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

Wired Article: 10 Years After

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!

Ok, so there’s nothing groundbreaking with the gameplay or graphic or technology…  but Fist of The North Star!!! If you don’t know this title (Hokuto Musou!!!) then you can skip the whole post, really.

But for all of you that do know, and enjoy the comic (or even Anime, yikes!), you owe it to yourself to play this extremely over the top fighting game……… Man I love those comics.

Ken: you feel lucky, punk?
punk1: huuuuuh?
punk2: and who the **** are you, eeeeeh?
Ken: YATATATATATATATATA!!!!
*punks’ heads start to get swollen*
punk1&2: what the? thats the best you can do?? hahahah…errrk* 
*heads exploded*

It’s like a trip down memory lane… while riding on a bike, swinging spiked chains, running over evil punks, blowing their heads off with your punches.

Here’s a good example. A mathmetician’s blog with puzzles: http://blog.tanyakhovanova.com/

On another news, I’m still waiting for a chance to stop by EBgames to get a copy of Battlefield: Bad Company 2. I was a huge BF2 maniac (and a wee bit of BF2142) and been missing a solid online FPS frag fest (no, Call of Duty is not one of them – solid Single Player, sure… but kiddies MP). Hopefully this game can finally cure it. Well the following video helped….

Check out the link for the super-awesome game trailer LOL

http://kotaku.com/5476999/yakuza-4-will-pick-up-a-scooter-and-smash-you-in-the-face

Happy Weekend!

I recently found a new favourite… explaining web-addicts.

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

http://pumaphone.com/