Someone asked me just today about why their computer locks up when downloading files. Well, there can be many causes of lockups, especially when you are trying to get files from the Internet. For example, one person has this problem: “When i go to the windows updates site or they download in my system tray, [...]
Have a safe and happy holiday season! Ken “The Geek” Harthun
Need encryption? Need it to be really simple? Then you can’t beat Encrypt on Click (freeware) by 2BrightSparks. This program is so simple you won’t even need to read the ReadMe file. But don’t let the simplicity deceive you: the encryption algorithm uses 256-bit AES. (In case you didn’t know, AES is certified for use [...]
Everyone seems to be doing top five and top ten lists these days, so I figured it’s about time I presented one of my own. Here’s my PC Security Top Five for home computers and home computer users: 1. AVG antivirus. This is a best-of-breed antivirus program that is free for personal use. I’ve been [...]
Check out this article in my new IT Knowledge Exchange blog (a paying gig for a change!). Seems the Air Force (which I’m a veteran of) has set up a new Cyber Command division. I’m sure it’ll be the geekiest place in the military. Cheers! The Geek
Thanks to all of you fine folks who are regular visitors and the new traffic that keeps coming in from all over, Ask the Geek is growing. I’ll be adding new features to make this site easier to navigate, new downloadable content, improved feedback form and a completely new site design powered by WordPress. Because I’m [...]
It’s 2010, maybe sooner. A rogue nation has just declared war on your country. No one will be killed in this war, at least not directly. But people will die from starvation, disease, and in the general chaos caused by disruption in vital communications lines. The rogue nation’s primary weapon? Botnets capable of taking down [...]
Twenty-nine years ago (according to the date on my drawing), I designed a roofing system that could be retrofit to any home and which would provide up to one-half of winter heating needs on sunny days. At the same time, I designed a geothermal heating/cooling system that would provide a constant stream of air into [...]
Q. When connecting to AOL I get the following pop-up: “AOL HAS detected an error with your connection to the internet. Please exit the AOL software, restart your compuyer, and then sign on AOL again.” Cannot connect to IE thru any links on AOL. Can receive and send emails.” A. Thanks for your question. I [...]
It’s outrageous that Sony hacked its customers’ PCs with a rootkit, opening a back door for other hackers to commit their mayhem; in fact, it’s almost criminal and I think someone, somewhere should pay dearly for the crime. The damage is done. The attacks are already starting. According to Sophos, Inc., an anti-virus company with [...]