Published at June 28, 2007
in Random.
It looks like the so called “Blue Pill” which was created by Joanna Rutkowska, is no longer “undetectable.”
Researchers from Matasano Security has claimed that they’ve come up with a detector that will undeniably detect the Blue Pill rootkit. However, they say that at this current time it will indeed detect it. That means that in the case that Joanna is able to work on the rootkit and further evolve it there is a chance that this current detector will no longer be able to seek it out.
Well the good news is that this detector was made within a few months time as opposed to Joanna’s work on the Blue Pill which from what I gather is far more longer than a simple few months.
Source
Published at June 26, 2007
in Random.
This is one of the most annoying things that could possibly happen to a technician trying to find a replacement part for a client. I have a client who has a bad keyboard. I remove the keyboard and check the part number on the back (this is the best and most efficient way to figure out exactly what keyboard it is and useful to use when trying to find another one, sometimes). In this case, I went ahead and typed the part number into Part Surfer and sure enough it tells me there is no part with that part number.
Here’s the part number.:
The part number ended up being 407856-001 which is on the sticker up above. Stupid HP!
Published at June 21, 2007
in Random.
I’m starting to think about how I can make my work area more efficient. Currently there are three long desks that make an L shape. I have three monitors. My main LCD, my first monitor which connects to a 4-port KVM switch which sits beside me and then another about a foot away towards my back, which is also connected to a 4-port KVM switch. I often times do scans or whatever is necessary on the computers in the back of me and forget about them since they aren’t facing me and are in the very rear of me. I concentrate on the monitor to my right which is in my direct view.
I first thought about getting two Dell 15″ LCDs since both monitors connected to the KVMs are 15 or 17″ CRTs. They’re too bulky and take up way too much space. However, now I am considering investing into either an Aten Technologies CS1708 8-Port KVM Switch
or a 16-port USB KVM switch and just one 15″ LCD. I could always try the former and then go to opt with the latter if the two LCDs fail me. I mean the second option would leave me with probably much more room with just one LCD and then a long 8 or 16-port KVM switch. The main thing is expandability and the ability to work on several computers with only one monitor, keyboard and mouse directly in front of me. Also currently I have three sets of mice/keyboards and this often times gets in the way as well. Having just two sets would be ideal but damnit, this is definitely a hard choice to make.
I’ll update when I do make that decision and I’ll include some photos too. Until then or my next post, God bless and take care of yourselves.
Published at June 16, 2007
in Random.
So it’s come that time again to have to RMA not one but two sets of Crucial Ballistix memory. They BOTH share the same exact symptoms. How coincidental is that? Both computers are almost exactly the same as far as configurations go and both are connected to a APC BR1500 UPS 24/7 with automatic shutdown enabled.
First things first, the part numbers and all that jazz, in case you want to cross reference this post with an issue you’re having are:
Crucial Ballistix
Batch: CL1117C.HZ
PN: 72897
Crucial Ballistix Tracer
Batch: CL1117F.CZ
PN: 72896
My symptoms were as follows:
Unit turned off on its own, random shut down.
Upon attempting to turn the unit back on, no POST at all.
Removing the memory and leaving ONE stick in, system POSTs.
Putting other stick in, system does not POST.
Installed another set of 2×1GB Kingston memory into both slots and system POSTs (this is how I ruled out bad motherboard memory slots).
The above symptoms happened not once but TWICE! Both to my work box and my home box. That pissed me off to no end! At home I have a 120mm Panaflo fan blowing constantly on the memory. This in turn keeps the memory extremely cool. I could have it stress testing, turn the computer off, touch the memory and it isn’t even warm.
Second, my work box, this box is again connected to a UPS along with being housed in a room that has a/c 24/7.
I’ve already submitted my request for my first set but now I’m going to have to get another. This is annoying to say the least but I do love Crucial memory.
Published at June 13, 2007
in Random.
I’m interested in these two bad boys!
Published at June 13, 2007
in Random.
It’s been busy at work but not with fixes. Mainly doing clean installs due to spyware/viruses. The spyware/virus infections have grown extremely complex. Even using most of the tools in my arsenal, I’m still at a lost more often than not as to where to go next when I can’t figure out why this pop up is still occurring or why the computer is running so damn slow.
I’ll give you all a holler!
Published at June 7, 2007
in Random.
I am surprised that no such software exists. I have searched high and low through many forums as well as Google and have come to the conclusion that there really isn’t a particular piece of software, including Nero, that will automatically take data given to it and span it across multiple DVDs (without it being in a proprietary format).
I often times backup clients’ data onto DVDs but more often than not the data amount exceeds just one DVD. So, that leaves me with opening Nero, putting in the data, trying to remember where I last cut it off so that I can open a new session once this one is done and then start again and this is an endless cycle until all the data has been burnt onto DVDs.
I’ve tried Nero BackUp but it backs everything up onto DVDs in a proprietary format. Proprietary meaning that unless YOU have the BackUp software installed you won’t be able to read the DVDs.
I would love to have a program that you could throw say 1.5GB of data and just tell the program okay, be done with it, go ahead, start, presto, abra cadambra! Then, it will fill up 4.7GB or whatever amount it deems necessary to almost fil the DVD completely and then burn it. Then, after it’s done, it will take the rest of the data that needs to be burnt, partition it off and then ask me to insert another DVD until it’s completely done.
I mean you would think that something like this exists but apparently it doesn’t. If I had the skills I’d make it myself but I’m just a hobbyist.
Anyways, if you come across this article and you know of a program that works 100% all the time without room for much error, please post a comment or contact me and let me know.
Published at June 7, 2007
in Random.
I have to admit, I’m back to square one at trying to find me a decent keyboard that doesn’t suck. Microsoft has proven to me time and time again that their products are pieces of shit (keyboards only).
My ultimate and main gripe is that the keyboards are so easy to type with I can type at an unbelievably fast pace but what happens is overtime the underlying membrane just deteriorates on its own by usage. This is absolutely unacceptable to me. I am shelling out half a hundred dollars for the keyboard to stop working properly two months out? That’s absolutely bullshit. Then they have the nerve to tell me well you can have us do an RMA since there is something wrong. I don’t have time to do an RMA every two months.
The weirdest, strangest, most unbelievable thing of all though is that it seems like I’m the only one who notices this. It seems that everyone and their mother’s have no clue as to how the keyboard changes over time after heavy prolonged usage.
This problem has happened to all of the Microsoft ergonomic keyboards I’ve owned. Even the original Natural ergo keyboard has had this happen to it. In fact, the wearage happened much, much quicker than it did with some of the newer keyboards.
The most insane thing is I’m the only one who has sensitive enough hands that I can tell a difference.
Am I abnormal?
Published at June 3, 2007
in Random.
I have been using flickr.com. They’re great, but people have complained about sluggishness. I haven’t seen any myself. I am also a member of Photobucket and just as of today a member of Smugmug. Smugmug is all the new rave but it seems to convoluted and compact to be useful.
If you don’t mind, share your favorite host(s) in the comment section.