A Short History On Hacking – Infographic is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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Computers can overheat easily and most people would have no idea that it was happening to them.

Overheating of computers can lead to slow responses, data loss or even total failure. Overheating can occur for a variety of reasons so it is best to be forwarned, and protected.

Ways of keeping an eye on computer temperature can vary, however I prefer to use a very simple solution:

A software program: EVEREST Ultimate Edition – PC Diagnostics. It does not contain spyware or other nasties and I have used it for a while without a problem.

EVEREST Ultimate Edition is a specialist monitoring tool. It has all the features needed to prevent overheating and possible data loss.

Some temperature related features:

• Monitors hard disks temperature changes;
• Ability to perform any of following actions when temperature limit exceeded:
  • Show alert and send alert email.
  • Execute Application
  • Shutdown / Hibernate
• Show hard disks temperature indicators in the System Tray;
• Log temperature changes.

Is your computer overheating? is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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(BSOD = Blue Screen Of Death).

Perhaps you remember all the stress, pain and other feelings associated with the experience?

Should your computer be crucial for your everyday business or personal tasks, then you simply cannot afford a failed operating-system.

Should you have some computer software causing some system problems and creating plenty of computer downtime, then you need a solution also.

In these cases, prevention is usually better than cure.

One of the better methods of keeping your PC healthy is by using a Virtual PC.

A Virtual PC means that you can use more than one operating system at once on your Windows PC. A bit like ‘picture in picture’.

Some important points about using a Virtual PC:

1. You might use your virtual PC to trial software before installing it on your main OS. Thus giving you the opportunity to determine the way the product works, as well as see the way it will continue to work in conjunction with the other software installed on your computer.

2. Test upgrades to currently installed software before installing it on your main computer operating system. This enables you to test compatibility with other programs prior to installation.

3. Additionally you can run older programs if you have one that won’t install or run correctly on your main operating system, but which is fine on an older version of Windows. This can also help if you have software which only runs on 32 bit and you have upgraded your OS to 64 bit.

The key benefit of this is that you can’t damage the main operating system because the host (your main PC) and the virtual PCs are totally separate from each other (even though they are running on the same computer hardware). So, what you do on one operating system won’t affect the other.

Microsoft has a program called Microsoft Virtual PC, which is free. Microsoft Virtual PC runs on Windows 7 (though not every version – just Professional or Ultimate). If you are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, but are hesitating because you have lots of old programs, then Microsoft Virtual PC will help you. More information from Wikipedia.

I have used Microsoft Virtual PC for some time now and have found it very useful indeed. Windows 7 is much better than Vista (and I had got Vista running very slickly).

BSOD or computer operating system failure – one way you can avoid it. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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Shields Up – provided by the Gibson Research Corporation; owned and operated by Steve Gibson.

I quote:

The Internet’s quickest, most popular, reliable and trusted, free Internet security checkup and information service. And now in its Port Authority Edition, it’s also the most powerful and complete. Check your system here, and begin learning about using the Internet safely.

Click on the Shields Up graphic on this page, then scroll down the resulting page to the Shields Up section.

Find out if you are protected. Just thinking you are is not enough.

While you are there, have a look around the GRC website – there is much additional useful information, including details about Spinrite (for data recovery and drive maintenance).

Easy, reliable way to test your firewall. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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Desk Top PC from GR-Tek Computers

Earlier this week I took delivery of a new computer – a desktop PC.

This blog post, which will be added to periodically, contains information about my experience which may help some of you, or simply be of interest.

I am very pleased with the machine, the value and the quality of service I received from GR-Tek Computers; owned and run by George and Maree Rath.

In the past I have bought computers from Dell and still recommend them in some situations, especially for notebooks/laptops.

I ordered my PC online via the GR Tek website. Prior to ordering I phoned GR-Tek and spoke with George Rath, one of the owners. Dealing with George was a pleasant experience. George was helpful and highly ethical.

My new computer was delivered as promised and worked well out of the box.

I chose a gaming capable rig because I need to run some high end/intensive business graphics and data applications; sometimes all at once. Here is the specification and price (Note: the sale type discount I received has now ended).

Product ID: Corei5Gaming

Product Name: CORE i5/i7 GAMING SERIES

Quantity: 1

Unit Price: $1088.00

> > > Case : Zonix Case with Heavy Duty 650w PSU

> > > Motherboard : Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4 MB, Intel P55, DDR3. SLI (+$89.00)

> > > LCD Monitor : No Monitor

> > > Processor (CPU) : Intel i7-860 Core i7 QUAD CORE CPU, 2.80 GHz, Socket LGA1156 (+$129.00)

> > > Graphics Card : Geforce nVidia GTS 250 1Gig 256-bit DDR3 (+$99.00)

> > > Sound Card : Integrated 7.1 High Definition Audio

> > > DVD/CD Burner : LG/SAMSUNG 22 Speed SATA DUAL LAYER

> > > Hard Disk Drive : Seagate 1 Terrabyte Hard Drive (+$59.00)

> > > RAM (memory) : 4 Gigabytes 1333Mhz DDR3 (+$65.00)

> > > Operating System : WINDOWS 7 UTLIMATE 64 Bit (+$249.00)

> > > Keyboard & Mouse : No Keyboard & Mouse

> > > Speakers : No Speakers

> > > Wireless LAN Card : No Wireless LAN

> > > Warranty : 36 Mths On-Site Warranty – High Priority LOCAL Response (+$69.00)

————————–

Order Total : $1847.00

Discounts : $92.35

Grand Total : $1754.65

You will note that there is no screen. George would have recommended a Benq screen; had I not already had an old Benq FP91V 19 inch LCD screen.

———————————————-

My experience in ordering a new PC from GR-Tek was much better than it would have been with Dell. George Rath, one of the owners of GR-Tek Computers, is a highly experienced computer specialist and builder. It was nice to deal with someone who is ‘high level support’ rather than a less experienced individual. George quickly and efficiently answered all my queries so as to ensure that I was ordering the right system – I even discovered how to make sure my new PC had support for USB 3.

I like the GR-Tek online ordering system, and the prices. George advised that delivery, which would take place after the machine had been thoroughly tested, would be within around 6-7 days from order. (I ordered it on a Wednesday morning – it was delivered early the following Tuesday morning. ( This is faster than Dell, whom I did not have time to wait for).

I chose:

• A case with a powerful fan to assist with cooling.
• A motherboard with USB 3 support. USB 3 stuff will be available soon.
• An i7 processor and powerful graphics card.
• A large hard drive (1TB) which is much bigger than I need (now….).
• Windows 7 64 Bit – so as to have the latest tech, the possibility of upgrading RAM to more than 4 Gig, better use of existing RAM.
• Windows 7 Ultimate – so as to be able to have all the functionality, including the Windows Virtual PC. Virtual PC is available on the Professional (Business edition) version of Windows 7, however the Professional version does not have some key media functionality which I also need for my business.
• 36 Months On-site Warranty. (No hassle if  the system requires attention).

My computer system arrived with Windows 7 pre installed and ready to go. The free mouse was a nice, and useful, touch.

————————————————-

Here are some details about my experiences in configuring the new PC system…

Data transfer

My existing machine; a notebook, contains all my data, programs and settings. I have back up copies of the hard disk. Whilst I use cloud computing for much essential stuff these days, my old computer has an enormous amount of data on it. Moving stuff can be very tedious and time consuming so I decided to give myself a head start. To that effect, I bought a Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows® 7.  More on this from the Microsoft website. I phoned around to see who might have one locally. The first people I called – OfficeWorks – did not know their stuff. I spoke with two people, both with IT knowledge, who had no idea that an Easy Transfer Cable existed for Windows 7. Their stock was the Vista version. (Note to OfficeWorks management – your people need to sharpen the saw). I managed to find a cable in Harvey Norman and got it for $41 AUD; which was a commercial customer price, being lower than normal retail.

Using the Easy Transfer Cable has saved me loads of time and hassle. Fiddling with fine detail on computers can be quite draining. Due to the value of time I saved, the purchase of the cable ended up being ‘free’. Go on – you know you want one.

Issue with connecting to the Internet initially

To start with, a bad Ethernet cable hindered getting connected (get ‘Gold” cables – also by Belkin).

Then I discovered that while I could connect to the Internet with a direct modem connection, as soon as I used my D-Link DIR 655 router I was unable to connect. Many people using Windows 7 have had similar issues I discovered, with a variety of fixes suggested, some of which are complicated. Despite having above average computing experience and know how for a business user, I was uncertain how to proceed and not even sure that the solutions I had read about would solve my issue. I then had the thought that I should check my Router Firmware. I did so, via my notebook computer, and updated to the latest version. My connection issue instantly disappeared. (Phew!)

PS: D-Link make good kit and the DIR 655 is very good. Being a cheapskate with IT is not a good policy.

So, check your Router firmware. (firmware is software installed on a peripheral).

Windows Virtual PC

I suspected I may need it and sure enough, while installing my applications I found one which the developer said would not work on 64 bit Windows 7.

I downloaded Windows Virtual PC from here. It’s a big download so I used my 20 hour a month mobile Internet card (which has no bandwidth limit).

Set up was easy. Simply speaking, you end up with a separate operating system window containing 32 bit Windows XP. A desktop within a desktop. I ran Windows update so as to ensure everything was up to date. Windows Firewall was installed, however I decided to install a better one (on the Virtual PC), and include an Anti Virus. I had two problems:

ESET Smart Security 4, which I use on my main Windows 7 install, prevented Internet access. Despite years of experience using Firewalls dating back to the days when most people did not use them, I could not get it connected. Wasted much time. I still use the program on my main install because it is one of the best on the market, if not the best.

Next I installed Comodo Internet Security – Free Version. Comodo programs are good quality. Tests revealed that I could no longer copy and paste from my virtual PC desktop to the main one. AAArrgghhh. Uninstall followed.

Hopefully both ESET and Comodo will fix these issues. The Comodo one is especially bizarre.

I then installed Zonealarm Internet Security – problem solved.

So, if you are using Windows Virtual PC, do not install ESET or Comodo programs.

I will be adding more content to this blog post so check back if you find it helpful.

PS: For those interested in the psychic side…besides assessing the GR-Tek website, I could tell from speaking with George Rath, and reading his photo, that he was ‘safe to buy from’ (photo reading is one of my well developed skills – have numerous third party witnesses). A bit more on Owl Medicine in this article:

Excellent service and pricing from Australian online camera – photographic store

Addition to post on Tuesday 22nd Dec 2009:

I have continued to make steady progress with configuring my new computer.

Heat can be a problem to computers and noticing a significant increase in temperature could prevent problems escalating. I like to keep an eye on the temperature of my hard drive, motherboard and CPU. My favourite tool for doing this, and measuring many other statistics, is Everest Ultimate Edition, developed by Lavalys. I have set it up to show three icons in my System Tray (bottom right corner of screen).

Everest is also configured to shut down my computer if any of the three sensors reach a certain level, or if the cooling fan speed drops below a preconfigured setting. Should any of these things occur, I will receive an email on my iPhone. I am not expecting this to happen, however I am prepared. What about you?

VPN – Secure Tunnel: I have been using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) – for years and had recently switched to Comodo Trust Connect which is a good and inexpensive VPN. The problem however was that Trust Connect would not work on my new computer system.

I did not waste time trying to work out why it would not work. One reason for this is that I have sufficient knowledge about computers to know that trying to fix it was probably a waste of my valuable time. In any case, I had found Trust Connect somewhat limited and decided it was time to upgrade my VPN.

My choice of VPN is WiTopia. These people are elite. The install was the cruisiest I have ever experienced with a VPN. The value is excellent – I opted for the personalVPN™ – SSL (openVPN) $59.99 per year. Inexpensive! But good quality. I’ve used the VPN many times since install with great satisfaction. Soon, us Australians will be forced to have mandatory Internet filtering (censorship) by our Federal dictatorship. VPNs will be essential in ensuring minimal disruption to our businesses, customers, academic research and technological development.

(Money saving tip – use the VPN to check software websites for US prices if you live elsewhere. Fairly often, the same downloadable software is significantly cheaper on the US version of a internationally versioned website. Sometimes, you cannot even buy a download version in your own country of origin, instead having to waste time with retail boxes and waaaaaiiiiting).

Safe browsing tools: I have used LinkScanner for years. Recently I discovered MyWot. Both are additional layers of protection for your web browser, both work with Firefox and Internet Explorer (IE) and both can work/run at the same time.

My system benchmark: Since writing the first part of this blog post I learned that the manufacturer of my system – GR_Tek Computers, had benchmarked my computer system against a Core i7 920 system. Here is the result. Pretty impressive for such an inexpensive computer. If you are at all interested in computer speeds, then you might find the results very surprising.

Addition to post on Thursday 24th Dec 2009:

I have liked Windows 7 ever since I tried out the ‘Release Candidate’ on a spare computer earlier this year. I was however disappointed to discover that the Quick Launch Bar was missing and investigated the situation. The good news is that it is possible to enable the Quick Launch Toolbar. The best advice I found on how to easily do this is here:

Add the Quick Launch Bar to the Taskbar in Windows 7

New computer – information, progress and tips. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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2. Tips to stop your computer slowing you down.
3. My experience with Windows 7 Beta

Readers of my blogs may be aware that I enjoy playing some computer games.

I even have a page devoted to the subject on my website here.

Soon, my favorite computer game developer – The Creative Assembly – will be releasing Empire – Total War. The publisher is Sega.

Frankly, the best way to do the game justice is to for me to suggest that you view the official information on the Empire – Total War game here.

Besides being great fun, the Empire – Total War will be a good personal development tool – see an article I wrote last year…

Why the right computer game helps personal development.

For more on the positive aspects of computer gaming you can view articles on this blog here: Computer Games tag.

Empire – Total War is another significant leap forward for The Creative Assembly’s Total War series. Medieval 2 – Total War was and is still a fantastic game, as also Rome – Total War. Empire – Total War introduces many new advances, one of the most notable of which is the naval combat. If you have ever enjoyed the tall ships with their masts, sails, cannon decks and so on then this game should get you going! Besides the strategic aspects of turn based real time strategy (RTS) you can get down to the nitty gritty of ship to ship combat; even to the extent of close up views and involvement with boarding parties!

If you want to buy Empire – Total War there are a number of ways of doing it. One is Amazon and a direct link to the product appears below.

If you are in Australia, you may want to consider getting the Collector’s Edition which appears to be exclusive to EB Games.

Personal anecdote: I have an ancestor who fought in period covered by Empire Total War so this game will have added interest for me:

Major General Alexander Carnegy, C.B., Bengal Army.

Empire Total War – hot computer game. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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How safe are your computing habits?

Find out on this site: OnGuardOnline.gov

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Conficker (aka Downadup, Kido) is known to block access to over 100 anti-virus and security websites.

If you are blocked from loading the remote images in the first row of the top table above (AV/security sites) but not blocked from loading the remote images in the second row (websites of alternative operating systems) then your Windows PC may be infected by Conficker (or some other malicious software).

Conficker Eye Chart – Test your computer is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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Because if you have kids, and they are currently using your own computer, or even your business computer (horror of horrors!), then you should purchase the kids their own computer – and soon!

Why?

For years I have operated a strict (no exceptions, ever) policy of never allowing children (in this case; my wife’s children) to use our computers/business computers.

Rather than explain it all, I suggest you have a read of this excellent article:

Internet crims fleecing families who share computers

Buying your children their own computers could well be a much cheaper option than the alternative.

You have been warned.

Kids will love me for this post! is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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We use computers for so many things these days and the list keeps on increasing.

As a result; it is vital that we get a computer that is suited to our needs and which works reliably for a long time.

Here are some tips to help you reduce your hassle factor, your frustration, save you money and to get the job done right the first time.

1. You need to make an effort. The right computer is vital. You need to make the effort to determine what you need a computer for, not just now, but in the near and medium future. Then you need to translate this into a specification for your PC. If you don’t know how to do this get some help from people who really know what they are doing and are genuine. As I said; effort is required – do not leave such an important aspect of your life to chance. Get independent advice (not just from a sales person).
2. Be wary of store sales people. Some stores are worse than others. In some places it is like feeding time at the zoo (for the staff) when you walk through the door. At times I even feel the predatory energy. Sales staff have stock to shift – how long has it been there? Many are not interested in spending their “valuable’ time helping a customer with detailed needs. In any case, many computers available through retail stores cannot be customized easily, at all, or at a low extra cost. Some sales staff will tell you rubbish just to get their commission or bonus. Be careful. The really good ones are rare.
3. Extra add on warranties are not always a good idea – they can be poor value and claiming on them can be hard. In addition, many warranties – both original and purchased at an extra cost – do not include on-site repairs. Often you have to send your computer away for repairs, which can take ageeeeessss. Zzzzzzz.
4. There is a lot of second rate (PC specification) stuff on sale out there that is really mutton dressed as lamb. Here is a key example: computer games shop staff have customers come in who want to play the latest PC game and rather than just sell the customer the game, some of them ask about what sort of computer the shopper has. Many shoppers have no real idea and can often be shocked to learn that their computer just isn’t up to it. Many computers cannot be upgraded with ease and low cost so a lot of these people are faced with having to buy a new rig if they want to play the PC game. Ironically, had they done their research properly their computer would have been better, and cost a bit more, but not as much as buying a whole new one, or upgrading components. (And if your computer game shop does not ask these sort of questions then you can form an impression about them too).

So, what is the solution?

Here are my thoughts:

• Buy from Dell – depending on where you are in the world, find your local Dell online store and check its offers, policies and so on specific to your region.
• Armed with knowledge of what you need from your earlier research, get the customized PC you want.
• The Dell computers I have bought all came with an on-site next business day repair service. I had one go wrong and the guy came out and fixed it on my table. Much better than farting about with couriers or waiting ages for a PC to be returned, unless you like hassle, problems and have time to waste.
• Consider buying a Vostro – Dell’s business computing range; even better value in my view. Robust systems. You do not need to be a business to buy one.
• Dell are computer specialists and experts. Quality focus is high.
• Get out of your comfort zone and order online.
• Don’t believe me? 1) Check the Dell websites for yourself. 2) Talk with a number of business people who own and use Dell equipment.
• And if you want the best of all and have money to spare, especially for gaming…..get Alienware. (Who have recently been purchased by Dell anyway).

How to reduce hassle and get a better deal when buying and using a computer. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

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