System Administration
Fix: What To Do if Removing a Virus Blocks Executable (.EXE) Files From Opening
by Justin Gonzalez and Evan Wondrasek on March 19, 2010
I have recently observed that after removing certain fake anti-spyware viruses (such as “Windows Security Center” or “Anti Virus 2010″), all executable (.exe) files will no longer open. No matter what file you try to open – iTunes, Firefox, or even Malwarebytes – they will not open because they are all .exe files. To fix this problem, I came across a process that... [Read More]
How to Find Out Information About Processes in the Windows Task Manager
by Evan Wondrasek on March 16, 2010
The Windows Task Manager is a system utility included with all versions of Windows that allows you to view details about the applications that are running on your PC. When looking at the Task Manager, you’ll probably see a long list of ambiguously named processes – so how do you know what those processes are? ProcessQuickLink is a free utility for Windows that adds information about your processes... [Read More]
Windows 7 Secret: ‘GodMode’
by Reis Pritchard on January 6, 2010
Some are calling it the “ultimate control panel”, but what does the new, secretive Windows 7 ‘GodMode’ do? The foxy-sounding name is a little deceiving, because as far as we know, it is exactly what people are calling it – a glorified control panel. However, that goes without saying how useful this feature actually is. To access the simplified, all-in-one control panel,... [Read More]
How to Setup Internet Connection Sharing in Fedora 12
by Dustin Patterson on January 1, 2010
If you have a computer with two network interfaces, one wired and one wireless, it can sometimes be beneficial to share an internet connection from one interface to another. In Microsoft Windows this is called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). This guide will show you how to setup the equilivant of ICS in Fedora 12 by sharing a wireless connection with a wired port of a computer. 1. Right-click... [Read More]
5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your PC
by Dustin Patterson on December 31, 2009
With the start of a new year fast approaching, many people are making personal New Year’s resolutions such as to lose a few pounds or save some extra money. Your PC is also looking for changes this New Year. Here are 5 simple New Year’s Resolutions for your PC. 1) Upgrade your web browser Upgrading your web browser is one of the best things you can do for your PC in the new year. ... [Read More]
EeePC 900A: Add More Hard Drive Space with a SDHC Card
by Dustin Patterson on December 7, 2009
If you’re looking for a small, cheap, and powerful netbook, the Asus Eee PC 900A is a great buy. Included by default in the 900A is a 4GB solid state hard drive (called a SSD). Although the SSD is large enough to run the included Xandros Linux operating system, you may find yourself running into storage space limitations if you install a mainstream flavor of Linux. (Note: I am focusing on Linux... [Read More]
Control Your Linux System With A Web Interface
by Dustin Patterson on November 13, 2009
Administrating a Linux system is sometimes thought to be a task reserved for the command-line-savvy individuals. While Linux does provide other means of administration such as various desktop environments and VNC (Virtual Network Computing), these means can sometimes be difficult for users to setup. Webmin is a web interface for Linux that can provide a simple and easy-to-use solution to your Linux... [Read More]
Windows Security Tip: Enable Windows Firewall
by Dustin Patterson on October 22, 2009
Having your computer on any network, whether wired or wireless, subjects it to a countless number of security attacks everyday. These attacks are an attempt to breach the security of your connection to collect information or damage your computer. Since the release of Windows XP, Microsoft has included the Windows Firewall in it’s operating system. The Windows Firewall is a simple software-based... [Read More]
How to Setup Folder Sharing with VirutalBox Guests
by Dustin Patterson on October 15, 2009
Having a virtual machine installed on a personal computer offers many uses. One use is the ability to try a new operating system before it is released, such as Windows 7. Once you’ve installed a virtual operating system, you might want to access files that are stored on the host operating system. VirtualBox offers a feature called ‘Shared Folders’ which will allow you to share... [Read More]
Can’t Find a Device Driver? Let Unknown Devices Help
by Dustin Patterson on October 9, 2009
The scenario: You just reinstalled Windows on your computer and are having a difficult time finding a driver for an obscurely named device. You have checked the manufacturer’s website and have tried several different drivers, all with no luck finding the correct the device driver. Unknown Devices is a program that will assist with searching for difficult to find device drivers. Using Unknown... [Read More]
