs designed to backup your computer. Installing a pc backup software is critical to maintaining your computer and avoiding any unnecessary reinstalls or lost material. Pc backup software will store and save:
* Data entry files
* Emails
* Music
* Photographs
* Financial records
* Billing and invoicing records
* Programs and downloads
* Operating systems
Pc backup software works by protecting, preserving and archiving the data on your computer at regularly scheduled times. Programs can then be restored through the pc backup software program. By using pc backup software you do not have to go through the trouble of reinstalling operating systems and other programs. Wizards and easy to follow step-by-step instructions make pc backup software easy to use for beginner and advanced computer users, whether you are backing up just a few files or the whole system.
What is on the market?
There are multitudes of pc backup software items on the market. As with any program, knowing what you need is essential to determine which pc backup software program will most closely match your needs. A very brief list of pc backup software can be found below:
* Backup MyPC - is available for personal, small business computers as well as small networks. This pc backup software has won awards from PC World Magazine for three years in a row. It offers provides easy to follow wizards to help you automatically set-up your pc for regularly scheduled backups. This pc backup software uses password protection to ensure continued safety and security for your data.
* NovaBACKUP - allows backup to any number of devices such as tape, CD-RW, DVD or disk. In addition to the features mentioned above it also is network friendly and all computers on a network can be backed up from one pc. This pc backup software also scans for viruses while performing the backup and uses open file backup to allow files that are opened to be saved even as data is being entered.
* Norton Ghost - is also an award winning pc backup software. It has been editor's choice for two year in PC Magazine and in 2004 for Bityard. This program works only with Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Windows 2000 Professional. There is a version, Norton Ghost 2003, that will work with Windows 98 and Me. This pc backup software offers fully automatic backup for everything on your computer.
Saving the day
There are numerous commercially available software programs designed to backup your computer. Installing a pc backup software is critical to maintaining your computer and avoiding any unnecessary reinstalls or lost material. Pc backup software will store and save:
* Data entry files
* Emails
* Music
* Photographs
* Financial records
* Billing and invoicing records
* Programs and downloads
* Operating systems
Pc backup software works by protecting, preserving and archiving the data on your computer at regularly scheduled times. Programs can then be restored through the pc backup software program. By using pc backup software you do not have to go through the trouble of reinstalling operating systems and other programs. Wizards and easy to follow step-by-step instructions make pc backup software easy to use for beginner and advanced computer users, whether you are backing up just a few files or the whole system.
What is on the market?
There are multitudes of pc backup software items on the market. As with any program, knowing what you need is essential to determine which pc backup software program will most closely match your needs. A very brief list of pc backup software can be found below:
* Backup MyPC - is available for personal, small business computers as well as small networks. This pc backup software has won awards from PC World Magazine for three years in a row. It offers provides easy to follow wizards to help you automatically set-up your pc for regularly scheduled backups. This pc backup software uses password protection to ensure continued safety and security for your data.
* NovaBACKUP - allows backup to any number of devices such as tape, CD-RW, DVD or disk. In addition to the features mentioned above it also is network friendly and all computers on a network can be backed up from one pc. This pc backup software also scans for viruses while performing the backup and uses open file backup to allow files that are opened to be saved even as data is being entered.
* Norton Ghost - is also an award winning pc backup software. It has been editor's choice for two year in PC Magazine and in 2004 for Bityard. This program works only with Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Windows 2000 Professional. There is a version, Norton Ghost 2003, that will work with Windows 98 and Me. This pc backup software offers fully automatic backup for everything on your computer.
Top 5 Spyware and Adware Detection and Removal Tools
1) Ad-Aware 6.0 Professional
Ad-Aware Professional from Lavasoft is pretty much the cream of the crop for spyware and adware removal. Lavasoft offers a stripped down version free for personal use, but the Professional version offers tons of features and functions not available in the free version. The free version will only do manual scans when the user initiates them, but the Professional version proactively protects the computer from getting spyware in the first place and easily qualifies as one of my Best Picks.
2) Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot S & D is an excellent product. It ranks right up there with Ad-Aware as a Best Pick in terms of its ability to find and remove spyware and adware from an infected system. Spybot S & D is available for free which also means that no support is provided, however the product is stable and performs its function solidly. The primary difference between Spybot S & D and Ad-Aware Professional is that Spybot S & D does not proactively monitor and block spyware or adware threats.
3) Pest Patrol
Pest Patrol complements antivirus and firewall software and extends your protection against non-viral malicious software that evades other security software and invades your privacy. Computer Associates thought highly enough of this product that they bought the company, so you may soon see it re-introduced bundled with CA's antivirus software. Pest Patrol can receive automatic updates to ensure you always detect the latest threats.
4) McAfee Anti-Spyware
McAfee, known primarily for their antivirus products, is one of the biggest names in computer and network security. McAfee Anti-Spyware effectively detects and removes key loggers, remote-control programs, browser hijackers and other spyware that can steal your identity, snatch passwords or worse. The real-time monitor does not perform as well as that found in Ad-Aware Professional.
5) Spyware Guard
Spyware Guard from Javacool Software is a free program which performs real-time scans to catch and block spyware, browser-hijackers and prevent malware from downloading while surfing with Internet Explorer. It provides automatic signature updates with its SG LiveUpdate feature and has fair logging and reporting capabilities. The program is small in size, but seems to consume a disproportionate amount of system resources on some computers and may not be worth the impact to your PC.
Ad-Aware Professional from Lavasoft is pretty much the cream of the crop for spyware and adware removal. Lavasoft offers a stripped down version free for personal use, but the Professional version offers tons of features and functions not available in the free version. The free version will only do manual scans when the user initiates them, but the Professional version proactively protects the computer from getting spyware in the first place and easily qualifies as one of my Best Picks.
2) Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot S & D is an excellent product. It ranks right up there with Ad-Aware as a Best Pick in terms of its ability to find and remove spyware and adware from an infected system. Spybot S & D is available for free which also means that no support is provided, however the product is stable and performs its function solidly. The primary difference between Spybot S & D and Ad-Aware Professional is that Spybot S & D does not proactively monitor and block spyware or adware threats.
3) Pest Patrol
Pest Patrol complements antivirus and firewall software and extends your protection against non-viral malicious software that evades other security software and invades your privacy. Computer Associates thought highly enough of this product that they bought the company, so you may soon see it re-introduced bundled with CA's antivirus software. Pest Patrol can receive automatic updates to ensure you always detect the latest threats.
4) McAfee Anti-Spyware
McAfee, known primarily for their antivirus products, is one of the biggest names in computer and network security. McAfee Anti-Spyware effectively detects and removes key loggers, remote-control programs, browser hijackers and other spyware that can steal your identity, snatch passwords or worse. The real-time monitor does not perform as well as that found in Ad-Aware Professional.
5) Spyware Guard
Spyware Guard from Javacool Software is a free program which performs real-time scans to catch and block spyware, browser-hijackers and prevent malware from downloading while surfing with Internet Explorer. It provides automatic signature updates with its SG LiveUpdate feature and has fair logging and reporting capabilities. The program is small in size, but seems to consume a disproportionate amount of system resources on some computers and may not be worth the impact to your PC.
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