PC Memoirs

Microsoft has issued a new security alert that affects all users of the popular Internet Explorer browser! There seems to be a serious security flaw in the Windows system that could be exploited by hackers to access your PC and steal private information. There have been no reports of successful intrusions yet, but Microsoft urges all users to install a security patch (download here) to prevent any attacks. There is currently no Windows update for this bug, but Microsoft is working on a permanent solution.

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear this news, considering Internet Explorer had so many problems (and critics) in the past. However, it’s still one of the most popular browsers and I’m sure it won’t go away any time soon. In fact, it’s still my favorite browser.

Other browsers, such as Safari, Firefox and Chrome are not affected by this flaw, because, unlike Internet Explorer, they don’t support MTHML files. This seems to be the reason for the security glitch, because it allows attackers to inject harmful scripts into your PC (read more on this here).

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This Guest Post is contributed by Tibor Schiemann, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, TuneUp blog.

Part of Windows 7, Windows XP Mode (also known as “Virtual Windows”) is designed to make the transition from Windows XP as smooth as possible. It runs a full copy of the former Microsoft operating system in the background, so that Windows 7 users can install and run applications that are not compatible with Microsoft’s latest operating system. However, there are some performance issues users can run into when using Windows XP Mode.

Prepping for Virtual Windows on Your PC

To run older applications under Windows XP Mode, you’ll first need Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate; it doesn’t matter if it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.

Then, in terms of hardware, I recommend using at least a Core 2 Duo 2 GHz processor and having 2 GB (or more) of main memory and 20 GB of free hard disk space for Windows XP Mode. Simulating Windows XP takes up a lot of resources because you are basically running two operating systems at the same time—your Windows 7 and the virtualized XP.

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I haven’t published new articles under the Fun with your PC category for a while, so it’s time to revisit the fun side of PCs (not counting gaming of course).

Here is a new prank that you can play on your friends, family or even enemies, provided you can access their PC. It involves installing a screen saver that simulates the Blue Screen of Death. This small file is actually offered by Microsoft, and you can download it here.

You just have to access your victims’ computers and install a small 700kb file and activate it (extract the file from the zip folder to the Windows directory. Then go to Display Properties and select SysInternalsBluescreen from the list of screen savers). The screen will appear when the user least expects it (you will set the timer) and they will think the PC crashed. Perhaps they’ll even be forced to restart the PC. However, they’ll be very surprised when the same message appears again the next time the screen saver is activated. It will take them a few times to ‘get’ what’s happening.

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A Virtual Private Server (VPS) or Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) is a preferred hosting solution for small to medium sized businesses that offers control at a level similar to a dedicated server while being as affordable as shared hosting.

Virtual Private Server technology is the next generation of web hosting that involves partitioning a single computer to simulate multiple servers. Each server has the look and feel of a physical server, with its own operating system and the ability to be rebooted independently of others. Linux or Windows VPS hosting can be a cost efficient and high performance solution.

Advantages of VPS Hosting

Virtual private servers are designed to save money without sacrificing of performance, flexibility and security. VPS hosting is the perfect compromise between a shared and dedicated server, at a reasonable price. Benefits include:

• Incredible Value – Dedicated server hosting can cost about $100 per month, while the price of a virtualized platform is similar to shared hosting. With VPS technology you can efficiently distribute the cost of the hardware, software, network connectivity and maintenance, without compromising on quality.
• Enhanced Protection – VPS offers better security than a shared hosting platform. In this isolated environment, you are shielded from the stability and security issues caused by other users. Though a dedicated server offers the best performance and security, VPS hosting is a very good 2nd option.
• Freedom and Flexibility – VPS grants you control and flexibility. You have the option of using provided add-on scripts or installing your own custom applications. You can create applications in your preferred programming technologies installed on the server, for example PHP, ASP or Cold Fusion.
• Guaranteed Power – You have guaranteed system resources. Unlike in a shared hosting environment, you do not have to compete for most resources and you can count on accurately measured allotments that fit your needs. This provides you with a robust, scalable solution that gives your business the room it needs to grow.

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Whether you’re a home or business user, one thing is certain: you need effective security software when you surf the Internet and communicate with people online. The Internet has grown so much over the last 10 years, and while it opened doors to so many great opportunities, it also brought with itself a dark side: fraud, cyber stalking, viruses, spam, hacking, information theft and many other criminal acts.

One of the main sources of viruses and spam is email. There are so many ways your computer may be infected or your information stolen, just by sending and receiving emails. Emails can carry viruses and spyware, bombard you with spam and phishing mail, send spoofing mails and much more. This is already worrying for home users, but imagine how damaging this can be if you run a business!

You must install email security software and anti spam/virus filter if you want to protect your data, email inbox, hard drive and your friends’ email addresses. Before I get into the products that may offer this protection, let’s look again at why you should have this software in your servers/computers:

Viruses: I’m sure you know how dangerous viruses can be. They often arrive through emails by known and unknown senders. A virus can do serious damage, even delete all data on the hard drive.

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