Al Lustie's Tips and Tricks

Email Issues

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

A number of clients have been experiencing trouble accessing their recent email. All use services such as Yahoo, Xfinity, MSN, etc.

A number of them have switched to GMail (Google) and once the importing is complete they are getting their email again. I don't know what the problem with the other providers is (I have guesses, but not enough data). However, the switch is easy and the user part of it does not take long.

It's Been Awhile

2012-01-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

I had my knee replaced late in the fall, and am just getting back to blogging. Not trusting my own judgment while on painkillers I believed that you deserved more than nutty rambling.

Think Command, Take Control

2011-10-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Have you switched from a Windows PC to a Mac PC? Just getting going?

Here is a “thinking” trick to help you become more efficient.

In Windows, you use the CONTROL (CTRL) key with the “X”, “C” and “V” key to cut, copy and paste something you have selected. You use the CONTROL (CTRL) key with the “P” key to Print, and with the “S” key to Save.

You CONTROL the action with the CONTROL key.

Using the Mac to take charge. You COMMAND it. Use the COMMAND (⌘) key with with the “X”, “C” and “V” key to cut, copy and paste something you have selected. You use the COMMAND (⌘) key with the “P” key to Print, and with the “S” key to Save.

In Windows you CONTROL. Using the Mac, you COMMAND.

Long in and leave a comment, please.

Best Buy -- Worst Buy

2011-09-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

We gave Best Buy and HP a month and 2 days, and they finally returned our computer (purchased in June, 2011). It works, but my wife did not have the use of it for 33 days by the time we got it back up at home. Best buy replaced 2 mother boards, a CPU, shipped it back east (and back) and said they also put in a new power supply. So far, for two days, it continues to work.
The Black Tie agreement for which I paid says we get a new comparable computer of a store credit after three tries fail. What it does not mention is that you have to get the computer back after each try for it to "count" as a try. This 32 day "try" only counted as ONE attempt to fix it.
Pretty crummy. Their business model sucks as well. They spent well over the amount a store credit would have cost them while making their computer unavailable to the customer. When I checked it in they estimated having it back in four days.

Meanwhile, we purchased an iMac, VMWare Fusion and Windows 7. No, we did not purchase from Best Buy, but from a nearby Apple store. We purchased quality hardware, quality service, and a tested, quality service agreement!

Will we purchase anything from Best Buy again? Maybe, but probably not. With the business model they are using, they probably won't be around much longer anyway.

Beware HP and Best Buy

2011-09-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Until recently I have had had a couple years of good experiences with HP computers (in contrast to 4-8 years ago when they were SOOOO bad). That is all changing. HP plans to get out of the PC business, and maybe it is about time. I bought one for my wife in late June. By mid August the motherboard was shot. We are on our third motherboard -- still doesn't work -- and it has been sent to another state for further repair.

Oh, we bought the Black Tie protection plan from Best Buy with the computer. She has been without for about two weeks now. Best Buy has, in their greed oriented wisdom, decided we still don't qualify for a refund, even if we buy another computer at their store. So, I am not recommending Best Buy, either. If you can find the computer you want at Office Depot, and it is not HP or Compaq, our experience and my client's experience with Office Depot has been very good over the years.

Useful Tools - 1

2011-08-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of the most useful tools a computer user can have is SnagIt. It is made for both the Mac and for Windows, although the company also makes Jing for the Mac. How is it useful?

Using this software tool, or app, allows you to define an area on your screen, take a snapshot of it, and then add to it. Just today I defined an area of the Thunderbird screen, added a large red arrow to it pointing to the heading of the Date column, and copied it into an email to show a friend how to sort her email so the last email you received would be at the top of your list. Quick, easy, and VERY USEFUL.

Other screen grabbing tools are out there, but this has proven to be the most useful to me. Do a Google search for SnagIt or Jing and see for yourself.

When Programs or Updates Won't Install - 1

2011-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Don’t panic. The usual reason is usually a very good reason. Windows Vista and Windows 7 come with a feature that requires your additional permission. But the window is often hidden, or shows up with a yellow icon in the taskbar.

Minimize open windows, or check the taskbar, and only give permission if you are sure you can trust the publisher of the program.

Why is this good? Because it prevents malware from automatically installing itself on your computer when you aren’t looking. And that’s very good. It is worth the frustration of having to click one, two or three ”extra” times and reading the little popup to be sure you know what is being installed.

For more information, read the following from Microsoft:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-is-User-Account-Control

What do you think? Sign in and leave a comment.

Creating Recovery Disks for new HP Computer

2011-06-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

I learned a lot today. When you get a new HP computer chances are good that you will have problems using the Windows Backup utility to Create Recovery Disks. You will keep getting messages that the media is bad, and when you contact tech support (as I did) you will be told to purchase a "better" grade of DVDs. And, of course, you cannot use rewritable DVDs or CDs.

But...!

HP has its own Recovery program. Click the Start sphere, scroll down to Recovery Manager, and create your backup Windows 7 disks there. It works like a charm.

Of course, you can only make one copy, so keep them safe where you can find them if your hard disk decides to die.

The Liza Moon Malware attack

2011-04-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

In the "Windows Secrets" newsletter this week Fred Langa writes this: (do yourself a favor and subscribe to the paid version)

TOP STORY
LizaMoon infection: a blow-by-blow account

"Using rogue-AV scare tactics, LizaMoon tries to trick you into running bogus security-scan and virus-cleanup tools on your PC — but it's pure malware.

If allowed onto your PC, this particular ploy is especially troublesome because it can partially disable the Windows Security Center and change the Registry so that the full WSC can't be restarted. It also interferes with Microsoft Security Essentials, if MSE is running. (You'll find lots more LizaMoon news coverage via Google.)

My encounter with LizaMoon started unexpectedly one evening when a suspicious warning popped up on my screen. As discussed in a previous Top Story, I use Microsoft Security Essentials and the Windows 7 firewall to protect all of my PCs. In over a year of constant use, I'd never had any malware trouble. But that abruptly changed.

That evening, I was searching for something through Google — I don't recall what. When I clicked a link, a blank page overlaid with the dialog in Figure 1 popped up instead of the site I was expecting.

Figure 1. A real LizaMoon initial dialog, captured in the wild.

My mental alarm bells immediately started ringing — the dialog was identified as a Message from webpage. But why was a random, external webpage displaying what looked like a local security message?

Also, how could a random webpage know what was installed on my system (suspicious programs or not)? The warning made no sense.

There was plenty more to suggest that the dialog was bogus. For example, the third sentence is in fractured English — Microsoft dialogs aren't like that. And the kicker: I keep my system very clean, so the odds that it would suddenly contain "a variety of suspicious programs" are virtually nil.

Then it struck me. I'd encountered a for-real LizaMoon page hijack, in the wild!"

Notice the mental bells that began ringing. The questions he asked himself.

These are the kinds of questions we should always ask when we see any message that suggests we should let someone scan our computer!!

There are times we ask. I use Crucial.com to scan computers when I am thinking they could use more memory. But the popup windows does not intrude when I go to crucial.com. Rather I have to ask, and I have worked with their site for a number of years. They are OK.

Unsolicited popups are almost always a danger sign. (I consider the User Account Control popups from Windows Vista and Windows 7 to be exceptions to the rule, as do I the popus from Norton or McAfee assuming I authorized the install of one of these antivirus programs. By installing, I authorized them.

Take care. Back up regularly. Ask the important questions.

Keyboard Shortcuts in the Mac

2011-03-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

Shortcut Keys in the new Firefox 4 for the Mac

https://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/tips/

Beginner

Zoom In, Zoom Out

Tired of tiny text? Want to see an image a little more up close and personal? Now you can easily zoom in and out of Web pages.

Zoom In

Try These Tab Tricks

If you’re the type of person who likes to have a lot of Web pages open at the same time, you’ll definitely benefit from tabbed browsing. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that will help you master tabs:

Open a new empty tab

Open a link in a new tab

⌘ + click on link

Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows

2011-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered the Windows key (you who use Microsoft Windows)?

Notice that key between the Ctrl (Control) key and the Alt key. It has a little picture of the Microsoft Windows logo on it -- maybe in color, usually in black on white or white on black.

This key can pair with letter keys to provide you with fantastic shortcuts. Let me tell you about my favorite.

+ E

If you haven’t learned keyboard shortcuts, check out this link: http://www.seoconsultants.com/windows/keyboard/

I think you may find a few shortcuts that work well for you.

More Malware

2011-03-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry. The number of Web sites that spread malware has doubled in the past year. If you have been hit by one of the variants of malware that I have been hired to remove, you know that it is a MAJOR pain in the computer. And the pocket book and the schedule.

Sadly, there is no total protection against it. None of the antivirus programs protect against all the variants attacking computers. There is even one that attacks Mac users unless they have good antivirus protection and keep it updated. It is spawned by a Windows server.

So . . . be cautious about surfing the web. I strongly recommend using ONLY Firefox with the NoScript add on or the Chrome browser. Both are currently (March 14, 2011) the most secure. Use the LASTEST versions, or Internet Explorer 9 if you can.

According to Woody Leonard (Windows Secrets) the most vulnerable folks are running Windows XP. He reminds us, "Use any tricks you can find to avoid entering user names and passwords: LastPass (site) or RoboForm (site) will do the job, entering usernames and passwords with clicks so you don't have to type them. In other words, use all the usual malware-busting techniques that have been drummed into your head incessantly over the past few years."

New to Me

2011-02-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a useful new site for Windows Users. As you know I have recommended that each Windows user be a paid subscriber (you can get information for free, of course) to Windows Secrets. I followed a link to another useful site called InfoSecrets. Take a look. I think they have some good information there. Currently they are noting that the new Internet Explorer 9 is nearly ready for release, and it will apparently have ways you can blacklist sites and prevent them from setting cookies. That will be GOOD.

On an Apple note, rumor has it that the next iteration of the iPad will be released or announced next week. Watch for it if, like me, you think this might be the one to get.

Hijacked At The Coffee Shop (or Airport)

2011-02-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

In Monday's Denver Post, Feb. 21, 2011, in the Business section an article about new dangers for internet users pointed out how easy it is for someone to hijack your computer use over a public WiFi connection. Only two browsers seem to be able to protect you at this time -- Firefox (see getfirefox.com) and Chrome (from Google). The Safari browser for either Mac or Windows or iPad does not offer any protection at this time.

For more information see this TechRepublic page or TechCrunch or Mashable. Search in Google for "Protect my computer from Firesheep" to find other methods of protection. Or See Walyou or eSecurity Planet.

You may be saying, "Why doesn't Al tell us the steps to take?"

Answer: the steps are outlined very well already. Go to one or more of the above sites by clicking, read, and act. If you need help, and live in the south Denver area, call me to come and do it for you.

For sure, make sure your home WiFi network (your router, usually) is protected with strong encryption and a strong passphrase. Change the name of the router/network.

If you can, do nothing important at the coffee shop. Don't check your bank, log into your email, or do anything that someone reading over your shoulder could hijack. The speed at which this hacking tool can grab your password(s) is amazing.

Use Firefox or Chrome wisely. Do not use Safari and do not use Internet Explorer. Mac users -- if you must use Safari invest in COOKIE (found in the Apple App Store for mac computers) and do the work setting it up to protect your personal and business data.

You can stay safe, but it's up to you. Over 105,000 people have downloaded this hacking tool. At least one of them may be near you in any public place.

I liken it to avoiding certain streets anytime, and other streets during certain hours of the day or night. It's just smart. But on the street you can take people with you. On the internet you are pretty much on your own. Be safe.

Using Google Tools on the Web

2011-02-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

As I continue to expand my use of technology, I find myself using many of the tools Google makes available at no charge. Google Docs, Google Calendar (synchronizing with my iPAD and computers), Google Presentations, and so forth. Blogspot, a Google blogging possibility, has been a major part of my experience for several years.

Start here: get a Google account. Go to Google.com and click on Gmail or More (drop down menu) and choose a tool. You will be given the opportunity to create an account if you don't have one. It's easy and fairly fast.

Then I recommend you explore a bit. To get an idea of what your options are go to the Google Options page. WOW!

To learn more, go to their Help page. Check out the products listed, watch some videos, and generally get a feel for the possibilities.

I have not even begun to check it all out, but I'm on the way. Oh, you can use this whether you are working from a PC or a Mac. I even use my iPAD. Probably a Samsung tablet or other such device would work as well.

Enjoy!

A New Computer?

2010-12-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

The current issue of Windows Secrets has a great article about purchasing a new computer. I recommend you read it for real world help. If you are nearby, call me as well and I'll help you or even go shopping with you. Go to Windowssecrets.com to get on their mailing list. It's worth it.

I have a few tips to add. In addition to NOT considering a new computer, or at least not a new Windows computer, check out either the MacBook or the iMac. I did the math with a teacher friend this past year. By the time you add in all the security tools you need on a Windows computer, the actual cost to you in dollars is not much different. I've been using both an iMac and a several Windows computers for nearly two years now. My iMac has needed ZERO antivirus help. The Snow Leopard operating system (as opposed to the Windows operating system) really does a job screening out troublemakers.

The new MS Office is available for both Windows (MS Office 2010) and for the Mac (MS Office 2011). Or, maybe better, on either you can use the Google programs. Get an account with Google (if you don't already have one) and use Thunderbird for an "on computer" free email client and use Google Docs, Spreadsheet, Presentation or Drawing. It's more than enough for most of us. Did I mention that it's free?

But if you need a computer call and/or check out Windows Secrets.

Great source for Windows 7 Tips

2010-02-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

The Windows Secrets newsletter (you do subscribe, I hope) pointed me to this next site. It's a treasure chest of great tips. Go to: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/category/tips and look around. After I have rummaged around myself I will provide a more complete review.

Or, search for The Windows Club.

That's it for now.

The last few weeks

2010-01-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have worked on several computers that were blasted by the Antivirus Pro 2010 mlaware. This one is NASTY! Nothing prepares average users for this attack. Having had to work with it I am now suggesting to my clients that if they get it, they do not move the mouse, but either press the on/off switch on their computer and hold it down for 10-15 seconds until the machine turns off, or unplug it (or turn their surge protector switch off). Then call me.

The screen that comes up can be seen at
http://remove-malware.net/how-to-remove-antivirus-system-pro-rogue-anti-spyware/

Go to : http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
to obtain a useful tool.

For the rkill program, go to: BleepingComputer.com

It may look a little different each time one sees it, but notice the shield to the upper left that looks like it came from Microsoft. I have been told that either clicking the X in the upper right hand corner to close the window or (in some cases) passing the cursor arrow over it can caust it to download itself (more than once).

I removed it on a couple of computers using instructions found on the web, rkill and Malwarebytes Anti Malware and, in one ase, Spyware Doctor. In other cases when I had not been called until the client used her computer for several days after it first appeared, I had to backup her data files, use killdisk to scour the hard disk, and reinstall windows. Even doing the manual cleaning of the registry (in safe mode) did not find all the instances. It kept coming back and bringing it's cousins.

If you are my client and have this problem, please call ASAP. If you are a tech faced with this problem, at the very least disconnect from the Internet, use rkill after downloading it on another computer and putting a copy on a USB stick or CD and boot into safe mode. Then use the tooks recommended or do the manual work and try it again. If that does not work, you may have to back up data files (external hard drive), disconnect the external drive, reboot using Killdisk (get it fro the web and make a bootable CD) and scour, scour, scour. Then reinstall windows, Malwarebytes program, and maybe Spyware Doctor. Connect the external drive and test it for any instances of this nasty thing.

Finally reconnect to the Internet and see what happens. Be careful, use protection, and stay alert.

PC Tip # 5

2010-01-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Use two monitors. If your computer was a super-winner it came with a two-port graphics card. If not, you may have to purchase one by ATI or nVidia. If you have an extra monitor, great. Or find a good buy on an LCD type monitor at a local store Even Costco and Sam's Club carry them.

You will have to open the case on most Windows computers to install the card. On the iMac you have a video port (but need a converter cable available from Apple).

Why two monitors? convenience, efficiency and ease of use come to mind. With heavy duty programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator or Lightroom the tools and all can be on one monitor while the program is on the other. Or you an keep your browser and emai on one screen and get serious work done on the other. Even using Word with Excel or Access is way easier with two monitors. If you have questions, leave a comment. It really is not hard.

PC Tip # 4

2010-01-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

I wrote about the necessity of performing backups. If you use a MAC it is pretty easy. It comes with the Time Machine application. Add an external hard disk, enter Time Machine and set it up. The initial backup will backup your entire hard disk and may take a couple of days. After that you want it to only back up those files which have changed -- it's called an "incremental backup".

On a Windows computer you have the built in program. Get to it by going to the Start button, All Programs, Accessories and System Tools. (It may be slightly different in Windows 7).

But you must either back it up manually OR use the Windows Scheduler. There are easier ways.

Here is a link to a comparison chart:
http://www.ghacks.net/2009/04/26/the-10-best-windows-backup-software-programs/

I have successfully used TRUE IMAGE for both backing up and restoring. There are many other programs, some free, some quite expensive. Do a search on "Windows Backup Software" to find possibiities that will help you.

One last word: if you can manage an external hard drive large enough to do a full DISK IMAGE, everything including Windows, programs, etc -- do one of those when you get your computer set up, virus free, ready to use and save it somewhere safe. If things go badly with a rootkit you cannot remove, etc., you may need to remove everything from your hard disk, and restore the disk image. Then restore your data from another external hard drive. This can save hours, even days.

Then let Windows Update bring your version of Windows up to date with security patches. THEN make another disk image. Get the idea?

PC Tip # 3

2009-12-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

Organize your files. Make use of My Documents (Windows XP), Documents (Windows Vista) or a main area in Windows 7. In addition to "My Pictures, etc., add the categories you need to add. I have a folder called "Letters-Env" where I keep letters and envelopes along with blank letter templates and blank envelope templates.

Under "My Pictures" I have a sub-folder for 2008, 2009. Etc.

Unter My Pictures/2009 I have folders labeled: 1-Jan-2009, 2-Feb-2009, 3-Mar-2009, etc. The nuber that starts each folder permits them to sort in order. I will spend New Years Day setting folders up for 2010.

Then remember to SAVE documents, pictures, music, etc. in the appropriate folder. When the times comes to retrieve something it's a whole lot easier if you are organized.

Basic Tip # 2

2009-12-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Back up your data regularly. That's it.

At least once a week send it to an external hard drive, or to Carbonite or another on-line back up repository.

Sub Tip: If you use Mozille Thunderbird, search for, download and install MozBackup. Use it each week and put the backup in My Documents, Documents or whatever area(s) you back up in Windows 7. If you use Microsoft Outlook, or Outlook Express, remember they do not save your email, contacts, etc. in My Documents or Documents. You need to EXPORT your .pst file into a directory in the area you back up. Once a week. Maybe more often.

If you use a MAC, get an external hard drive and use the Time Machine. Do a full backup and then incremental when files change. DO IT!

Basic Tip # 1

2009-12-30T18:01:00.001-08:00

Protect your computer -- especially if it is a PC.

Install and regularly update an Internet Security program such as Norton (Symanatec). It is hard to upgrade and hard to renew and hard to uninstall, but it makes a big difference. McAfee is also good. I have used Comodo with good success. Do a web search using Bing, Google or Yahoo to get ratings of the various anti-virus, anti-spyware programs and choose a good one. Do NOT install more than one on your computer. They will conflict and the bad stuff will slip in between the cracks.

Go to: http://remove-malware.net/how-to-remove-antivirus-system-pro-rogue-anti-spyware/
and download the program. Run it if you get nasty stuff. If you get stuff that won't go away, read the "Really, Really Nasty" post on blog.lustie.com. If those tools don't help, call me and if you are in the south Denver/Littleton/Centennial area I will get your hard disk cleaned up and as much of your data preserved as humanly possible.

You are regularly backing up your data aren't you. But that is a topic for another post.

Getting Started

2009-12-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

I am an experimental guy. So, this blog is an experiment. In it I will be trying out blogging ideas which others may know already, but which I want to experiment with. I will share tricks and tips about PCs and Macs as well as ideas for Web development and for living well.