Ransomware

Ransomware is increasing in recent months and once your computer is infected it is highly unlikely you will be able to recover any data that has been infected, by far the best protection against this type of threat is awareness and precaution. Here is Red data’s guide on how best to avoid it and what to do if you think a computer may be infected;

What is ransomware?

Ransomware (a.k.a. rogueware or scareware) restricts access to your computer system and/or files and demands that a ransom is paid in order for the restriction to be removed – Paying the demand will not actually unlock your computer or files and is simply a scam to make money.

How best to avoid this type of infection?

•Install and use an up-to-date antivirus solution (i.e. Microsoft Security Essentials).

•Make sure windows is up-to-date.

•Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments or emails from people unless you already know them to be a trusted source.

•Enable smart screen in Internet Explorer.

•Have a pop-up blocker running in your web browser.

•Always backup your important files regularly.

What to do if you think a computer might be infected:

If you think a computer might be infected with ransomware you should turn the computer in question off immediately or you may risk the infection spreading over your network to other computers and devices. The next step is to contact and IT professional and explain the situation, they will then be able to quarantine your computer and diagnose it further and attempt to repair it without any risk of the infection spreading.

Ask an Expert: POP3/Imap settings for Gmail and Yahoo

Matt NJ
Helen asks…

What is the POP3 server for incoming mail and the smtp server for outgoing mail for gmail?

I have Windows Mail on my computer, and you have to use your existing e-mail account to use it. I need to set the POP3 and SMTP server for it. What are they?
I tried putting in pop.gmail.com and smtp.gmail.com. Needless to say, it didn’t work.

Matt NJ answers:

I think you might have to change from pop3 to imap. Screenshot step by step instruction click to follow link
http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=77696
Mark asks…

What is YAHOO’s incoming (POP3) server and what is the outgoing (SMTP) server?

What is YAHOO’s incoming (POP3) server and what is the outgoing (SMTP) server?

Matt NJ answers:

ahoo POP3 and SMTP Settings:
Find below the basic POP3 settings that you need to configure in the email program where you want to access Yahoo mails.
Incoming Mail (POP3) Server: pop3.mail.yahoo.com (Use SSL, port: 995)
Outgoing Mail (SMTP) Server: smtp.mail.yahoo.com (Use SSL, port: 465, use authentication)
Account Name/Login Name: Your Yahoo! Mail ID (your email address without the “@yahoo.com”)
Email Address: Your Yahoo! Mail address (e.g., user@yahoo.com)
Password: Your Yahoo! Mail password
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Ask an Expert: Windows 7 Sims and Themes

Richard asks…

does the sims 3 original work on windows 7?

So I bought the original sims 3 and it won’t install into my laptop. I have a windows 7 and It won’t install ): So I’m trying EVERYTHING lol I bought this one –> http://firsthour.net/screenshots/sims-3/sims-3-cover.jpg

lol like omggg , I want to play this so badly rofl but I don’t think I have anything else to do. The box says that for PC’s it can be used in : windows xp SP2 or Windows SP1. Nothing about Windows 7 ): So, I feel like I freaking wasted $50 for NOTHING lol and I can’t return it because I have already opened it. Damn it :

Please help and don’t be rude about it because honestly if you’re here to critize , kiss my mo’ friggin’ ass -__-
Please help me :
Pleaaseee give me some advice on how to make it work lol

Matt NJ answers:

I have Windows 7 and it works perfectly fine.

I have
-The Sims 3
-The Sims 3 Ambitions

Both work really well.

Maria asks…

What’s wrong with my windows 7 theme thingey?!?

I am so annoyed right now.
Earlier When I went to the task manager I accidentally clicked something wierd and now my whole windows 7 setup is like retarded.
I can’t exactly explain what’s wrong but here are some screenshots:
http://i33.tinypic.com/swef12.png
http://i38.tinypic.com/208f8ua.png

Basically I don’t know how to change it back to how its supposed to be. Where i am able to change the colors and when I click a running program at the bottom its actually gives you a preview of the windows that are up

Matt NJ answers:

I think you kill the the desktop Windows manager process and it switch to an non aero theme. Try click on the anyone of the aero theme below in the first pic and then configure it to your preference. If it still doesn’t work then restart Windows and it should come up with the aero look

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Ask an Expert: Windows Phone 7

George asks…

How Do I Update My iPAQ h5450 To Windows Mobile 6 or 7?

My OS for my IPAQ h5450 is Windows Mobile 2003. I would like to change the OS to WINDOWS MOBILE 6 or 7

Matt NJ answers:

Unfortunately, you cannot.
The hardware required to run Windows Mobile 5/6 has higher requirements than Pocket PCs designed to run Windows Mobile 2003.

On top of this, without a cooked ROM package specifically designed for your PPC, you would be left without driver support, leaving your touchscreen, microphone, wifi radio, etc. useless.

*Note: Windows Mobile 7 is not set to release until 2010, and will certainly not be compatible with your iPAQ.

Sorry for the bad news.
Hope this helped…

James asks…

Windows Mobile 7 Upgrade?

I have the HTC HD2 running (among other things) Windows Mobile 6.5. Will I be able to upgrade to Windows Mobile 7 when it comes out?

Matt NJ answers:

First of all, it’s Windows Phone 7 ;).

Secondly, unfortunately you won’t be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 7.

Charles asks…

I want to install windows 7 in my mobile?

while i was travellig in bus i saw a guy wiht a mobile .. he was having windows 7 in his mobile. i want to install it too pls someboidy tell me.

Matt NJ answers:

You cannot install windows on any phone, only windows mobile phones. They come with a mobile version of windows preinstalled, and are designed to run it.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/default.mspx.

Paul asks…

NEXUS ONE or WINDOWS MOBILE 7?

hey guys google new phone has been released…
but it still lacks a lot of feature that people were expecting for it

so I am thinking it would be wise to wait for WINDOWS MOBILE 7

what do you think guys?

Matt NJ answers:

I am a huge windows mobile fan. Windows mobile is way more customizable than droid

Richard asks…

Will Windows Mobile 7 be a free upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1/6.5?

If I buy an HTC Touch HD which has Windows Mobile 6 on it. Will Windows Mobile 7 be a free upgrade (or if it costs, how much roughly)? WIll it work on the HTC Touch HD?

Also, when is it due for release?

Thanks

Matt NJ answers:

yes it will be free via software update and there is no definite release date yet but it will be sometime in 2009

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Ask an Expert: Vidoes and YouTube

Mark asks…

how can i download a video from youtube onto a usb?

Is there any way to download a video of yourtube onto a usb that a computer without internet should be able to open and be watched?

Matt NJ answers:

Yeah, you can use YouTube Downloader Suite, which can help you diwnload and convert youtube videos, then you can export the downloaded videos onto your usb, and you will be able to watch them on your computer.

The link is:
http://www.free-download-youtube.com/youtube-downloader-converter.html

Thomas asks…

How to increase views on my Youtube video Tutorial?

here is my video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpnXzufpgfA

its about a site where you can download the latest MOVIES for free

Matt NJ answers:

Well posting the link here is one way to get more views, but honestly, your video, even before looking at it, sounds like Spam and will be a hard sell as a legitimate infomercial or a tutorial.

Maria asks…

How do I import MP4 to iMovie?

So i downloaded an MP4 (not mpeg4, or whatever), and i need to edit it on imovie.
itll show it importing, but it wont show up. it opens in quicktime (i don’t have pro)

i have imovie07.
what do i do? i can’t download any extra programs or software or anything because this isn’t my computer.

Matt NJ answers:

According Apple official website, iMovie (including iMovie ’11/’09/’08) can only import DV, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MOV and M4V.

Though the MP4 file format defines the storage of MPEG-4 audio, scenes and multimedia content using the ISO Base Media File Format, the MP4 file may also contain any number of audio, video, and even subtitle streams. So it is impossible for the MP4 file to determine the type of streams in an MPEG-4 file based on its filename extension alone.

Therefore, you may have some clues that your downloaded MP4 (not MPEG-4) can not shown up on iMovie

if you wanna to import mp4 to imovie, you have no choice but to use extra program or software to convert your mp4 to imovie compatible mpeg-4 format

the following is a step by step guide on how to successfully import mp4 to imovie

http://www.bigasoft.com/articles/how-to-import-mp4-into-imovie.html?xyh

i also use imovie 07 and have tried the above guide, and the software in this guide is safe to use

since the computer is not yours, why not uninstall the software after the conversion.

Sandra asks…

how to get software for a camcorder?

i have a sampsung camcorder well its my moms ~ anyways the software disc is lost and now we cant put anything on the computer ~
im wondering if i could download a software or what i have to do ? please help

Matt NJ answers:

Movie Maker comes with Windows. Look to see if you have it. You can always go to the Samsung support site to download software for the camera. That’d be my choice.

Joseph asks…

How do I get my music from my Ipod to my new Itunes.?

I recently had to hard reset my computer, cleaning out the entire drive. I downloaded Itunes again and tried syncing my Ipod but it said all my music will be deleted, I mostly have non purchased music from various CDs. Someone please help!

Matt NJ answers:

Many iPod users have asked this.
It won’t be a problem if you use this iPod to iPod/Computer/iTunes Transfer.
It automatically transfers your iPod and iPhone music, video, playlist to computer and iTunes. Backup all your music and video in a couple of clicks. Really makes music and videos sharing pretty simple and enjoyable. Wish this can help and good luck.

I think its step by step guide is most helpful.
http://iphone-to-computer.net/transfer-songs-videos-photos-playlists-from-ipod-to-computer-itunes.html

It is easy to use and you can try it now.

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Ask an Expert: Windows Shutdown Command

Matt NJ

William asks…

What command Prompt can make a windows computer shutdown at a time of day?

i know how to make it a countdown (shutdown -s -t 60) but how can i make it so i can input a time of day it shutdowns

Matt NJ answers:

check the below link

http://www.windows-commandline.com/2009/04/schedule-shutdown-from-command-line.html

Sharon asks…

How to shutdown another computer on the same network using command prompt on windows vista?

When i went into command prompt and did the shutdown -i as soon as i hit browse a window popped up saying “The Active Directory Domain Services is currently unavailable.”

Matt NJ answers:

Use the remote shutdown tool.

Shutdown

Or type Shutdown with no switches to get help, or see this post:-

https://www.itsupportsussex.co.uk/blog/2011/free-shutdown-command-line-tool-power-save/

Steven asks…

is the command (shutdown -a) is the same for windows XP and vista?

Matt NJ answers:

Yes it is.

Robert asks…

Access denied on Windows 7 command prompt remote shutdown?

Ok so i have two laptops. And i just got them for my birthday and im trying ti figure out all the cool little things i can do with them and im pretty intrigued by the command prompt and what it can do. One of the things im trying to figure out is the remote shutdown. So with one laptop i went to the command prompt and put in… shutdown /r /m computername.
And instead of computername i put both the acutall written computers name and i tried the ip address. When i had finished and pressed enter it said access is denied .
I dont know what this means and how do i get past it?
nooonoo its not for malicious or bad intent. Its just to connect both my laptops to their full potential whether thats from remote shutdowns when its upstairs and im downstairs with the other or file sharing. I did what you said and had it run under administrator but it still said access denied. is there anything i have to do with the other computer or this one?

Matt NJ answers:

Most computer firewalls will block a remote shutdown because it can indeed be malicious! If you don’t have the firewalls set to accept such commands they simply will respond with “access denied” messages. Basically the other machine is telling you it will not do what you ask.

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Ask an Expert: Windows Server 2008

Nancy asks…

What is the Difference between Windows Server 2003 and 2008?

Hi
Iam working as Windows server 2003 Administrator and now My company is planning to migrate to Windows server 2008.
Please if possible kindly let me know the differences and merits of Windows Server 2008.

Matt NJ answers:

1)2008 is combination of vista and windows 2003r2. Some new services are introduced in it
1. RODC one new domain controller introduced in it
[Read-only Domain controllers.]
2. WDS (windows deployment services) instead of RIS in 2003 server
3. shadow copy for each and every folders
4.boot sequence is changed
5.installation is 32 bit where as 2003 it is 16 as well as 32 bit, that’s why installation of 2008 is faster
6.services are known as role in it
7. Group policy editor is a separate option in ads

2) The main difference between 2003 and 2008 is Virtualization, management.
2008 has more inbuilt components and updated third party drivers Microsoft introduces new feature with 2k8 that is Hyper-V Windows Server 2008 introduces Hyper-V (V for Virtualization) but only on 64bit versions. More and more companies are seeing this as a way of reducing hardware costs by running several ‘virtual’ servers on one physical machine. If you like this exciting technology, make sure that you buy an edition of Windows Server 2008 that includes Hyper-V, then launch the Server Manger, add Roles.

3) In Windows Server 2008, Microsoft is introducing new features and technologies, some of which were not available in Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), that will help to reduce the power consumption of server and client operating systems, minimize environmental byproducts, and increase server efficiency.
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 has been designed with energy efficiency in mind, to provide customers with ready and convenient access to a number of new power-saving features. It includes updated support for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) processor power management (PPM) features, including support for processor performance states (P-states) and processor idle sleep states on multiprocessor systems. These features simplify power management in Windows Server 2008 (WS08) and can be managed easily across servers and clients using Group Policies.

Ruth asks…

How can I use Windows Server 2008 to created user accounts over a home network?

I have a copy of Windows Server 2008 (not WHS) and I want to know whether I can create user acount(s) that can be accessed over our home network.

Windows Server 2008 (includes ALL versions) is a legal copy, that I got through the MSDN Alliance. Thanks for the help.

Matt NJ answers:

1. Server 2008 must be setup as a Domain Controller
2. Client computers must be capable of joining a domain
(Home versions of anything won’t work; they need to be XP Pro, Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate. Unless you want to use Win98…lol)
3. Client computers then need to join the domain, using a Server 2008 administrator account.
4. Create all the user accounts you want
5. Those users should then be able to log in to any computer on your new network!

If you don’t create a domain, then user accounts on the server can still be created and used to access it’s resources, but it kinda defeats the whole purpose of having a server.

Lisa asks…

Can windows server 2008 be run on a home computer?

Can windows server 2008 be run on a home computer?

Matt NJ answers:

You can…but what are you looking to accomplish by doing so? If your looking to create a home server you just need to make sure that you have the necessary hardware.

Betty asks…

How does Windows Server 2008 R2 run 32-bit Applications?

If 32-bit processors are no longer supported by Windows Server 2008 R2, how do 32-bit applications run? Software emulation, etc.

I know they run because there is a C:Program Files(x86) Directory with some 32-bit applications installed and they work fine.

I am assuming this is the same way windows 95 supported the 16-bit applications. But I what to know specifically how this works.

Matt NJ answers:

All 64-bit versions of Windows use the WoW64 (Windows-on-Windows) subsystem to translate 32-bit applications to run on 64-bit processors.

The started with Windows 2000 Special Edition (64-bit) and continues with Windows 7.

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Ask an Expert: Windows Mobile 7 Questions

Matt NJ

Steven asks…

how to put windows mobile on any phone?

I want to have windows mobile on my intensity phone is this possible? if not can i put the real verison of windows 7 on my phone and if i did this i couldnt call people…..i can download windows mobile but all i need to know is how to install it on my phone thanks.

Matt NJ answers:

unfortunately you cant install another OS on a phone. your best bet is to just buy a Win Mo phone. the full version of windows wont fit nor is it compatible on a phone.

although there are numerous version of windows mobile floating around ROMs some custom some stock. you still need a phone that actually runs windows mobile. and although i’m sure you could attempt to update your rom for a win mo rom i’m sure it’ll be a disaster! windows mobile phones are small computers that can ALSO make a phone call… other phones are just.. complicated phones.

Jenny asks…

Can You Upgrade Windows Mobile 6.5 To Windows Mobile 7.0 ?

I am just wondering because WM 6.5, aesthetically, was an improvement on the former look, but now with the demand surrounding WM due to the success of Android, WM has obviously stepped it up with the WM 7.0.

I am just wondering (and think this should be available, really) if you could download the WM 7.0 software when it is released, so that my phone actually changes the software via a download, and so it will feel like a new phone.

Matt NJ answers:

If WM 7.0 is supported on your phone, then you can surely do that. But if WM 7.0 is upgraded and enhanced by Microsoft to a greater extent then it will obviously require a better hardware to run. May be you can check the compatibility online before you download and then think of upgrading. In most cases the firmware on the phone corrupts in such cases when there is compatibility issue.

Mandy asks…

What is better: Iphone 4G vs. T-Mobile HTC G2 vs. T-Mobile MyTouch 4G or Windows HD7 phone?

I’m with T-Mobile now and I have the Blackberry Bold 9700. I was thinking of just buying a new phone, but I want to get the best phone out there which I can use on a GSM network.

I’m really intrigued by the Iphone 4G because I’ve heard so much good stuff about it and it looks so technologically advanced. All of my friends basically rave and rave about Android 2.2 and all that stuff. So, I do know how great the G2 and the MyTouch 4G are. I also understand that I wouldn’t be able to run my IPhone 4G at the same HSPA+ (4G) network that the G2 and MyTouch 4G run on. This is also something to consider since HSPA+ (G2 and MyTouch 4G) get insane download speeds on their Android.

When I stopped by T-Mobile, the HD7 blew me away because it’s just gorgeous…but since it just came out I really have no idea about this Windows Mobile 7 and how it’s gonna pan out.

If money wasn’t an issue, and you needed the best GSM phone right now on T-Mobile‘s network (locked, unlocked)…which would you buy:

IPhone 4G, the G2, the MyTouch4G, Windows HD7, or even the Blackberry Torch 9800?

Thanks for any input and helping me decide which phone to buy!

Matt NJ answers:

The HTC HD7 phone has to be the best option off your list.

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Ask an Expert: VMware Download

Matt NJ

Joseph asks…

VMWARE Download?

Does anyone know if VM ware offers VM workstation for free?

Matt NJ answers:

workstation is not free.
But it offers vmware player for free. It has all the features to use already built virtual machines.

Alternatively, you can use Virtual PC for free.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=04d26402-3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en

John asks…

James asks…

How can you download VMware without signing up?

I don’t want to give them my address and number!
They want my HOME address, not my email!

Matt NJ answers:

You can get the free player from here – http://www.vmware.com/download/player/download.html

It can be fooled by changing the address for any of their free versions.

Paul asks…

How, where do you download Windows Operating systems onto VMware’s Player?

I want to put Windows ME operating system on the VMware player. However, I do not have any operating disks. Is there a way to download the operating system for free off of the internet to make it run on the VMware player?

Matt NJ answers:

No sane person will upload/download a Windows ME copy!

Linda asks…

Where can i download windows in VMware ?

i need windows on my mac
i already downloaded VMware in my mac but i dont know how to run windows xp in it

Matt NJ answers:

There is a site for this at microsoft and plenty of sites just off of google. You need to buy a windows XP cd and install it in VMware just like you would on a regular PC.

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Ask an Expert: windows 7 screenshots

Matt NJ

Sandy asks…

How do you take screenshots in windows 7?

I have an hp pavilion laptop if that changes anything..
I wanna take pictures when i video chat with my friends

Matt NJ answers:

Start, All Programs, Accessories, Snipping Tool is new with Windows 7. Try it out.

Ken asks…

How do you take screenshots with Windows 7?

And where are they saved to?

Matt NJ answers:

Press the PrtScn button on your keyboard, then open microsoft paint and click the paste button.

You are then able to save it from there.

Chris asks…

Screenshots with windows 7 aren’t working?

I’ve tried every way to take a screenshot with the keyboard (ctrl+PrtSc and then ctrl+v into paint) and just PrtSc then ctrl+v into paint.
And NOTHING comes up. At all.
I have windows 7, and I don’t know if that matters, but I’ve never had problems taking screenshots before.
Anyone know what’s going on?

Thanks.
The laptop was manufactured by Gateway, it’s an Acer, the model # is: MD7309U, and it’s a 64-bit operating system.

Not sure what you mean by it’s “make”… unless you meant “maker”, like, manufacturer or something.

Matt NJ answers:

Key functionality might be broken in the keyboard or the key might be reassigned in software to some other application, thus it won’t take screen shots.

As a workaround, try using the Snipping tool, it would be in the Start Menu quick launch pane, if not you can find it for sure under start menu > all programs > accessories.

Maria asks…

Windows 7 WoW Screenshots?

Whenever I hit print screen (take screenshot) on WoW (world of warcraft), it just takes a screenshot of what’s going on on my desktop, not WoW. When I had windows xp, it worked fine. But this was the first time I tryed it on windows 7, and it doesn’t work.

Matt NJ answers:

Its possible that WoW hasn’t fully configured its program to be compatible with Windows 7. Give it a few months and most of the bug should be fixed out.

George asks…

how to take screenshots on windows 7??

i have windows 7 n i wana take screen shots and i thought it was F8 or something but i dont know…. help? o.o

Matt NJ answers:

open start menu there is a search tab write down
sniping tool
use it to take screen shots

you can also use prtscn button which is usually placed on top of insert key or same row as F keys(f1,f2,f3) if you want you screen shot from specific window and you don’t want to crop it later when you are on that window hold down ALT key and then press prtscn and you will have screenshot just fromn that window

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