If you've seen a message popup on your computer claiming that "You have a security problem", then you absolutely do have a problem - it is called Antivirus 2009 and it is a rogue antispyware program.
What you are experiencing is the slick attempts of Antivirus 2009, which are designed to get you to purchase their bogus software. And while there are a large number of manual fixes and claims that completely free tools like Ad-Aware or Search and Destroy can clean this nasty little spyware from your computer, the reality is that you are going to need a lot more than that to rid your computer of this spyware nuisance.
This is the reality of spyware threats today. They are becoming smarter and smarter and more difficult to remove. What makes Antivirus 2009 so difficult to remove is the fact that the software has the ability to recreate itself after a reboot. This means that you can manually delete the files, folders, registry entries, etc. all day long and every time you reboot it will be right back there again, hammering you with popups and continually downloading additional spyware by the minute.
Having said that - there is a way that you can remove it rather quickly and rather easily, without the need to post any logs to forums and without having to do any manual intervention that quite frankly, most people don't feel comfortable doing. While it might not be the answer you want to hear it is the answer you need to hear - invest a small amount of money in a proven, top of the line antispyware software.
Most spyware removers out there will allow you to scan your computer for free to determine how infected your computer really is, however this is where the freebies end. Yes, there is software that will allow you to clean your computer for free, but the reality is that these programs are nowhere near as effective as software that you might have to pay a few bucks for. I mean, if the totally free software were so effective then antispyware vendors that require you to pay for the full version and clean your computer would go out of business right?
What computer users are starting to realize more and more however, is that the freebies simply don't work. What usually happens is that users think they can get away with using a totally free software, but after they have spent countless frustrating hours trying to clean their computer, they come to the realization that they need something better and that in order to get it, they are going to have to invest a few dollars and this is exactly what happens with Antivirus 2009 as well.
Because Antivirus 2009 has the ability to recreate itself and due to the fact that totally free antispyware software does not have the ability to stop this recreation which is the root of the infection, users find themselves in a vicious loop and can never completely remove it unless they get their hands on a proven spyware removal tool. I am sure you might already know how frustrating it is to see "You have a security problem" over and over again.
But what users also fail to realize is that this isn't going to be the only time they get infected with spyware if they don't have antispyware software running on their computer that is actively monitoring for threats in real time.
So spending money now on antispyware software with highly effective real time protection will not only clean your computer from current infections, but it will block future attempts at infection before they actually make it onto your computer - saving you from the frustrations of having to deal with spyware infections every other week or more.
So if Antivirus 2009 has gotten hold of your computer and you are seeing unending popups claiming that "You have a security problem," the best thing you can do is invest in proven and effective antispyware software and if not, be prepared to spend countless hours now and in the future fighting a new breed of highly efficient spyware infections.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Microsoft Project Server Vs Microsoft Project
There are a number of project managers today that use Microsoft Project to create and track project plans to keep tasks on schedule. Project is a fine application for small endeavors with one person in charge. However as a project grows and more decision makers are involved, managers need an application that can provide enterprise-wide project management.
On-line Management with Project Server
When coordinating a large venture, basic management tools like Microsoft Project may not serve the manager's needs. It is a standalone application that can be used only on one computer. All project information is in one place and all decisions can be made only at that computer.
Once there is a large endeavor with a management team, this lack of access becomes a problem. What is needed is a project management tool that can be shared company-wide and allow all managers to track their respective tasks without needing to wait for printed reports.
Project Server was designed with exactly that capability in mind. All team members can access the application from anywhere on the company network or over the web. Coordination and communication is easier when everyone is on the same page.
Each Team Member Has a Role
Just because everyone can access the software, that doesn't mean everyone has the same capabilities. Individuals are given permissions appropriate to their role in the plan and in the company.
Project managers use the basic Project Professional application just like they have in the past. However their updates and changes are transmitted to the server where they can be viewed by other managers and incorporated in their plans.
Team members who don't use Project directly can still access the server to see what their tasks are, what the status of the overall plan is, and can send status reports to be used by managers.
Even interested parties not directly involved in completion of the tasks, such as executives or investors, can be given access over the company network or the web so they can monitor the progress. Comprehensive security settings ensure that each person is given needed access without any excess privileges.
Project Server Training
Even experienced users of Microsoft Project will benefit from training on the unique capabilities of Project Server. The enterprise-level features of the software greatly increase the size of the projects that can be handled but may not be obvious to new users. Tasks such as team building, resource substitution, and information pooling can be used more effectively after taking instructor-led courses.
The transition from Project to Project Server is a major step for any business but with guidance and proper planning, it is a move that can be made with a minimum of complication. The added capabilities will be invaluable to any mid-size to large business.
On-line Management with Project Server
When coordinating a large venture, basic management tools like Microsoft Project may not serve the manager's needs. It is a standalone application that can be used only on one computer. All project information is in one place and all decisions can be made only at that computer.
Once there is a large endeavor with a management team, this lack of access becomes a problem. What is needed is a project management tool that can be shared company-wide and allow all managers to track their respective tasks without needing to wait for printed reports.
Project Server was designed with exactly that capability in mind. All team members can access the application from anywhere on the company network or over the web. Coordination and communication is easier when everyone is on the same page.
Each Team Member Has a Role
Just because everyone can access the software, that doesn't mean everyone has the same capabilities. Individuals are given permissions appropriate to their role in the plan and in the company.
Project managers use the basic Project Professional application just like they have in the past. However their updates and changes are transmitted to the server where they can be viewed by other managers and incorporated in their plans.
Team members who don't use Project directly can still access the server to see what their tasks are, what the status of the overall plan is, and can send status reports to be used by managers.
Even interested parties not directly involved in completion of the tasks, such as executives or investors, can be given access over the company network or the web so they can monitor the progress. Comprehensive security settings ensure that each person is given needed access without any excess privileges.
Project Server Training
Even experienced users of Microsoft Project will benefit from training on the unique capabilities of Project Server. The enterprise-level features of the software greatly increase the size of the projects that can be handled but may not be obvious to new users. Tasks such as team building, resource substitution, and information pooling can be used more effectively after taking instructor-led courses.
The transition from Project to Project Server is a major step for any business but with guidance and proper planning, it is a move that can be made with a minimum of complication. The added capabilities will be invaluable to any mid-size to large business.
Exploring the PC Future - Lenovo Ditches Hard Drives
One of the things that an economic collapse promises is change. We may love to anticipate it, but when it comes to changing the way we do things, we loathe it. This is one of the reasons PCs really haven't changed all that much even though viruses and botnets are running wild, and every month one or two companies have to make embarrassing announcements about lost customer information.
Look at your keyboard. Its basic design was to prevent typewriter arms from becoming tangled. This stopped being a problem when IBM came out with the Selectric electric typewriter in the early 1960s and was never a problem with computers, yet we not only still use the antiquated keyboard (granted some are amazing), we teach children to use it as well.
But, take the entire world and pull the economic security rug out from under it, and folks suddenly are motivated to change. You have three jobs and 20 people who want them. One can type 30 percent faster because he or she doesn't have a conventional keyboard, and so gets the job and probably will get promoted. Others will make the change as well.
The same thing is true with PCs. Lenovo just launched an interesting alternative to the traditional PC desktop. It is calling this new platform the "Secured Managed Client." It has a number of advantages shared by blade PCs, thin clients and traditional PCs. But if it weren't for the economic collapse, I doubt it would get much traction because it is different. But with folks fighting to preserve their jobs by saving every nickel they can, this solution may have suddenly become a player.
Secure Managed Client
Simply said, these are diskless PCs connected by a high-speed but otherwise standard Ethernet connection to a specialized storage array designed by Intel specifically for just such a task. Since the entire image for each connected PC resides on the array, software updates, patches and software maintenance can be performed with the PCs off and only the storage array powered on.
From a security standpoint, the repository is centralized and can be secured. If a PC is stolen, the PC itself is the only thing lost. In an economic downturn, site thefts are likely to go up sharply. While insurance will cover the cost of the lost hardware, the lost information can become not only a reporting nightmare, but one that can, if the loss is significant, damage the firm's profitability. Some types of information are difficult to replace, and with firms operating with reduced staff, they're limited in their ability to recreate lost information in a timely way.
Risk of hard drive failures and losses due to catastrophic events are virtually eliminated if proper backup procedures for the repository are implemented, since users can't turn these protections off or defer them.
Mobile Future
While the initial solution is desktop-only, there is a very real possibility that a netbook -like low-cost mobile product could be implemented with limited syncing and constant WiMax or WAN connectivity to limit the data on the notebook and to provide many of the same benefits that the secure managed client supplies to desktops.
This is likely the bigger step. I'm expecting it to emerge sometime in the next 24 months, but, overall, the concept of local storage is reaching the end of its useful life. It isn't hard to imagine a future where storage is provided even in the consumer space as a service, given the recent forming of EMC venture Decho specifically designed to address this future need for those looking for a blended and more mobile solution.
Wrapping Up
This is one of the more interesting trends that likely will accelerate over the next 24 months as companies struggle to contain costs and focus increasingly on solutions that provide strong near-term monetary and security benefits. The Lenovo Secure Managed Client does just that, and we will review others as they roll to market.
Look at your keyboard. Its basic design was to prevent typewriter arms from becoming tangled. This stopped being a problem when IBM came out with the Selectric electric typewriter in the early 1960s and was never a problem with computers, yet we not only still use the antiquated keyboard (granted some are amazing), we teach children to use it as well.
But, take the entire world and pull the economic security rug out from under it, and folks suddenly are motivated to change. You have three jobs and 20 people who want them. One can type 30 percent faster because he or she doesn't have a conventional keyboard, and so gets the job and probably will get promoted. Others will make the change as well.
The same thing is true with PCs. Lenovo just launched an interesting alternative to the traditional PC desktop. It is calling this new platform the "Secured Managed Client." It has a number of advantages shared by blade PCs, thin clients and traditional PCs. But if it weren't for the economic collapse, I doubt it would get much traction because it is different. But with folks fighting to preserve their jobs by saving every nickel they can, this solution may have suddenly become a player.
Secure Managed Client
Simply said, these are diskless PCs connected by a high-speed but otherwise standard Ethernet connection to a specialized storage array designed by Intel specifically for just such a task. Since the entire image for each connected PC resides on the array, software updates, patches and software maintenance can be performed with the PCs off and only the storage array powered on.
From a security standpoint, the repository is centralized and can be secured. If a PC is stolen, the PC itself is the only thing lost. In an economic downturn, site thefts are likely to go up sharply. While insurance will cover the cost of the lost hardware, the lost information can become not only a reporting nightmare, but one that can, if the loss is significant, damage the firm's profitability. Some types of information are difficult to replace, and with firms operating with reduced staff, they're limited in their ability to recreate lost information in a timely way.
Risk of hard drive failures and losses due to catastrophic events are virtually eliminated if proper backup procedures for the repository are implemented, since users can't turn these protections off or defer them.
Mobile Future
While the initial solution is desktop-only, there is a very real possibility that a netbook -like low-cost mobile product could be implemented with limited syncing and constant WiMax or WAN connectivity to limit the data on the notebook and to provide many of the same benefits that the secure managed client supplies to desktops.
This is likely the bigger step. I'm expecting it to emerge sometime in the next 24 months, but, overall, the concept of local storage is reaching the end of its useful life. It isn't hard to imagine a future where storage is provided even in the consumer space as a service, given the recent forming of EMC venture Decho specifically designed to address this future need for those looking for a blended and more mobile solution.
Wrapping Up
This is one of the more interesting trends that likely will accelerate over the next 24 months as companies struggle to contain costs and focus increasingly on solutions that provide strong near-term monetary and security benefits. The Lenovo Secure Managed Client does just that, and we will review others as they roll to market.
Whats an Eee PC?
Have your kids been hassling you to buy them a laptop this christmas, or are they students that are telling you they need this big expensive laptop to do all their university or college work.
Well have you heard of the Eee PC?
Eee PC is marketed as 'Easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to play'. It is relatively a low price depending on what model you get. The newer models have the added option of Windows XP, but obviously that increases the price.
It is currently one of the most sought after laptops around, you may have seen it advertised on the Underground or on TV. It is 225 mm wide , 170 mm deep and weighs only 1.12 kg. It is aimed at being easy to use and is perfect for e-mails, and making documents and spreadsheets.
The only let down is that as it is small it can be a little tricky to use with a small keyboard and the resolution on the screen is not the same as you may see on more expensive laptops.
But it is perfect for children, as their is no need to buy a big overbearing laptop that is ging to cost an arm and a leg. If you buy wholesale you can get a really good cheap price for an Eee PC, so it is a perfect present this christmas. The kids can use it for all their schoolwork aswell as surfing the internet.
Well have you heard of the Eee PC?
Eee PC is marketed as 'Easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to play'. It is relatively a low price depending on what model you get. The newer models have the added option of Windows XP, but obviously that increases the price.
It is currently one of the most sought after laptops around, you may have seen it advertised on the Underground or on TV. It is 225 mm wide , 170 mm deep and weighs only 1.12 kg. It is aimed at being easy to use and is perfect for e-mails, and making documents and spreadsheets.
The only let down is that as it is small it can be a little tricky to use with a small keyboard and the resolution on the screen is not the same as you may see on more expensive laptops.
But it is perfect for children, as their is no need to buy a big overbearing laptop that is ging to cost an arm and a leg. If you buy wholesale you can get a really good cheap price for an Eee PC, so it is a perfect present this christmas. The kids can use it for all their schoolwork aswell as surfing the internet.
SEO Best Software
The best search engine optimization software out there in my experience is the SEO Elite. This software will make your site rank in the top 3 in any keyword search for your niche. Every time someone makes a search on any of the major search engines your website is going to rank in the first page making it the first and last store they're going to visit. You see the way to make your business successful on the Internet is positioning.
The positioning of your brand and/or business will make the difference just as it makes the difference out there on the regular stores in your city. Just as you would position your store in the place where you'd think you'll make more money because of the location and targeted consumers, you need to do the same on the Internet. Make your website the first choice, it will be the first one they'll see once they use any of the major search engines, and make it the last by targeting the right consumers.
I must add that SEO Elite by itself will not make your website rank on the top of the majors search engines, including first page. Something as important as solid knowledge of the fundamentals of SEO helps greatly as good content on your website will too.
Building your site's link popularity involves increasing the number and quality of websites that will link back to yours. SEO Elite will help immensely in this respect. It analyzes backlinks in all the major search engines.
SEO Elite also offers a incredible tool, you can check out your competition's linking strategy. In a matter of minutes, you can find out a website's complete linking strategy as well as any kind of SEO optimization tricks they may be implementing.
The positioning of your brand and/or business will make the difference just as it makes the difference out there on the regular stores in your city. Just as you would position your store in the place where you'd think you'll make more money because of the location and targeted consumers, you need to do the same on the Internet. Make your website the first choice, it will be the first one they'll see once they use any of the major search engines, and make it the last by targeting the right consumers.
I must add that SEO Elite by itself will not make your website rank on the top of the majors search engines, including first page. Something as important as solid knowledge of the fundamentals of SEO helps greatly as good content on your website will too.
Building your site's link popularity involves increasing the number and quality of websites that will link back to yours. SEO Elite will help immensely in this respect. It analyzes backlinks in all the major search engines.
SEO Elite also offers a incredible tool, you can check out your competition's linking strategy. In a matter of minutes, you can find out a website's complete linking strategy as well as any kind of SEO optimization tricks they may be implementing.
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