Ask a Geek http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/ Information source for questions concerning computers, internet, television, telephone, and cellular technologies en-us Nucleus CMS v3.22 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek//nucleus/nucleus2.gif Ask a Geek http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/ Mouse Pointers http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=80 Joe Asks:
“I just started my first class in computers and I don't know to much about them, sometimes when I am on the computer a small hand with a exclamation point on it pops up. What is that? Am I doing something wrong, or to slow? I use the computer at my mom’s work to practice, is this little hand telling me to do or not to do something.”

mousepointers

Hi Joe,
That is a mouse pointer and you are not doing anything wrong. The mouse pointer or cursor is usually a hand or an arrow, but it also has other graphics to show you what your computer is doing. It may show your computer is busy processing a task with an arrow and a small hourglass or it might change to an arrow with a question mark to show there are help topics available. You can also download different mouse animations from the web to change your mouse animations. My guess is this is what happened on your mother’s computer is she loaded new mouse animations and one has an exclamation point or it could mean that the loaded animation is now missing. To find out what it means for sure you will have to go to your mouse properties in control panel:

Windows XP
> Start
> Control Panel
> Printers and other Hardware
> Mouse
>Click the Pointers tab

Windows Vista
> Start (the little circle in the bottom left)
> Control panel
> Under Hadrware and Sound click “Mouse”
> Click the Pointers tab

Then just scroll down the list until you see the pointer with the exclamation point and it will tell you what it means. I hope this helps and thank you for your question!

]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=80 Wed, 13 May 2009 09:49:18 -0500 Twitter: What’s the Big Deal? http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=79 Twitter

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a free social networking site that allows you to post or send messages to all of your friends at once. For example someone asked me how I was this morning. My response was “Fantastic! It’s such a beautiful morning!” This surprised the other person, because usually I am not that coherent. Not all my coworkers may have known that I was having a fantastic day and so avoided talking to me until after my morning coffee. If I used Twitter and they followed me, I could have left a “tweet” about having a fantastic day and everyone would have known that I was in a good and approachable mood. A business might use it to promote new products, sales or promotions. A new mother could use Twitter to text all the cute things her baby did like smile, laugh, or poop. Family and friends might be interested in every little thing that the baby did and would like this information, but couldn’t be there it see it all themselves. I like to think Twitter lets us be our own John Madden only instead of football we are calling a play by play of our everyday life. Just remember you’re limited to 140 characters per “Tweet”.

Click Read More to Learn More.

Using Twitter

Ok, so I admit I am being a little lazy here, but I found great little video series on how to use Twitter. It’s 10 short parts, a couple of minutes apiece, and if you are looking into using Twitter I recommend you watch them. Click here to view the how to videos.


Twitter is free so sign up and experience it for yourself at twitter.com

Does Ask a Geek have a Twitter account?

Yes, I created one for this post. I have heard it was addicting, I guess you will find out if you follow me.

Click here to go to Ask a Geek's Twitter page.]]> General http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=79 Thu, 9 Apr 2009 08:25:37 -0500 Super Easy MP3 Ringtones http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=78
The first thing you need to do which is the absolute hardest thing during this entire process is to think of what you want as a ringtone. Do you want a song or maybe you have a favorite TV show? I like the Family Guy. In my example, I’m going to use a song by the Plain White T’s because it’s my fiancée’s favorite band and it’s going to be her ringtone.

Click read more to see how.
Go to YouTube and search for your desired song. After you locate your chosen "video" copy the URL from the right hand side. You can do this by clicking in the URL Box and then hitting CTRL+C on your keyboard or clicking Edit – Copy.

Easy MP3

There are many YouTube to MP3 converters on the net you can Google “youtube to mp3 converter” or go to Listen to You Tube.

Paste your copied YouTube URL into the Enter YouTube URL field and then click go.

Easy MP3

Click Download MP3 and rename the file saving it to your desktop or My Documents. (Just make sure you know where you saved it.)

Easy MP3

If you just want the whole song then you are finished just upload it to your phone and set it up depending on your mobile phone instructions. However, If you need to clip some parts off or edit the MP3 in any way go to Make Your Own Ringtone.

Easy MP3

Click upload and select your MP3. It may take a few minutes depending on your broadband service, but when it’s done you will see the audio file and be allowed to edit. There are three modes Easy, Advanced and Expert. The best thing to do is just play around with the different settings and find out what you like. No worries if you mess up just undo it or upload it again and start over.

Easy MP3

When finished click “Make Ringtone”. You can listen to the song and if you are happy click “Download Ringtone”.

Easy MP3

All that’s left is to upload it to your phone. See how easy it is?


One last thing Comments are back! Let me know what you think of the post, share your stories on how easy or hard you thought the tutorial was, or share what your new ringtone is. Just comment!

]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=78 Mon, 6 Apr 2009 13:32:55 -0500 April Fool’s Day Virus http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=77 virus

You may have heard about a new virus that is scheduled to detonate on April 1st. The worm is called Confixer/Downadup and it has been around since November despite the $250,000 bounty that Microsoft has put on the creator. A third variant has been found and is set for massive infections on April 1st. This third version is quite the upgrade from the previous versions of the worm. This time, the virus takes a defensive stance by setting up roadblocks against measures to prevent it from being installed. These roadblocks include:

Disabling Microsoft automatic updates.

Preventing access to Microsoft Windows Security Center.

Resetting and Deleting System Restore Points.

Preventing any attempt to connect to a variety of antivirus software services or websites.

Shutting down tools used to monitor for malware and that could potentially remove it from the system.


Another upgrade from the previous versions is this varient will generate 50,000 web URLs a day, up from 250 per day, making infection much more likely.
Protect Yourself

First don’t panic if you have an Antivirus program that is up-to-date and you have all your windows critical updates because you are probably going to be fine. If not, follow these Steps:

Patch your PC or laptop by visiting Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067, or better yet, just get all the latest critical updates, then set up your computer to do this automatically.

Disinfect infected machines using an Anti-Virus/ Anitspyware program. (Norton, McAfee are the most common)
Don’t have one? Here are a few I recommend:

Sunbelt Vipre; $30
Sunbelt is a leader in spyware threats similar to this.

Super Antispyware – Free to scan and Clean $30 to protect
You can scan and disinfect your program with this for free or pay and let it protect you from future threats.

Spyware Terminator /w clam Win – Free
Don’t want to pay for an Antivirus or Antspyware? At least protect your computer with this free program.

Make sure your antivirus and security solution is up-to-date on the latest version and signature database.

Turn off AutoRun feature for USB drives on your machines.


How to Turn off the AutoRun Feature for USB Drives:

Windows XP

1. Click the Start button, then Run, and enter "gpedit.msc" without the quotes
2. Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System
3. Scroll down to "Turn off Autoplay" and double click on it
4. Click on the "Enabled" radio button, then for "Turn off Autoplay on" select "All drives"

WinXP-noautorun

Windows Vista

Open your Control Panel, and then click on "Play CDs or other media automatically" to open the AutoPlay dialog.

vist-autorun

The quickest way to disable AutoPlay entirely is to just uncheck the box for "Use AutoPlay for all media and devices", which should usually work.

vista-autorun2

I already have it, what now?

You can try and download the removal tool, and if you can’t get to the sites that host them, you can try downloading it here:

Symantec Removal Tool/FixDwndp.exe

BitDefender

Microsoft's Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool

After that, get your updates and an Antivirus/AntiSpyware solution.

If you’re still having issues just give Cap Rock a call.
]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=77 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:22:29 -0600 How to Determine if an E-mail is a Hoax http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=76
The forwarded messages almost always say “This is real, I checked with insert source here” Never take their word for it, you don't know the original perpetrator of this e-mail. In fact, this is a big neon sign telling you it's probably fake. Do your own checking and I’m not talking about links in the e-mail, web pages are easily doctored. One of my favorite places to verify authenticity is snopes.com. Let’s use an e-mail I received today as an example of how to verify authenticity.

The E-Mail:

I just went to the website below. And it is on AT&T website......Wow and checked out on Snopes.com

Subject: DONT DIAL AREA CODE 809 , 284 AND 876

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T DIAL AREA CODE 809

This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on. They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has-been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

If you call from the US , you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00.

WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in theBritish Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). the dominican actually
The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam

Sandi Van Handel
AT&T Field Service Manager
(920)687-904


What Snopes says:

Claim: Unsuspecting phone customers have been gulled by scam artists into placing calls to area codes in the Caribbean that result in hefty charges.

Status: Real fraud, but its usage is rare and most victims are taken for only a small amount of money.

The full article can be found here. http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp

So the claim is real to an extent, however it is greatly exaggerated instead of a whopping $25,000 phone bill you are hit with a $25 to $100 charge.

As my favorite cartoon use to say “Knowing is half the battle!”
]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=76 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:26:57 -0500 The MailBag http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=75
“All of my out-going email arrives at the other person's computer marked spam....why is this and how can I stop it?”

It has a way to do with how you are sending your e-mail. Do you send it out with a huge list of addresses in the “To:” field? Most Anti-Spam and Junk Mail folders will flag your message as spam if you do. Try placing those addresses in the BCC field instead, it may help, it may not. Everything really depends on the recipients spam settings.


]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=75 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:45:21 -0500 FBI Battles Zombies! http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=74
Zombie


Internet hijackers use malicious software to take control of your machine without you even knowing it. Once the software is installed the hijacker is able to remotely control the PC using it in coordinated internet attacks, hosting illegal file sharing and send an estimated 55 billion in spam every day. An estimated 55 million computers are infected with this malicious software. The infected machine is in essence turned into a zombie and once enough computers are compromised the hijacker has a robot network or “Botnet”

Bot


The FBI is trying to take down these botnets, but they are huge sometimes containing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of personal computers. Operation Bot Roast is an ongoing and coordinated initiative to disrupt and dismantle these robot networks and to put the hijackers behind bars. The FBI has already put three of these major hijackers behind bars. They have also identified about 1 million computers across the country that have been compromised and will be contacting the PC owner to notify them so the owner can take steps to remove the infection on their PC.

Don’t think you are one of the hijacked machines? You could be, very easily. Most likely the machine you are working on right now is compromised with some type of spyware. Your home machine is probably worse and if you have children that use the internet, good luck keeping it secure.

For help in getting rid of spyware and keeping your machine secure visit this post.



]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=74 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:55:12 -0500 Harnessing the Internet to Share Your Photos with Family and Friends http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=73 Bluebonnet

Are you still e-mailing your photos to friends and family? Why? Not only is it time consuming and outdated, it’s a little boring. There are hundreds of websites that will host those pictures for you and allow you to arrange, categorize, and update your pictures with a few clicks of a mouse, not to mention you can use it as a backup. Flickr, Bubbleshare, Fotki, are all popular photo sites that will host those precious pictures for you for free. These sites allow you to create sets or albums to categorize your pictures. You can make the photos private allowing only certain people to view them or make them public and share with everyone. There are also websites like Dropshots which allow you to not only share pictures, but video as well. If you decide you want a little more functionality then the free websites offer, alternatives like Photosite have a premium service that includes customizable photo albums, a photoblog, professional online printing service, and your own domain name (familynamephotos.com). Each of the services offers something a little different and you can take a tour or browse the site to see what each service offer and which one is the right choice for you.

I currently use Flickr. It only required a yahoo account, something which I already had. If you don’t it’s free and easy to join just click the signup button and follow the instructions or if you have a yahoo account, like me, just use your username and password to login. Soon as you are finished logging in it will ask if you want to upload photos. You can upload six pictures at a time. I usually make them public but this choice is up to you. That is all there is to getting started. Don’t be afraid to play around and find your own way, creating sets, making comments on or about your pictures. There is a lot to do on Flickr so have fun! You can visit a set of spring time pictures Barbara took HERE and see why this method is so much better then sending photos via e-mail.

EDIT: Flickr appears to be experiencing difficulties and running slow. If you can't get to it now. Check back later and try again. The other sites are working if you would like to to view them. - Thanks.


]]> Computers \ Internet http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=73 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:34:40 -0500 What are the Differences between Analog and Digital Phones? http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=72
An easy comparison between the two technologies is to think in terms of music. Analog phones are represented by an old record player while digital phones are CD players.

Digital cordless phones can also travel over a higher frequency called gigahertz increasing the quality of the sound and extending the range of the handset.


]]> Telephone \ Phone Systems http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=72 Wed, 4 Apr 2007 14:45:30 -0500 Tournament Outcome http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=71
Barak Harlan!

He was able to pull out a win by picking the Florida Gators to take it all. Congratulations Barak and thanks to all that participated in the event. I hope you all had fun!


]]> Contests \ Events http://www.caprock-spur.com/askageek/index.php?itemid=71 Wed, 4 Apr 2007 08:21:30 -0500