Introduction: Most people have heard the term spyware before, or now, more commonly referred to as malware. Malware is malicious software (hybrid of “malicious” and “software”) designed to steal private information, harvest personal information, harm your computer, or otherwise do unethical and nefarious things that you aren’t aware of. Malware can install itself without you knowing and usually masquerades as a helpful utility designed to improve your computer’s performance. And the irony: it does exactly the opposite.

The Internet is a wonderful tool used for many purposes. Although, like vehicles used in a bank heist or to get the kids to soccer practice, the Internet can be used for both good and bad. The key to avoiding most malware is to stay away from porn sites (free you know what), offers that are too good to be true (free Xbox360 anyone?), and thoughtlessly clicking the “Next” button while surfing the web.

Avoiding all malware is akin to never catching a cold. So don’t feel like you’ve done something wrong when you experience something similar to the scenarios I’ve listed below.

Scenarios: You’re trying to find a used copy of Vin Diesel’s 2002 movie “xXx” on DVD. So you type “xxx dvd used” into Google. Woo-eeee are you in for it! If you’re not familiar with legitimate online businesses that sell DVDs, you could end up with a monitor full of four letter words, in both textual form and Full Monty form. So, you end up clicking all over the place, including the “Next” button repeatedly to get the darn screens out of your face before your wife or colleague notices. Next time you boot up the computer, pop-ups fill the screen before you even start your web browser and your computer seems as slow as Grandma’s.

You’re trying to locate a free game to kill some time or a free program to do whatever. You think you’ve found the website with the wares you want, and even better, it appears legitimate. You give them your information, you install something via your web browser that supposedly makes their services operate seamlessly, and everything is all gravy. Then later you notice small re-occurring charges on your credit card from some bizarre named vendor (worst case scenario), your computer starts acting oddly, mysterious pop-ups appear, your inbox is spammed, or you’re being warned that your immediate attention is required to fix the computer before it spontaneously combusts.

Solution: Install, update, and run the FREE malware removal program Spybot Search & Destroy and a similar program (if you feel so inclined) PCTools Spyware Doctor. For this how-to, I’m going to focus on Spybot Search & Destroy. PCTools Spyware Doctor is similar, if not more intuitive [free version here]. I’ve had a lot of success with Spybot and trust the program, which I was I’ll be showcasing it in this tutorial.

• Download Spybot from the safer-networking website. When the download completes, double-click and install the program. The setup wizard will guide you through the process; including backing up the system registry, downloading the latest protection updates, and helping you get started with the program.

• Familiarize yourself with the interface.

  

  The pane on the left holds the most common tasks you’ll be performing, including Update, Search & Destroy, and Immunize. The middle pane displays the first couple important steps: Search for Updates, and Check for problems. Use the Recovery option later if you experience issues after scanning and removing malware threats (I’ve never needed to use it, but is nice to be aware of).

• Search for updates. Always remember to search for the latest threat definitions before running the scan. Like your anti-virus software, new threats are detected daily and the program should be updated often to ensure system protection and detection of the latest threats. Click the Search for Updates button in the middle of the program window, or alternatively, the Update button in the left pane. A new window will pop-up asking you to search for updates, and if updates are available, to select the download location. After choosing your download location, available updates will be displayed. Mark all the check boxes, and click the Download button near the bottom. Wait a few moments for the updates to be downloaded and installed. Then click Exit to return to the main program window.

• Search and destroy! Now we can try to locate the baddies on your system and eradicate them. Click the Check for problems button in the middle of the program window, or alternatively, the Search & Destroy button in the left pane. The scanning process can take anywhere from 10-45 minutes depending on your computer’s hardware. Once the scan is complete, a list of detected malware issues will be displayed for you to analyze. Some issues can include “cookies” that have been determined by the software vendor to be malicious (or better yet, a threat to your Internet browsing privacy). Cookie threats aren’t generally as disruptive as software threats, but still safe to remove. You’ll know if you have software threats by clicking the + sign in the displayed list of threats. Software threats install themselves in the Program Files directory, Windows directory, and the system registry, which Spybot Search & Destroy makes very clear where the bugs are located. Browse the list of detected threats, uncheck any you believe are not threats (careful, many threats masquerade as useful applications!), and then click the Fix Selected Problems button to remove the malware. In some cases, a system reboot and rescan (before many system files are opened) is necessary to remove the remaining malware. I advise to do this, because some bugs can’t be removed while they are being used by the operating system.

• This is a very important step. Immunize the system! Spybot Search & Destroy comes with a handy feature called Immunize that prevents many known websites and malware threats from being accessible by your computer or installed in the first place. Click the Immunize button in the left pane, then click the Immunize button in the middle pane (with a big green “+” sign next to it) to engage the program’s preventative measures for known malware.

  Your computer should now be threat free and protected from many known malware issues. There are other solutions available to perform similar actions, such as the aforementioned Spyware Doctor. Also, Microsoft offers a free malware detection and removal program called Windows Defender. There are numerous commercial vendors, like McAfee, Symantec, Lavasoft, and so forth, but I have found the free solutions to be just as effective. For severe malware infections, use a combination of Spybot, Spyware Doctor, and Windows Defender.

Tech Tip: If you’re connected to the Internet, you’re susceptible to malware infection. The key to avoiding the bugs, is to browse safely (ha!). Here’s a few tips to remember: avoid clicking on pop-ups, too good to be true offers, and the all-too pervasive “Next” button. Treat malware as you do a virus -- with weekly scans by your favorite anti-malware software.

WARNING: Nerd Humor Ahead

OK, so only some of the code was leaked. But look what it reveals! Just what we’ve suspected. Partial code grab:

if (first_time_install) {
   if ((installedRAM < 2GB) || (processorSpeed < 4GHz))
      {
         MessageBox("Hardware incompatibility error.");
         GetKeyPress();
         BSOD();
      }
   }
   Make10GBSwapfile();
   SearchAndDestroy(FIREFOX|OPENOFFICEORG|ANYTHING_GOOGLE);
   AddRandomDriver();
   MessageBox("Driver incompatibility error.");
   GetKeyPress();
   BSOD();
}

The rest of the leaked Windows Vista source code can be viewed here. [32KB GIF]

This should have been completed a long time ago, but was occupied with school and life. I apologize for the delay! My design portfolio is now available and can be viewed here. Major projects have been described using a simple format: objective, challenge, and outcome. I did this to help the reader understand the fundamentals of each project and to give the reader a basic frame of reference.

Well, happy viewing, and if you're interested in web development or graphic design for your business, you may contact me here so we can discuss your goals.

Cheers,

Josh 

Scenario: You turn on your computer and Windows won’t start. Or, you download a nefarious attachment that roasted your operating system. Or, you computer is so infested with malware, it’s nearly impossible to use in a sensible manner. Either way, your important documents, pictures, music, and other legal media have been rendered useless, along with your borked copy of Windows.

Solution: Install a second hard drive in your computer which will now house all your important stuff. Windows (your “operating system”) will reside on its own hard drive, so when things get nasty, you won’t need to kick the dog because your favorite video has been lost. Seriously though, remember that hard drive failure is not uncommon, and this sort of setup (generally speaking) should provide a safer digital environment. This is because system drives experience heavier loads than secondary drives that store information not accessed as often. Hard drives are manufactured to withstand heavy loads for quite some time, but like any mechanical device, it can only handle so much and can significantly decrease its useful life.

You have two options for installing a second hard drive:

1. Internal hard drive installation (more work, more know-how)
2. External hard drive installation (what installation?)

Internal hard drives take some “know-how” as I put it. First, does your computer case have physical room for another hard drive? Do you have an unused IDE or SATA cable available? Does your BIOS support hard drives larger than 137GB? Blah blah blah! And then, do you know how to open your computer case? Do you know how to configure the jumpers on the hard drive? Blah blah blah! Did you remember to wear your anti-static wrist band? Don’t forget the screws! Oh yeah, let’s hope you don’t put too much load on your power supply either… and don’t forget to format the new drive for use. Mind numbing geekiness, I know. Try an external drive if you’re lacking a computer tech or if you’ve decided not to torture yourself with learning the latest in computer technology.

External hard drives are as easy as plugging in the power (you know what a power outlet is right?), connecting the USB or Firewire cable to your computer, and finding a cozy home for the new piece of hardware (on your desk perhaps?). Most external hard drives come pre-formatted too. Plug ‘er in and play!

The Basics: Once the external hard drive is plugged in, Windows will automatically configure it and pop up a window asking what you want to do. I usually tell it to open the window with explorer so I can view the files on the hard drive. Alternatively, you can double-click My Computer and the new drive should be visible there. Now, you can organize and store your documents on the new external drive as you normally would. Create folders/directories for Pictures, Music, Documents, and so forth.

Scenario: You've deleted a few pictures, programs, or other files you thought were no longer needed. You've emptied the Recycle Bin and they're gone for good. Then, it hits you: "I needed that!" What to do?

Solution: Use a free program by Piriform called Recuva to recover deleted files! Now, before we get started, please be aware that this program should be installed prior to experiencing any data loss. This is because Windows doesn't entirely delete files once they've been emptied from the Recycle Bin. The space is freed simply by removing the reference information your system uses to find the file. However, the data can be overwritten when you create new files (like installing a new program). To avoid destroying the lost data you want to recover, be sure to either install Recuva on a different hard drive, or install it before you actually need it.

• Download and install Recuva, then load the program from the Start Menu. This is what Recuva looks like when first started:
  

• Select the drive you want to recover files from using the drop down box (top-left). Click the "Scan" button near the top-middle of the program window. Recuva searches for recently deleted files that can be recovered. Recuva found one recoverable file on my C: drive called "resume.dat.old":
  

• Select the check boxes next to each file you want to recover. Then click the "Recover..." button in the lower-right corner of the program. Select the location to save the file to and presto complete-o! Note: You should recover the file to a different hard drive, if possible, to avoid over writing the sectors/information of the file you are trying to recover with itself!

Ayden took his first steps last night! It was a momentous occasion to say the least (Naylina even shed a few tears). Exciting stuff! We were fortunate enough to get it on video:

Alternatively, you can watch the video directly from YouTube.

Naylina decided to write this in her "journal":

Ayden just took his first steps and we are so proud of him and his first steps are on the 7th of February 2008 at 7:30pm and I cried because I was so proud of him.

Last weekend we visited our Grandmother in Pasadena. We were pleasantly surprised that she wanted to hand down her iMac to us, to which I now eagerly await. I was given a quick tour of the iMac and some of its goodness by herself and an Apple salesman (we later went to the Apple dealer to drool over the latest widescreen iMac running Leopard). Why is this important to you or anyone else?

I’ve long been a supporter of the PC, specifically, Windows XP. Since Windows XP, PCs have become much easier to use; however, less safe and harder to secure. I enjoy the versatility offered by the PC, including its vast array of applications, hardware, games, and generally speaking, the openness of the architecture. The problem is, using a PC on the Internet generally wreaks havoc (if you’re not a tech guru or have someone in your family who prepared you for the online buggers). The usual scenario goes something like this: You visit a website and click a few links. Next thing you know, you’re web browser has been hijacked, you have three additional toolbars, pop-ups appear when you’re not even browsing the web, and your computer is uncharacteristically slow to respond.

I have received many phone calls from friends, family, and clients describing their PC problems. I could almost immediately chalk up the majority to spyware, malware, or whatever they call it these days (I didn’t have time to read the latest Internet news yesterday, therefore, I’m behind technologically… chuckle). The problem I see with PCs is they require too attention to maintain and secure, which most people simply don't have the time, competence, or desire to do.

Enter the iMac and Apple’s OSX. What a beautiful operating system. What a sleek design. Amazingly, I learned to use a computer on an old boxy, miniature-screened Mac. That same design philosophy is being used today – package all the technology inside and behind the monitor. Anyway, Apple’s latest operating system, Leopard, is gorgeous, and full of great applications out-of-the-box. I particularly enjoyed the photo management and automated backup using Time Machine. I was thrown by how intuitive things were, the eye candy, and the speed and efficiency of the machine. Programs opened in a snap with minimal lag, if any.

I never really paid much attention to Apple OSX news until more recently with the release of Leopard. Leopard received an amazing amount of press and now I know why. It’s attractive to computer users and you don’t need to worry (as much) about spyware, virus outbreaks, and the rest of the threats. (I digress: I believe OSX is derived from the UNIX kernel, a highly stable and efficient backbone. Which brings me to Linux. Generally thought of for the geek crowd only, however, thanks to Ubuntu, that is changing. Ubuntu is being labeled the most user-friendly Linux distribution available. Linux is an open source operating system that is known to be highly secure. No more spyware worries. No more virus scans. No more hack attempts. For a really good read about a Windows fan boy’s defection from Windows to Ubuntu, click here. I installed Ubuntu on my laptop last month and agree almost entirely with the thoughts of this author.)

And then there’s the iPhone, iTouch, MacBook Air, Apple TV Take 2, Time Capsule, the list goes on (see MacWorld 2008 coverage). Apple has started a revolution and Microsoft should be scared. I’ll be an Apple convert shortly…

We would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and an exciting new year!

Quick family update:

Ayden is just about 9 months and nearly able to stand on his own! He can point out (using his finger!) every day things like a baby, dog, flower, and so forth when asked. He even started waving "hi" this last week -- he briefly looks at his hand as he cycles his fingers and fist from clinched to open, then shows his hand to you and does the same. He crawls as humanly fast as possible, plays with everything but his own toys, and loves to snuggle soft blankets and stuffed animals.

Naylina is in a first/second grade combination class and doing quite well. The teacher has her doing mostly second grade work, even though she's officially in first grade. Naylina loves the heck out of her brother! They play so cute together -- chasing each other up and down the hallway.

Lorena is gearing up for massage therapy school! She is so excited and looking forward to learning some new massage techniques. If you'd like to help with her education, she needs people (Guinea pigs?) to practice her massaging on.

Josh, just yesterday, finished college! He now has his BS in Business Administration. Josh is working with Pebble Beach's Human Resources department and also still a freelance designer and computer technician.

I've been hesitant to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista for several reasons:

1. It's a resource hog (meaning, you need a fast, new computer to run all its nifty features)
2. Driver/software support is still playing catch-up (meaning, your favorite program may not be compatible yet)
3. I don't see a clear advantage to using Vista, yet (meaning, why replace a robust XP with an unknown Vista?)

I found this article at ComputerWorld which explains how you can continue using Windows XP for the next seven years. Why 7 years you may ask? Because that's tentatively when Micro$oft plans to cease support for the XP operating system. The article covers the following topics:

• How long will Microsoft support XP?
• Get Vista's security improvements in XP
• Get Vista's eye candy in XP
• Get other Vista goodies
• Tweak XP settings for faster performance
• Perform weekly maintenance for smooth operation

Hello all! Been awhile since I've posted photos of our new little one. He's growing fast and walking with the help of his parents, able to hold his bottle, can flip from his stomach to back, grabs and studies things, and is almost ready for food that doesn't fit through a nipple! New photos here.