Be Alert About A New Virus That Is Attacking Facebook Members

Trojan horse viruses have always swept over popular websites like Craigslist, Myspace and now there is a new virus that is attacking Facebook. On October 27th, 2009 http://www.mashable.com/ released an article that was entitled, "Facebook Password Reset Confirmation Email Contains Virus [ALERT]". In my research I found that if you receive this message the body of the email will appeared as follows:

Hey vguysville,

Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.You can find your new password in attached document.

Thanks,

The Facebook Team

This particular email seems like the Facebook team is consciously reaching out to members by asking you to reset your password. But the direct result of clicking on this link is a trojan horse virus. It will proceed to download into your hard drive, and then unleashes a series of infectious files that will start to "bubble up, and then puss" out into a chain reaction by launching executable files that will connect to remote hosts. This process will in turn start downloading more malicious software from the web.

This trojan horse virus is described as variation a of "Bredolab" virus. It can bypass your computers firewall, which is like the protective coating around your computer that prevents outside hijackers form accessing important files on your computer, like bank statements or credit card numbers. Bredolab can finesse its way around your firewall by injecting its own code into your computer by attaching its own executable files onto common files like explorer.exe (a command file that starts Windows Explorer). In addition, the "Bredolab" virus can also go into stealth mode, which means it is smart enough to quit itself when an Anti-Virus program investigates its actions.

Taking preventive steps is the best way to save yourself form these nasty files. So always be on the lookout. If an email looks like it is out of the ordinary, think twice. "Do I really need to click on what is being offered right now?" Or, If a friend sends you a strange message, take a second and write a reply and ask, "Did you send me this funny email?" That way you can protect yourself from these email hoaxes.

In the unfortunate occurrence that a trojan horse is opened on your computer you should first disconnect from the Internet. On a desktop, disconnect the ethernet cable. On a wireless, click "Connections", then right click on "Wireless Connections", and then click "Disable". These viruses can burrow into multiple areas, and are difficult to unearth manually. So, the most practical solution is to download an anti-virus(AV) program like AVG (http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage) or Avast(http://www.avast.com/) and run a virus scan (or if you have and AV already installed, try running the virus scan, if it has not already started). These programs will assist you with the removal process by displaying information about the infectious files and how to quarantine them.

Be aware! Running one Anti-virus program is not always the solution. If you have the funds, it may be critical to buy a program like Adwarebot(http://www.adwarebot.com/download.php). This preventive step is important because some trojan horse viruses are designed to disguise themselves when specific programs investigate them. I had a friend who actually bought Anti-Virus software to help solve his virus problem. Although, after his computer was scanned and claimed to be clean his "G" and "H" still did not working properly. He then proceeded by purchasing Spyware Doctor(http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/ ). This software found additional files that were not discovered by the AV program. Spyware Doctor found a keystroke counter virus. A keystroke counter is designed to copy every key you press, and can record valuable passwords and credit card numbers without you knowing. After the keystroke counter was removed from his computer, the "G" and "H" began functioning properly again. Yet, this still does not always mean that every single infectious file is removed. In conclusion, make sure you always run anti-virus software, keep you windows updated, change your passwords every month, avoid questionable sites, strange emails, and don't ever get "click happy" when browsing the Internet (be weary of what you click for). Having a smart defense in the future, will ultimately protect you from malicious viruses and keep you computer secure.

http://blog.mxlab.eu/2009/10/27/bredolab-masked-as-facebook-password-reset-confirmation/

http://mashable.com/2009/10/27/facebook-password-reset-confirmation/

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's views on Technology

On October 15, 2009 Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California made a speech expressing his views on modern technology at the Oracle Open World 09. The "Oracle Open World" is the world's largest event concerning modern technology. This years event in 2009 welcomed over 40,000 people from a total of 120 countries. The speech that Governor Schwarzenegger gave not only captured his views as California's Governor on technology today, but also on how technology will help save us in the future.

Arnold Schwarzenegger gained world wide notoriety as a body builder, and then as a action hero/movie star in Hollywood. He began his speech with this note. He explains how if it were not for technology, he would never have been able to build such a championship body with advanced equipment and supplements, nor would he have ever been able to look so amazing in movies like Terminator, or True Lies.

The most important issue that Governor Schwarzenegger covered was on global warming, and preventive greenhouse effect issues. He states that California has proved to be the most advanced in the nation by using newer alternative fuels, cleaner cars, and cheaper renewable energies. In reference, Governor Schwarzenegger sites how California's is now using hybrid tug boats, and electric trailer trucks. Both of these examples were notorious for burning excessive amounts diesel fuels, and exhausting gross amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He continues to talk about a San Franciscan company named Solazyme. Solazyme signed a contract with the Navy for their innovative way to turn algae into fuel. Arnold was also proud to discuss Telsa Motors. Telsa Motors is a Californian car company that designs electric cars. For instance, they delivered the Roadster Sport. A new high-performance sports car, who's concept design is based on the world's leading all-electric, zero emission vehicle and it can go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.

Governor Schwarzenegger describes new and improved digital sensors and meters that will create a "greener" power grids by making more efficient, and more stable power sources in an attempt to prevent power outages. Power outages in the past have cause over 150 billion dollars in loses to businesses in California alone. He also mentions new device on the market that will allow people to turn off their electricity in the homes from their office, or from their Blackberry. Perfect for parents who have to be at work at 7:00 AM, and their children are not in school till 9:00 AM. So, with this technology when the time reaches past 9:00 AM, parents can reassure that all electrical appliances, lights, heaters, or air conditioners are turned off.

Governor Schwarzenegger discusses Californian companies like Oracle and Sun Mircosystems that have developed over 11,000 new patents. In addition, he proudly explains how Californian fire fighters are the most advance in the world. They are now using a technology called Geographic Information Systems(GIS). These systems are being used in fire fighting helicopters, where billowing smoke clouds make it near impossible to spot dumping areas. Pilots use to have to wait for the smoke to clear, so they could see the area to dump fire retardant on. With GIS, Helicopter operators can pin point critical areas with low visibility, and dump retardant chemicals with exact precision.

"The sky is the limit," says Schwarzenegger as he looks back at our advancement in technology over the past thirty years. Look at,"computers, DNA, GPS, catalytic converters, global networks, emails, and the list goes on." Imagine what will be invented in the next thirty years.

On a personal level, I have looked into the future, and have had feelings doubt and disbelief when dealing with Global Warming issues. I admit that we are an amazing species, and truly believe that we are capable of making the impossible possible. In addition, I am comforted by hearing people in office, like Arnold speak about our advancements in science, and showing actual proof that what we are doing is making difference in battling this alarming environmental issue. In closing, I believe in the human race. I believe in the power of technology and our ability to improve the way we live. In turn, I will no longer dread the future, but rather look forward to see what type of technology will get us out of this mess. What's next?


Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d4QUXxy3O0

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/user/arungupta#p/a/u/0/WPU1uknoHz0

Tesla Motors: http://www.teslamotors.com/

Microsoft Millennium Edition was a Problematic System

Windows is notorious for having technical issues with operating systems, and Windows Millennium Edition (ME) is one of those problematic systems. Windows ME was Microsoft's advancement into the new millennium. It was a graphical multimedia operating systems that was next in line to Windows 98. Windows ME was released to the public on September 14 in 2000. Windows Me Support Desk ended on July 11 in 2006. The Windows ME bundle included a new and improved shell with vibrant colors, bubble buttons, realistic shadows, as well as Microsoft's release of Movie Maker. Movie Maker was their new home office video creating and editing software.

Some outstanding problems that I have uncovered about Millennium Edition:

-ALT-ENTER Does Not Resize MS-DOS Prompt
--MS-DOS-Based Versions of PartitionMagic Does Not Run on Windows Millennium Edition
-MS-DOS Versions of DriveImage Cannot Operate on Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
-Policy That Disables MS-DOS Prompt Disables All MS-DOS Programs
-Switching Between an MS-DOS Window and Full Screen May Cause Computer to Hang
-Cannot Configure Expanded Memory Support for an MS-DOS-Based Program
-How to Increase Available File Handles for MS-DOS-Based Programs in Windows Millennium Edition
-MS-DOS-Based Programs Unable to Initialize COM Ports on Computers with ACPI Support
-"Invalid Switch" Error Message When Attempting to Use "Xcopy" or "Xcopy32" in MS-DOS Mode
-Compatibility Issues with CheckIt 98 in Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
-"Restart Computer in MS-DOS Mode" Option Is Not Available in the Shutdown Dialog Box
-The "Unable to Control A20 Line" Error Message (The A20 line is the start of the first 64K of extended memory, known as the high memory area (HMA).
-Keyboard Command Does Not Work in Command Prompt
-You Receive the "Out of Environment Space" Error Message When You Execute the Vcvars32.bat Batch File
-Screen Saver Does Not Start Even Though System Is Idle
-Ansi.sys Device Driver Cannot be Loaded in Windows Me
-Computer Hangs After You Install Windows Me On A Computer with Creative Labs Sound Blaster Device
-Dinosaur Adventure 3.0 Does Not Run Properly on Windows Millennium Edition
-ME Problems with Name Brand Keyboards with Sleep Mode and Wake Mode Buttons

I can not say that I have ever used ME from what I recall. In 1999 my family's desktop computer was running Windows 98, I am sure. After I moved to San Francisco in 2000, I enrolled in school to study computer animation at the Art Institute of California-San Francisco. I can only recall using Windows XP. Yet, in my research I have found that Windows XP was released in 2001. So, I may have used ME briefly in school because they were always updating programs and operating systems. I never installed it on a computer while attending, nor was I in charge of troubleshooting issues at school. That was for the Tech Crew at A.I to worry about. I can say that I do recall a long line that formed outside the front entrance of a Comp USA. It was full of people who were waiting to get there hands on Microsofts Millennium Edition.

Source Links:
http://support.microsoft.com/ph/6519

What is Linux and who would use it? Would you?

Linux is a General Public Licensed (GNU) operating system(OS) that was released in 1991. Linux was developed by a Finnish Computer Science Student named Linus Torvald. Linus began developing Linux as a study on "386", which is an older computer processing code. He used a "C" based scripting language to design Linux which is an adaptation of a older operating system named Unix. Unix was developed in 1969 by AT&T and Bell labs. In the beginning stages of Linux development Linus reported his advancements online within news group. Developers began contributing codes, and it was not long after in September 1991, Linux version 0.01 was released.

When compared to Windows(OS), Linux can accomplish 95% of the same tasks without all the corporate ownership and licensing. Linux has a basic design that takes up 4 GB of disk space, compared to Windows which can take up to about 16-20 GB. Linux can be used as a sufficient home workstation with Internet capabilities, as well as a central server for you business. Linux is the prominent GNU software, yet most programs are not designed to run on Linux. Although, there is "crossover" software available called "WINE". WINE makes it possible to run Windows programs on Linux. In addition, Linux has a strong firewall which is important in today's world of malicious software, where Windows has been known to have a great deal of problems with being susceptible to infections.

I use Linux with my web server for my website. I found it straight-forward and easy to use. I have not made the complete transition from windows to Linux, but I am interested in the dual-booting option that allows you to run both Linux and Windows. I really am not a fan of Windows's constant bombardment of updates (I always disable automatic updates even though I know I should not). I do have some computers I use just for the Internet. I believe that Linux would be the better choice, because I have actually had technical issues where Microsoft has download a blocking program onto my computer that disable access to my computer due to product licensing just by being on the Internet.

Microsoft in the future.

Multi-touch surface technology is the future of computing and will be used by people in most places. The technology of multi-touch computing can be found anywhere you find an I-pod or an I-phone. It is a LCD that uses heat and finger pressure as a incremental device to operate more than one object at a time. This ability can be compared to mouse device, which can only control one object at a time.

The cool thing about a multi-touch surface technology, is that it can be used on walls, tables or even floors. Computer scientists are predicting that these type of touch screens will be found in more places in the future, and will provide the users with more and more applied options.

For instance, a Microsoft Multi-touch (coffee) Table can automatically detect objects that are place upon it, like mugs, pens, or cameras. In one case, a person will use a camera to take a picture of their friend. Then, by placing the camera on the table, the LCD will detect the camera, and automatically, the picture will display on the screen in the table. In addition, the user will use hand movements to adjust, manipulate or rotate the picture.

It is predicted that people will have mutli-touch screens installed in places like kitchen counters, refrigerators, and even in lazy boy chairs so people can control their entertainment centers. Imagine the possibilities for business presentations at high-end graphic agencies, or magazine companies. (Awesome). This technology retails for $5,000 to $10,000 and can already be found in shopping malls, casinos and hotels.

Do Some Research and Find a Cool Mulitmedia Device or Software

My friends and I were discussing investing in a projector so we could incorporate live footage, stock footage, and music with cool lighting effects for a extravagant showcase of our artistic abilities.

After some debate my friends and I choose the "Sony VPL-FH300L LCD Projector. It is 27.5 inches in length, 11.7 inches in height and 67.2 pounds in weight. What I like most about this device is that, not only is it ideal for classrooms or board rooms, but it also packs enough image brightness to be used in a small auditorium and still be clear. Reaching the maximum of 6000 ANSI lumens ( an ANSI standard measurement of light) this projector is on the higher end of projector devices. In comparison, most lower end projectors run anywhere from 1000 to 2000 ANSI lumens. This projector also projects a image with the resolution 2048 x 1080, and it's display format is 6,635,520 pixels. The Sony VPL-FH300L LCD Projector retails for $37,961

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Projectors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A2389982#Overview

What is Second Life? Could it be used for anything useful? How could businesses use it? How could education use it? Would you use it? Why or why not?

Second Life is a virtual world that was made public in 2003, and can be accessed by anyone with a Internet connection. In this 3-dimensional world you first create a character called an avatar. This avatar will represent you in this world. The purpose of Second Life is to provide a realm where people can connect and interact with other residents by joining groups, socializing, shopping, buying virtual property, starting a business, show art work in galleries, and exploring this virtual word by participating in wide range of activities like, driving a race car or scuba diving.
Second life can be used for educational purposes. Students would be able to delve into real-life studies that would be moreover difficult in the natural world. For instance, as a student you could delve into an virtual African animal safari study, and get up close and personal with apes. Or perhaps there could be a class on how to diffuse bombs for S.W.A.T. teams. Imagine a virtual study of life on a space station, in zero gravity, walking though step by step what astronauts experience and the sights they may see . In addition, this virtual world could become the next step to providing a global hands on experience with some subjects that are near impossible to truly study.
On a personal basis, I would definitely use Second Life. If I had the time and money I would like to set up a virtual Art Gallery. I believe I could display my works of art, and network with people all over the world by discussing and selling my works. This would not only open my art to a virtual world wide market, but perhaps by communicating with more people this would lead me into new groups, and then eventually lead me into actually traveling to distant lands.