Help yourself and (maybe) learn something new

So you picked up an infection somehow and you don't know what to do.  You've searched and searched for the answer and found all kinds of information but you can't figure it all out. 

In your searches you probably came across a program called HijackThis (HJT).  This is a powerful tool that should only be used by trained helpers, as you can really mess up your machine if you do something wrong. 

HJT is a program which scans your system and allows you to create a log or report at the end of its analysis. The log created by the HJT lists many places on your computer that spyware and malware are known to target. The HJT staff are trained to interpret your HJT log and provide instructions which you can follow to repair your system.

Well, the people at CastleCops have done something to help you help yourself (you might not even need to use HJT) and learn something in the process.  This "something" is a procedure called "Malware Removal and Prevention" (MRP)

If you are here to do a thorough system cleaning or just a checkup, then MRP will guide you through that process. Perhaps your computer is showing symptoms of infection: Popup ads, general sluggishness, or browser redirects, to a name a few. If that is the case, MRP will offer you a good chance at restoring your system to normalcy.

The above help should make it easier for you to get back up and running and hopefully you will have learned something about security and your machine.

Safe Surfing!

Happy Birthday Earth!

Earth Day!  A Cell phone on your belt, a  PDA in your pocket, a GPS antenna on the roof of your car and your laptop on the passenger seat attached to your Navigation System and you are a real "Modern Mobile Man".  Are you "Green"?

In support of mother Earths day today, I thought I would pass on some links I have found interesting in "Green Computing".  Tips, hints and information on what you can do to make this a greener computing world.

So what is Green Computing anyway?  That's hard to explain so I'll let wikipedia do it for me.

"Green computing is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. Typically, green computing systems or products take into account the so-called triple bottom line of people, planet, profit. This differs somewhat from traditional or standard business practices that focus mainly on the economic viability of a computing solution. These focuses are similar to those of green chemistry; reduction of the use of hazardous materials such as lead at the manufacturing and recycling stages, maximized energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and recyclability or biodegradability of both a defunct product and of any factory waste."

Climate Savers Computing has a checklist for you to go through to see what you know about Green Computing and how you can become greener.  They also have info on choosing Green Computer products.

At Greener Computing you can inform yourself what is going on in the world of green computing.  One really interesting thing they have available is a Resource Guide for Environmentally Preferable Products.

If you really want to see how "Green Computers" are certified, you will need to read through EPEAT's (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) criteria, from the public standard, IEEE 1680.

I can't imagine living back in the dark ages without my cell and my laptop and all those other things MMM needs, (how did we survive?), but at least I can try to live green.

Safe Green Surfing!