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'Ondoy' now threatens cyberspace

After devastating several parts of the country, tropical storm "Ondoy" (Ketsana) is now threatening to wreak havoc on cyberspace as well.
ONDOY 'VIRUS.' Screen shot of the malicious search result courtesy of Trend Micro's blog.

Computer security firm Trend Micro said cyber-criminals are exploiting worldwide attention on "Ondoy" by sending trojan programs disguised as news updates.

“Cybercriminals heartlessly exploited the calamity that unfolded in the Philippines. They rigged multiple URLs related to this news to point unknowing users to FAKEAV. Such SEO poisoning campaigns attract users all over the Web especially those who are trying to get information about their loved ones and fellow countrymen in the Philippines," senior threat analyst Joseph Pacamarra said in Trend Micro's blog site.

Users who click the links in the supposed news sites will be redirected to several landing pages where they are asked to download an EXE file, soft_207.exe.

The file, TROJ_FAKEAV.BND, does GeoIP checks that target specific regions or locations.

But Trend Micro said the new development is that the cyber-criminals use search engine optimization, such that their sites come out on top of search results.

"Although riding on tragic events is not exactly new, what is notable is it employed once again blackhat SEO to lead users to a FAKEAV as we had previously discussed here," Trend Micro said.

It advised users to be wary in clicking any URLs.
- GMANews.TV

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Microsoft to release free antivirus PC software

REDMOND, Washington — Microsoft Corp. says its new computer security program can be downloaded starting on Tuesday.

Microsoft Security Essentials, as the free antivirus software is called, has been available in a beta test version since June.

The software updates daily to stay current with the latest malicious programs, which can steal passwords or turn PCs into spam servers. Microsoft says it won't make computers run slower.

Microsoft has said it isn't out to steal business from companies like McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., which make popular antivirus programs with more features. Microsoft says it hopes the free program will appeal to people who don't already run antivirus software. - AP

Source: www.gmanews.tv

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Switch to Classic or Category view Disabled

Is the option to switch to Classic or Category View disabled or not available in control panel?

1. Go to Regedit by typing regedit in run
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER> Software> Microsoft> Windows> CurrentVersion> Policies> Explorer
3. Look for an entry that says "ForceClassicControlPanel" and delete it.

There you go... the option to switch will be enabled again!

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Microsoft Surface computers hit Las Vegas

Agence France-Presse

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft's touch-screen Surface computers debuted in a Las Vegas casino bar on Wednesday, giving Sin City partiers high-tech tools for flirting and concocting cocktails.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. became the second business, behind telecom giant AT&T, to deploy Microsoft's computer technology which essentially turns table tops into touch-controlled computer displays.
Harrah's said it put six customized Surface computers in a bar at its Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

Harrah's crafted its own software for the machines and equipped them with cameras so people can send pick-lines, drinks or both to bar-goers they are interested in connecting with in real life.

"People continue to be excited about the endless possibilities of Surface technology and how it can transform everyday scenarios, including the social and entertainment space," said Microsoft Surface
general manager Pete Thompson.

"We're now bringing some of those possibilities to life."

A "Flirt" feature in the Surface computers lets people exchange original messages or choose from suggested come-on lines.

Patrons can create drink recipes and then have the cocktails delivered to themselves or others.

People can use the computers to play games, watch online videos, or take a virtual stroll along the renowned Las Vegas strip without leaving their seat at the "iBar," according to Harrah's.

This is the first time Surface computers, which Microsoft sells for approximately $10,000 each, have been put to use in an entertainment venue. AT&T uses Surface in some of its retail stores.

Harrah's vice president of innovation, gaming and technology Tim Stanley said investment in the technology is aimed at giving "a new genre of guests" chances to discover "uninhibited excitement."

Source: www.newsinfo.inquirer.net

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No Sound in Startup?

Had problems with my Windows XP not playing the usual startup sound when I boot to Windows as well as the shutdown sound when I logoff or shutdown.

Found an article online decribing how to enable system sounds... here are the steps.

1. Go to Control Panel
2. Click on Sounds and Audio Devices
3. Go to Sounds Tab
4. Choose a Scheme

If this doesn't work... Try downloading TweakUI

1. Install the application and run it.
2. Under General click Beep on errors

This is just one of the softwares that you can download to tweak Windows XP. :)

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Windows XP PowerToys

PowerToys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience. What are they? PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released.

Do check it out here...

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Going Mobile

Filipinos nowadays have been moving around too much... that's why budget airlines are such a big thing nowadays. Like our Asian neighbors, Filipino are starting to enjoy traveling. Thanks to technology we still can stay connected with our friends and love ones even when we're away.

This is also the same at home or at the office. Before, we stay connected with our friends and family through the ordinary telephone. Now, we can get in touch with anybody just by going online or buy sending an SMS. It ain't surprising that the Philippines now is considered the SMS capital of the world. What's the first thing you do when you get to the office? Check your email ofcourse!

In the past decade or so, we've seen an explosion of gadgets that allow allow their users to do what they have to do without being fixed in any one place. The two most basic examples of these gadgets would have to be the mobile phone and the laptop computer. Mobile phones basically allow people to take calls no matter where they are, and as laptop computers have caught up to their desktop counterparts in terms of value and power they've become a legitimate alternative for many people to stay in productive while in a greater variety of places.

In just the past 3 or 5 years, mobile technology here in the Philippines has changed alot. Before we only use our mobile phones to text and call. Now, we use our phones to check emails, surf the web, send pictures, taking pictures just to name a few. Now subscribers make sure their phones have MMS, 3G, WIFI, etc.

Of course a variety of newer gadgets make the palm top computer obsolete by incorporating its capabilities into mobile phones. The result is called a smart phone and there are a bunch of gadgets that qualify as smart phones on the market right now. Many of these gadgets outdo palm top computers in terms of functionality with the use of built in keyboards for thumb typing and web access for browsing and email. (To be fair, many palm top computers have these features as well, but they're fair from standard.)

For the first time in human history, it's possible to watch TV, talk on the phone, listen to music, and write a novel all on the same gadget. That's progress.

Source: http://www.newtechnologytv.com/

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