No access to some websites

Lately I’ve been having problems seeing certain websites some which I use on a daily basis and various others, even sites that I own. Now this is Extremely frustrating.

The problem here lies in a little know setting on your computer responsible for transmitting information across networks. I won’t get too technical here [you can read the techie stuff here provided by Ask-Leo] but there is quite a simple remedy to fix the computer problem and it worked for me.

This little know setting is called “MTU”, which stands for Maximum Transmission Unit. It lies within the registry, and if you are not familiar with making changes there then this simple little pc tool will help you with your problem. Download DR.TCP [I just ran the .exe] and a grey window will pop up.

DR.TCP

There is no need to touch any settings there except, look at the:

Adapter settings - select the setting that corresponds to your Internet connection setting. If you  are not sure which is yours, go to your CONTROL PANEL ===> Network Connections there run your mouse over the connection icon and a little box will flag up which connection you have.

If there is no number in the MTU box, like there was none in mine put in 1500, then SAVE. Reboot your PC and see if this worked.

If there is a number in the MTU box, write it down to return to it later, and then try these numbers in order:

* 1492

* 576

Select your adapter, insert the number, and click Save and  Exit. Reboot and test to see if the new value has corrected the problem. Your MTU settings maybe just to high or too low.

Mine worked using 1492 but all depends on your connection.

Remember: if the smaller doesn’t solve your problem, then reset the MTU value to whatever it was when you started. Save and exit.

Hope this solves your problem successfully.

Zo

How can I tell if my browser is hijacked

One of the first problems that I noticed was that for some strange reason my computer was very slow. Having checked that there were no Ms updates coming through, or anything else that would cause this sudden decrease in speed, when opening my browser - I saw that my homepage had changed. A sure sign of malaware .

The most common tell tale signs are:
1. A slow computer
2. Home page changes
3. Pop ups, strange virus warnings
4. Additional items on the start menu and favourites
5. Firewall alerts - unidentified programs trying to gain access
6. Additional toolbars or toolbar tools.

If your computer is clean then installing the Spyware blaster as recommended here, this will give it the protection it needs. 
If you are already having problems then a good program to use to clean and fix your computer is Lavasoft Ad-Aware 2008. Do a FULL SCAN, and although it may take a while, will perform a thorough clean.

Wireless hijackers

Although this article was written for the UK market - it applies to anyone, anywhere, we are all vulnerable to hijackers.

UK households at risk of broadband hijackers
Rob Barnes, Head of Broadband and Mobile Phones

Internet access at home is now mainstream with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showing that more than two-thirds of British households are now online. An increasing number have wireless connections, but the majority of these are not secure, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud.

Recent research from moneysupermarket.com found that only 15% of those with wireless broadband have a protected router. With all major providers now providing a wireless router with their packages, wireless broadband is becoming increasingly popular leaving Brits open to ‘piggybacking’.

Piggybacking is where broadband users connect to someone else’s wireless router to gain access to the internet for free, with the potential to steal bank details, identity information or even downloading illegal content through the owner’s connection.

According to our research more than five million adults (11%) have used someone else’s wireless internet connection without permission in the past 12 months.  The results also show people are doing little to protect themselves, with one in seven failing to put a password on their connection.

It’s not just security risks people face as 37% of broadband deals impose a download cap, which could mean additional charges if the limit is exceeded. Of those who admit to piggybacking nearly half say they check emails and do some browsing and an unrelenting 12% hijack someone else’s wireless connection everyday, downloading films and music regularly.

What are the consequences?

If you’re not careful, you could unwittingly find a huge bill landing on your doorstep for going over the download cap imposed by the broadband provider. More and more providers offer routers with broadband packages and the range of the signal is increasing. People need to be aware just how important protection is and the best way to do it.

People are learning to be safe online but those using wireless can undo all that by leaving their network unprotected. An unsecured internet connection is just the same as leaving your front door open.

So how can you beat the broadband pirates?

* Password protect your wireless internet connection with non-dictionary words and numbers
* Check that your router uses WPA rather than WEP encryption
* Know your download limit and what that translates to (i.e. 5 music albums)
* Make sure you have appropriate security software and firewall
* If you have children, consider using parental controls as well as password protection for the router.

You can never be too careful.

Zo Nicholas

Speed up your pc 

For Windows XP

You may have noticed the nifty graphics effects you see in
Windows XP such as sliding or fading windows and shadows
under icons.  If you’re willing to trade this for increased
performance, you can speed your computer up by following
these instructions:

1.Right click on “My Computer”, click “Properties”
2.Click the “Advanced” tab
3.Click the “Settings” button in the “Performance” section
4.Click the box next to “Adjust for best performance” to
turn them all off, or
5.Turn off as many as you want.  The fewer checked boxes,
the faster your computer!
6.Click OK, then OK to save and exit.

Source: PCSecretFormula

Zo Nicholas

Advanced Disk cleaner 5

Here is a great tool that is more thorough than the Windows Disk Cleaner if you want to free up more disk space.

Download the Advanced Disk Cleaner5 here for free.

Open the  Disk Cleaner.
Click on Search.
Then review the list, Select all.
Click CLEAN.

Then do a Defragmentation as outlined here

How secure is your browser?

Boost your Security

Always check your settings on your browser to make sure you get maximum security. When surfing the net there are many sites out there that would just love to have access to your pc - that try to download malicious files.

For peace of mind check the security of your browser.

Open your browser - IE7
Go to >>> TOOLS >>> INTERNET OPTIONS
Go to >>> SECURITY TAB
Go to >>> CUSTOM LEVEL
Check that its set to MEDIUM-HIGH
Then >>> CLICK APPLY

To stop unwanted pop-ups
Go to PRIVACY TAB
There tick POP UP BLOCKER

[this may hinder you on legitimate sites when trying to fill in forms etc; you  can turn this pop blocker on/off as and when required]

Phishing emails.

These arrive in our mailboxes every day, encouraging us to click on various links making us believe they are from legitimate companies. NEVER EVER click and give over your personal information.  It is better to be too cautuious than to fall foul of these malicious spoofed email.

Open your Internet Explorer 7
Go to >>> TOOLS on the far right and Click
Then go to >>> PHISHING FILTER
there choose which option you prefer.

Having problems  getting to see a webpage?

Try this little tip to reset a client resolver cache, it may just help.
click Start >>> to All programs >>> to Accessories >>> click Command prompt.

Where you see the cursor flashing, type :

ipconfig/flushdns

and hit the enter key.

[The /flushdns option is only available on computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003 operating systems.]

This may help to resolve your problem.

A friendly smile from such a sweet person like Alejandra can fix many things  especially my mood when my pc is driving me nuts.

Congratulations Alejandra making it to Google no 1!
Wish you success and fun with your ‘pink hamster’ .

Here’s a tip if you have problems getting to  see an updated page in your browser:

For XP go to your >>>

INTERNET EXPLORER >>> TOOLS >>> INTERNET OPTIONS >>> GENERAL TAB

In the BROWSING HISTORY  click on SETTINGS.

Choose *Every time I visit a webpage.

Then click OK.  Then APPLY and OK.  This could help to resolve your problem.

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about computer viruses, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about computer viruses.

A virus is a program - a piece of executable code - that has the possibly of cloning itself. Computer viruses can spread fast and they are hard to eradicate. They can be attached to any type of file and they are spread as files copied and sent from person to person. They can be contacted from a floppy disk or Cd, they can be launched when opening a program or accessing a file, any file, or they can be brought from the internet by downloading a file or accessing a web page and as attachments to e-mails.

Besides replication, some viruses have something else in common: their infecting routine. The behaviors of viruses vary from showing messages or images to destroying files, formatting the hard disk drive and other severe damage. If the virus does not inflict damage it can still cause problems by taking up space and memory, lowering the performances of the computer.

Nine rules for avoiding computer viruses :

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

1. Use an anti virus program at all times.
2. Install and keep active a firewall.
3. Make sure your system is up-to-date with all the existent updates.
4. Keep your browsers security settings at maximum.
5. Never click yes when your browser asks you if you want to install or open some content coming from an organization you don’t know or don’t trust.
6. Install an anti-spy ware program to enlarge the protection.
7. Never install a browser help or search bar accepting the times it comes from a reliable source.
8. Use a different credit card for online shopping.
9. Don’t click on email attachments that are executable files even if they look as if sent from known persons.

The antivirus programs have a big role in providing your computers security and protecting it from viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other “invaders” that can attack a computer. The role of an antivirus program is to detect the presence of viruses in a computer, to disinfect the files or delete the ones that can’t be disinfected and prevent the contamination of the computer.

Most of the companies that produce antivirus have online free tools for scanning computers for viruses. If you don’t have an antivirus yet and can’t decide which one to buy you can enter their online sites and try the services for free, then decide what to use.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest computer virus news.

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