Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Free Tips About Computer And Internet

Posted by Various Free Tips

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Who is Behind that Website? Ask Whois!

Posted by Various Free Tips
Who is Behind that Website? Ask Whois!

Who, exactly, stands behind that website on your screen? Does that web page really belong to the company it claims to represent?

A handy little applet, known as a "Whois", can tell you who is behind a web page before you make that final click or download that free offer.

What is a Whois?

A Whois is a software utility, or applet, that looks up information about individual websites. A Whois will reveal whatever information is currently available for any website.

A Whois will find the Domain Name and the IP Address so you will at least know the identity of the registered owner of the domain (website).

The exception is when an owner of a website lists it as "private". In that case, the only information available is whether the website really exists.

How much, or how little, information available for a Whois query depends on what the owner of the Domain Name decides to make public. Thankfully, most serious businesses provide ample information.

Companies usually want to make it easy for customers to get in touch; they list every possible way to reach them. They list telephone and fax numbers, physical (street) and postal addresses, and of course email contacts, in order to attract prospective customers.

A personal website owner, though, might be wiser to list only the minimum required data, or even register as "private". That way, she could avoid attracting unwanted sales pitches, spammers, or perhaps even worse.

Someone with a day job would not be at home during office hours, anyway. As well, who needs strangers from distant time zones phoning in the middle of the night? So he may not list his phone number.

How does a Whois work?

Not all Whois applications search ALL domains. Each Domain Registrar is responsible for maintaining a Whois over those domains (websites) registered with him. When the internet was in its infancy, each Whois was designated to search only one type of domain; there was one Whois for ".COM", another for ".ORG", and so on.

Even today, many Whois utilities are still dedicated to one domain type or to one Registrar (the agency where you have registered your Domain Name). To facilitate searching, we now have publicly accessible Whois software that can search all Domain Registrars plus all Hosting Servers for any type of domain.

We will consider two categories of Whois software:
a) Free Whois software
b) Affordable, commercial Whois software that you pay to use

Which type Whois is best for me?

Naturally, that depends on how you are going to use a Whois, something you will only know after having tried a few different Whois services.

While learning how to use a Whois, the free ones are easy on your pocketbook and deliver results that are just as accurate as any other model. They all search the same data bases, after all!

When using a free, no-frills, Whois you may have to Cut-and-Paste the URL (web address) from your browser address bar to the Whois search box manually.

The free Whois will then probably present the information in a more primitive format -- that is, in a long text-based list of line after line of data. This requires more work, as it is more difficult to glean the information that you need.

For infrequent use, a free Whois will do. It makes sense to start with free software until you know enough to decide whether to spend money on an easier program. It is quite likely that you may never need to buy a Whois program at all.

If you decide to buy faster, easier commercial Whois software, it can be had for $25 or so.

Any commercial program should install an icon in your browser toolbar so all you need do is click on the icon. Then the application reads the URL of the website currently in your browser window and looks it up automatically. No Cut-and-Paste contortions.

Finally, it should open a new, graphical "results" window where it displays the information in a neat, perceptible manner. You get all the data without the clutter of a text-based display.

What can a Whois tell you about a website?

Suppose you are searching the internet and you find an appealing site: "HONEST-SITE.COM". First, you want to see who they really are. A Whois search usually tells you:

i) The true Domain Name, hopefully, HONEST-SITE.COM in this instance.

ii) The IP Address of the website, e.g., 123.45.0.234 (four groups of numbers from 0-255, separated from one another by periods (dots). Try typing those numbers into your browser address bar -- it should bring up the same website again.

iii) Any other contact information available.
As well, you can expect to find information about who hosts the website (supplies the Web Server):

iv) The name of the Hosting Company (Domain Name Server or Web Server), e.g., "WORLDSBESTDOMAINSHOP.COM"

v) The IP Address of that Web Server, including contact email addresses and phone numbers

vi) The email addresses for their Administrator (ADMIN) and Webmaster (TECH).

A Whois reveals whatever information is available for any website, so you can see who stands behind it. And yes, as you have guessed by now, a Whois is a quick and ideal way to unmask faked (phishing) websites.

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What is Open Source Software and Why is it Used?

Posted by Various Free Tips
What is Open Source Software and Why is it Used?

What is Open Source Software?

Open Source Software (OSS) is software that is available under a special license that allows everyone to access the program code as well as the executable program. This means that anyone is able to edit the program code and therefore customise the software for their own needs.

This ability to access the source code is protected by the license under which the software is released. There is a great many Open Source licenses, but they all have one thing in common, they protect the right of the user of the software to access and modify it in any way they desire.

This ability to modify applications is in direct contrast to the Closed Source Software model. In Closed Source only the creator of the application has access to the source code, and therefore, only the creator is able to modify the application.

Being able to change the way an Open Source Software application operates is critical in many business environments. No two businesses are identical and therefore it is unlikely that any one piece of software will satisfy the needs of all potential users. Without the ability to modify their software a company is restricted in its operations by that software.

While it is true that no two businesses are identical, it is also true that there are a great many common business practices that are repeated across organisations. These common practices can be well served by "standard" software. The remaining practices, those that are different from competitors are, typically, the ones that give a business an advantage in the marketplace.

Since these non-standard practices are key to the organisations success it is critical that any software solutions adopted by the company also support these non-standard processes. It is in this need to adapt software to a companies specific needs that makes Open Source Software attractive. Since the company has access to the source, the application can be freely adapted to suit the unique requirements of each user.

Who Pays for Open Source Development?

The ability to customise software is critical to allow an organisation to continue to improve their business processes, but how does a company afford to pay for such customisations?

One of the side effects of allowing any user access to the source code is that the cost of acquiring the software in the first instance is massively reduced. In most cases the source code is available for no cost. This enables the user to divert resources normally allocated to pay software license fees into enhancing the software.

A successful Open Source Software project has a large community of software developers. Many of these developers work as independent contractors and can be employed to customise the software, alternatively, if a company has internal developer resources, they can leverage those skills to perform the customisations.

Does it Really Work?

This all sounds fantastic, but does it really work? Are there Open Source Applications in use in the real world?

Here are a few facts to convince you that it most certainly does work:

- Around 70% of web sites are served by the Open Source Apache HTTPD server.

- In a 2002 survey it was found over 31% of UK and nearly 42% of German companies were using or planning to use OSS.

- In 2001, Debian (an Open Source Operating System), contained over 55 million lines of code and was estimated to have consumed over 14,000 person years in development time. That is a development cost of around 1.89 Billion Dollars (US) yet it is still available with no license fees.

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Web Surfing Security

Posted by Various Free Tips
Web Surfing Security

Too many computer users neglect to do the basic maintenance of their computer. The result is a clear path to their personal information. Hackers are diligently at work everyday trying to find the weakness in your system so that they may be able to steal your personal information. Others would simply like to create trouble and destroy your hard drive.

There is a wide variety of protective software available, such as adware removers, antivirus tools, keypatrol agents, spyware blasters and so on. These are effective only if put to good use.

Think of yourself as a pilot doing a pre-flight inspection. The pilot is responsible for doing a thorough inspection of his airplane before any passenger boards the plane. He needs to be sure that all safety precautions have been taken to guarantee that all mechanical and electronic devices are working and that the mechanical inspections are up to date. He needs to verify that the aircraft is in good operating condition. Once the plane is off, it is too late to start wondering if such and such a device is working properly.

Your computer is your responsibility. Just like a pilot needs to go through a checklist, you also should make yourself a checklist of things to verify before you surf the Internet. Once connected, it is too late to realize that your system is not up to the challenge. If your system is not checked, if you are vulnerable to the attacks, you could pay a severe price.

You need to purchase good tools for this job. It is acceptable to try free tools to evaluate their quality but once you have found a good tool, purchase it and put it to work.

One of the biggest problems for the average computer owner resides in the fact that he/she simply refuses to take the time to read about their new tool. They would like to simply buy it, install it and never think about it again. You need to take the time to educate yourself on the functioning of any tool you buy.

Generally software is well written by qualified programmers. Professionally written software will include all the instructions that you need to obtain the best performance of the tool. If this is not the case, keep on searching. Go to a trusted site such as CNET and read the comments from other users about the tool you are thinking of buying. Take the time needed to do good research and remember you are putting all your information at risk when you connect to the Internet.

Once you are confident that the software you are purchasing is of the highest quality, then take your time and read all the documentation provided. Once you have done this, and only then, install the software. Make sure to add the tool to your list of daily maintenance.

If you have not done so yet, locate and read all the recommended procedures for the software that protects your computer.

Create a text file and save it on your desktop. You will want this file to contain your checklist of things to do everyday before you start surfing the Internet.

Here is a possible list of the things that should be done before you start surfing:

1) Check your antivirus for updates. Regularly run your antivirus. If at any time your antivirus locates a virus, you need to update your antivirus, disconnect from the Internet and do a full scan of your computer with the updated antivirus. Always make sure your antivirus is actively protecting your computer.

2) Clean your computer cache and your temporary files. You can pick up software for this at CNET: http://www.cnet.com

3) Clean your history

4) Update your adware remover. Run your adware remover. Again you can try free adware removers from CNET but please buy the full package when you find one that you know will protect you. You truly need all the functions of the software, not just a portion of the functions which is usually the case with Trial Version software.

5) Update your firewall and check the settings. Some clever hackers can change the settings of your computer, therefore putting you at risk.

6) Check for mail protection agents and make sure that they are active.

7) Run a scandisk

8) Update your browser

This is a sample list. Create one that applies to your computer and to the software installed on it. Keep your list updated and make sure that you do what you put on your list. Creating a list and not following it will be of no use.

We cannot totally protect ourselves against the perils of the Internet but we can at least make sure that we do all that we can. Take the proper precautions and you too can have a safe journey on the Internet.

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Speed Up Your Computer

Posted by Various Free Tips
Speed Up Your Computer

You use your computer a lot! It seems to be running slower than it did even last week. What is up? Here are some steps to take to get back that speed. These steps should make a marked improvement on the speed of your computer. Best of all, they are mostly easy to do and don't cost anything!

Before you perform any of these steps, you should make sure you have a current and valid backup of your hard drive, just in case.

1. Clean and organize your hard drive.

Don't put a bunch of files in the root of your C: drive. Make folders that reflect how you work and put files in those folders. The root of your c: drive should have very few files and mostly folders. Open a command prompt by going to Start->Run and typing "Cmd" without the quotes and enter. This will open a command window. It should be in the root of C:. Type cd %temp% and press enter. This will take you to the temporary folder. Type del *.* and press enter. This should delete any temporary files that have been building up in your temporary folder. The ones that cannot be deleted will not be deleted. You can also clean up any folders that have tmp or .tmp in their names. Again, the computer system will not let you delete files that are in use.

Open your browser and delete any other files and folders that are no longer needed.

2. Perform a check of the hard drive.

From your Explorer window, right click on the C: drive and select Properties. Then select the Tools tab and the Check Now... button. Check all options and the Start button. Confirm that you want to perform the check after a reboot. Do this for any other hard drive you may have in your computer. Reboot your computer and let the system check the hard drives and fix any issues. This may take some time, so be patient.

3. Clean up Internet browser files.

Surfing the Internet is a definite cause for putting stuff on your computer that will slow it down. Before doing anything with your Internet browser, make sure you know the important information you enter at the websites you visit. You will be clearing the history, and that saved information will be gone. Most of it is not needed, but there may be some things that you have come to rely on, such as passwords.

For Internet Explorer, select Tools -> Internet Options. A new window will open. In the Temporary Internet files section, select to Delete Cookies and OK. Select Delete Files and OK. In the History section, select Clear History and Yes. Then select OK to close the Internet Options.

For Firefox, select Tools -> Options. In the Privacy section, select the Clear All button and Clear All Information. Then select OK to close the Options window.

For other browsers, there should be similar settings.

4. Update your virus software and virus definition files. Keep them up to date. I would suggest setting your virus software to automatically update every day. Perform a full virus scan on your PC.

5. If you do not have antispyware software loaded, you need to get one loaded. Microsoft has a free one that you can get at their website. It is called Windows Defender and should be available to download from here: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx
Make sure you keep your antispyware software up to date and keep it up to date.

6. Defragment your drives. From your Explorer window, right click on the C: drive and select Properties. Then select the Tools tab and Defragment Now... button. Highlight the C: drive and select the Defragment button. Perform this operation for each drive in you PC.

Perform these steps on a routine basis and your computer should run much better.

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Software Upgrades - How to Decide Whether to Buy

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Software Upgrades - How to Decide Whether to Buy

It's that time again: a major upgrade has been released for software you use regularly, and when you read about all the bells and whistles, you start salivating. Hmmm... can you afford an extra couple of hundred to buy it? Should you... or shouldn't you?

Too often, eager consumers become carried away by the hype and slap down a credit card - only to find that the upgrade comes with headaches, or the extra features are not worth it. To buy or not to buy becomes an easier decision if you run through a quick checklist.

1. Will You Use The New Features?

Sure, your new software can do everything but cook dinner - but how many of these features do you actually need? Are you thinking: "Well, I don't need these now but they might come in handy later..."? If so, you could be going to needless expense. You can always upgrade when you DO need the new features.

2. Will You Lose Any Favorite 'Old' Features?

Sometimes it's a toss-up - will what you gain outweigh what you lose? A quick example: many users have been delighted with the new layout of tools in Microsoft Office 2007, and find that they can do their work much faster (or more easily). Others are aghast to find that their old macros won't work - and that they can no longer customize toolbars full of autotext for different purposes. Make sure you know exactly how the program has changed before you upgrade.

3. Compatibility - Will Others Be Able to Read Your Files?

This is an important one. There's not usually a problem with importing files in an older format, but you can face big problems if you send files in the new format to others. Microsoft Office 2007, for example, saves files in a very different format. You can set the default to save files in the standard format for older versions of Office, but if you forget, you're likely to get irritated phone calls from others telling you that they can't open your files. (Yes, they can download a compatibility pack from Microsoft - but it's another step they have to take before they can make use of your file.)

4. Can You Afford The Learning Curve?

When an upgrade is significantly different from what has gone before, you're going to have to factor in time to become familiar with the new version. This might not be a problem if you have plenty of time to do it (it can even be fun) but if you are constantly racing to meet deadlines, then block off enough hours to learn how to use the new features. When you're pressed for time, it's not much fun scrolling through an FAQ page to find out how to complete a task you used to do with your eyes closed.

Bottom line: before you invest in any upgrade, do your homework. Read the reviews and visit a few forums to see what problems real-world users have encountered. Make your own list of pluses and minuses, then make an educated decision about your purchase. If you do decide to buy, keep a working version of the old software on your backup machine or on a different drive.

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Properties of the Recycle Bin

Posted by Various Free Tips
Properties of the Recycle Bin

The properties of the Recycle Bin might not concern you as much if you have a very large hard drive. Hard drives with very large storage capacity are becoming more affordable. However, many people still use relatively small hard drives with limited storage space and this information could be very beneficial for them.

I would even venture to say that it truly does not matter how much space you have on your hard drive, the Recycle Bin will come into play at one time or another.

Files are deleted on purpose or by accident. The amount of space you allow for your Recycle Bin can make the difference between being able to retrieve those files or not. If you have allowed adequate space for the Recycle Bin you can retrieve a file that was accidentally deleted. To retrieve a deleted file, open the Recycle Bin, locate the file deleted, click on the file you want to undelete and from the File Menu, click Restore.

Deleted documents or files will remain in the Recycle Bin until you clean out the Recycle Bin or until Windows claims that space for newly deleted files.

Windows automatically sets aside 10% of your hard drive as storage space for the files or folders that are deleted and sent to the Recycle Bin. This means that if you have a 1000 MB hard drive, then 100 MB will be used by the Recycle Bin.

If your hard drive is low on space and you do not create very large documents, you might want to reduce the size of the Recycle Bin and increase the available space on your hard drive.

To set the properties of the Recycle Bin, right click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and click on Properties.The Recycle Bin dialogue box will open up.

The top radio button will allow you to configure each of your hard drive separately. The second radio button creates one rule for all your drives. You will notice an option to delete files without storing them in the Recycle Bin. There is a security feature that will ask you to confirm the deletion. The slider control allows you to set the amount of space you want reserved for the Recycle bin. By moving the slider control you can either reduce or increase the size of the Recycle Bin. There is also a check box that you can check or uncheck to prevent or activate the delete confirmation message from appearing at deletion time.

By using these different controls, you can set your Recycle Bin according to your needs and according to the size of your hard drive. If you work on smaller documents you might want to reduce the size of the Recycle Bin. If, on the other hand, you work on database, video or graphic files, it might be a good idea to increase the size of your Recycle Bin to accommodate an accidental deletion.

You need to weigh your need for hard drive space and the safeguarding of accidental deletion of files. Remember, if your Recycle Bin is full, Windows will delete older deleted files to make room for newly deleted files in the Recycle Bin.

To get more information about the Recycle Bin, go to Online Help. Click the Start button, click Help, click Search and type in Recycle Bin. You will then be able to read about shortcuts, how to retrieve deleted files and much more.

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Personal Computer Clean Up for Windows XP

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Personal Computer Clean Up for Windows XP

What happens if you don’t give your vehicle regular oil changes? What kind of results can you expect if you don’t ever change the spark plugs on your lawn mower? How do you think your computer will run if you don’t perform regular maintenance on it? The answer in all cases is: It won’t run very well.

If your computer is running sluggish, if it periodically needs to be rebooted or doesn’t boot up as quickly as it used to, it sounds like it’s time for a Clean Up. The following instructions below will give you step by step instructions on how to ensure your PC continues to operate at its fullest potential. These instructions are relevant for machines running Windows XP and using Internet Explorer.

To begin, open up Internet Explorer, that’s the blue lower case letter “e”, generally shown in the lower left corner of your screen. Next click on the word Tools up at the top of your screen. Once open, click Internet Options. In the middle of that box you’ll see a section called Temporary Internet Files. Click the Delete Files button. Click the box Delete offline content too, then OK. Once that is done, click the Delete Cookies button within the Temporary Internet Files section. Click OK there too.

Next click the Settings button. Check for newer versions of stored pages should be clicked to Automatically if it isn’t already. Change the Amount of Disk Space to use to 8MB. Click OK twice.

Next go to the green Start button in the very lower left corner of your screen. Click My Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Check Disk Clean up. Use offline content or anything else it asks. It will take a few moments while it is checking how much space it can clean up. When you get the new pop-up window, make sure there are checks in every box. Click OK

After running Disk Clean up, go to Ad-Aware, update and run the program. If you don’t have Ad-Aware SE Personal, it’s a free very comprehensive spyware removal tool and it's remarkably simple to use. You can download it through Lavasoft http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ Highly recommended. After running Ad-Aware, reboot your computer.

You should perform the above maintenance about once a week. Then on an as-needed basis, run Disk Defrag, which you can find in Start, My Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defrag.

By following the above simple steps your computer should continue to run at optimum performance!

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