Little tips and tricks for this morning is how to clean you hard-drive. For whatever reason.

For so many years, most majority of computer-users believe (fervently) that deleting a file from Recycle Bin in Windows (or pretty much any other Operating Systems I know) will forever obliterate that data to the furthest edge of the universe and beyond.

Until I showed them how easy it is to retrieve it under 5 minutes.

In a nutshell, the fact is when you delete a file in Windows, it only deletes the pointer of that file. But it leaves the actual data intact – until that exact space is either re-utilized or cleared. To fully understand that, you need to know the basic idea how file works. When you save a file in your drive, it creates a header/pointer where it stores all the information of that file – including where and how big that data of that file is being stored. When you delete a file, the system would simply either rewrite the header to say that the area where the data resided is now empty and free for the taking of any new files, or, delete the header completely. Neither, actually deletes the data. Thus, when you do feel the send a file into oblivion, there are extra steps you must follow and understand.

Due to the various type of hard-drives and operating systems out there, here are Gizmodo’s full article with more details on which tools and guides: Gizmodo article

On a different topic, BBC has shown how new format of drives may be working against Windows XP users. So if you’re on XP, and looking into adding extra storage to your computer, read up: BBC article

While Ars Technica goes into a little more in-depth regarding this issue: Ars Technica article

Interesting article by Wired. The layout alone is definitely one heck of a trip down memory lane for most people who remember those days.

Wired Article: 10 Years After

In other words; antivirus phish; a.k.a. virus (usually trojans) who disguised themselves as antivirus and urge you to install them by creating (usually) fake threats in your computer. For more info, read up here: Wikipedia 

The latest current threats for this type of attack are found online through your web-browser by mimicking an antivirus scanning page or your explorer window – making them looking completely legit and trick you to use them. For the latest updated list of these “bad-websites”, this is one of source I use and updates: MalwareURL 

Some example screenshot pictures are; 

Antivirus 2009 - a notorious rogue program malware

 How to avoid them? Basic rule of thumb: don’t just click and/or run anything you see that you don’t recognize. Especially in the Internet. I know that some of these scam attacks may look like something you would recognize, so just being extra careful wouldn’t hurt.

Install a good, reliable antivirus. Microsoft Security Essential is free and a fairly solid solution, although it may not be as complete as other. AVG antivirus has a free version that’s quite robust. McAfee, a well-known antivirus solution, has some free tools you can use. Last but not least, TrendMicro has a free tool called HijackThis (don’t worry, it’s a real antivirus!) that you can use to scan your computer online securely and on-the-fly. Very handy! 

Keep an eye out for non-recognizable/out of place layout in your computer. This means; when you see a windows explorer window, make sure the address bar actually points to the current view. Ie. when you see My Computer content on the viewing panel, it should say My Computer on the address bar – unlike the second screenshot example above where it says http://scan1.antivirus….
Another example is when you see a scanning antivirus program running, it shouldn’t have an Internet Explorer bar on the top – this could means it’s actually a website designed to look like an antivirus program. 

Don’t simply click Yes/OK/Next on messages that suddenly pops up on your screen, or notification to install any kind of program. Take the time to review it,  read about it, and/or ask around. Remember, it’s always better NOT to install a program you don’t know rather than installing a program that you THINK you know. 

A website designed to look completely like My Computer browser

On a more personal notes, this type of malware – rogue software – has claimed at least 3 PC securely located behind a firewall and numerous more outside the last few weeks. It’s on the rise, no surprise to their fairly high success rate. Some would even employ a real-life tech-support representative that infected user can chat with! Other reports show that affiliated companies of these rogue program developers can be paid for thousands of real dollars for distributing the programs and hosting them. Damages by infection are ranging from simple Windows error loop to whole systems being disabled to file corruption (deleted, and scrambled, so you can’t recover it). 

So when you think you’re safe and sound in the Internet… think again. Be safe!

Funny how both CTRLALTDEL and PennyArcade had similar comic today… maybe I missed some big announcement…. hmmm…

Happy Weekend!

Solar-powered cellphone? Yes please…

http://www.gsmarena.com/puma_phone_roars_at_the_mwc_sportsminded_and_eco_friendly-news-1459.php

http://pumaphone.com/

By giving away 1Gbps Fiber internet to about 500-thousands lucky Americans, Google is only one step away from becoming Skynet. Great.

In all seriousness, they are planning to become an ISP by providing Fiber connectivity at competitive prices. Theoritically, this will lay the foundation of next generation bandwidth speed and internet development, according to Google; which will pave the way into high speed connectivity to the rest of the world.

But seriously… 1Giga bit per second? Holy %^!$, I wish I live in America…. video and link below

Endgadget Article

Gizmodo Article

Update: Apparently the news got caught up by CBC as well. As shown in this article: CBC article.

Although I found a disturbing fact on that article; quoted:

Google likely has dark fibre in Canada to serve its capacity needs here, but any attempt to provide telecommunications services would run into legal problems. Restrictions require any infrastructure-owning telecom service provider to be majority Canadian owned and controlled.

Damn you Robbers, Bhell, and Failus!

This is probably how Online Parent Control software should work. Click the link and watch the video. Warning: NSFW!

http://www.worktobejudged.com/strippause/peca.html

Awesome artist. Definitely worth checking out if you have the slightest interest on design, graphic, or photography.

Walee

Example pic:

Gaming post today! (yeah, didn’t see that one coming from the title, eh?)

I just read Ars Technica’s most wanted games for 2010 list, and although I’m generally not impressed (weird games, missing games), I found a little gem called APB.

But before that, let’s start with what I’m personally waiting for: Aliens Versus Predator. This is simply one of the easiest pick for me. Although I don’t buy alot of game (actually, very very selected few), I tried a lot of them. And, given enough time, I would love to try even more. But only a selected few I can call a “good game” and worthy of my dollars. AvP is one of them. I’ve been waiting for a good, solid, game for over a year now after I dropped LOTRO, and judging from its predecessor and previews, this is one game with a solid story, exciting gameplay, and intense multiplayer.

So, onto All Post Bulletin. After trying out a few different MMO (and wasted a good few hundred/thousand hours on them) in the past, I’m now looking into another one. Afterall, if I’m to summarize the kind of games I played, it’ll be mostly MMO and multiplayer-heavy FPS. The thing with MMO, since most of them comes with a monthly fee, the quality standard is even higher for me. LOTRO, for example, has excellent storyline and great gameplay and immersive world. Coupled with good community, it’s easy to rank it my #2 MMO of all time (#1 is old Star Wars Galaxy before the NGE).  Then comes Star Trek Online (lame actions), StarWars Old Republic (nice voice, crappy graphic?), and an onslaught of others (no, I won’t touch WoW). But nothing really hits the spot (I even spend over 6 months on Eve, and I had to let that one go too) that could push me over to pay a monthly bills.

Until I saw this trailer.

Here’s the link to the site and more videos/screens/info: APB.com

Guess it’s time to start saving…

So here I am, upgrading to the latest Wordpress to patch up a few holes… ended up reading a few interesting links and articles.

How to Secure Joomla: Although it revolves around Joomla, many tips actually applicable to other CMS systems (like Wordpress) and regular hosted websites. 

Default Passwords: Title says it all. You can browse by letters, or manufacturers’ defaults, or submit your own. Incase you still don’t get it… this is the list of what NOT to use as your password.

SecureLive: Nifty program that can secure your CMS (and others) installation package as a plug-in of that package that continuosly active to scan every suspicious activity on your installation. Pricey, but they have a free Wordpress plug-in.

Uh oh… once a week post? I’m sorry, but this week got real busy…

Moving on, though, here comes the new trend introduced by Mr. Jobs… the iPad.

Gallery, First Impressions: Ars Technica 1

Slightly more indepth review: Ars Technica 2

Wow, it’s been a while since I post! Guess keeping track of my blog isn’t one of my new year resolution LOL…

Anyhow, here’s a great Quantum article from Ars: Ars Technica

Why Quantum? I don’t know… it just sound so awesome to begin the new year

First off, Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Now that I’m back (for abit) I like to post one cute news… and words just escaped me to explain this… so just watch the video.

Article: EndGadGet

Awesome article that goes beyond the biggest Christmas blockbuster opening this weekend: Wired Article on Avatar

Update: I just saw it this past weekend and although the story isn’t exactly Oscar-material, the special effect is (literally) out of this world. Holy moly… go watch it in 3D!

Thinkgeek.com – One of my favourite place in the net to shop. What, you’re surprised?

Several items that caught my eyes in the subscribed newsletter (totally worth it btw even if you don’t buy anything)(Canadian custom tax sux):

Star Wars Chop(-stick) Sabers: Eat Sushi, Defend the Galaxy

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/japanfan/c50f/?cpg=119H

Ninja Toothbrush Sanitizer: http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/cbba/?cpg=117HB