The Computer Repair Podcast – 006 – Computer Lock Down for Clients
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In this episode of The Computer Repair Podcast;
Computer Lock Down for Clients.
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Ben’s Monolog
Correction for show #4 about selling gold in CPU’s
Boss work laptop – A bad tairdown
Support site using .RAR instead of .ZIP
Computer Repair Related News
OpenDNS FamilyShield
On the last show, I was talking about NortonDNS and Google DNS, well last week OpenDNS which allows you to control what websites you can access, has launched a new service called OpenDNS FamilyShield. It features a pre-configured version of its OpenDNS service that automatically blocks adult content that is unsuitable for kids, proxy and anonymizer sites commonly used by savvy kids to bypass traditional Web filters, phishing sites that aim to trick you into handing over personal or financial information, and some virus-spreading malware websites“
Lenovo Support Website Infects Visitors with Trojan
PC manufacturer Lenovo had its support website attacked when some hackers infected the site with a rogue IFrame.
The download.lenovo.com subdomain was blacklisted by Google when the attack was occurring so Firefox or Google Chrome browsers would display a warning when the site was visited. After searching for an update about this attack and visiting the Lenovo support site on my own computer.
FYI: The Lenovo website is now safe to visit.
Software Updates
- This month’s Patch Tuesday includes four bulletins addressing five vulnerabilities. Two of the bulletins affect Windows; of those, one carries a Critical severity rating and one rated Important. Two bulletins, both with a severity rating of Critical, affect Microsoft Office.
- Oracle has released an update to the Java SDK and Java Runtime Environment raising the version of both to 6 Update 21.
Among the long list of new features is support for additional system configurations including Google Chrome 4, performance improvements in Java VisualVM and at least one security fix. Developers and interested users can take a closer look at all the bugfixes of Java 6 Update 21 the link is in the show notes.
- Foxit Reader 4.0 has been redesigned to include many features not found in other free PDF readers such as: document collaboration, commenting tools, spell checking, multi-level security, form filling, and multimedia support.
- Version 3.46 has support for Synaptics trackpad scrolling and Logitech SetPoint mouse horizontal scrolling.
- Added support for Flock 3.0.
- Improved database compacting to only run when needed.
- Improved Index.dat files cleaning for IE8 to include IECompatCache, IETldCache, PrivacIE folders.
- Improved accuracy of cleaning status messages.
- Improved localization and language support.
- Improved UI text formatting for Cleaner screen.
- Fixed Startup Tool double-clicking behavior on Win9x.
- Minor improvements to Registry Cleaner on Windows 7.
- Added Kurdish translation.
Hiren’s BootCD 10.6
- Added 14 new programs, removed 3 programs, and Updated 26 programs
- Faster Quick Scan
- Detects and removes Firefox and Chrome cookies (must have browser closed while scanning to remove cookies)
- Improved TDSS Detection/Removal of Cloaked Keys/Files
- 64-bit Users: Autoupdate will be active after 6/15/2010
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows 3.60
Tech Tip
Recently I had to lock down one of my own computers. I was afraid that when my non tech friendly friends came over they would infect the computer with spyware, malware, and only god knows what else.
So here is what I did to the computer.
First I added passwords to all user accounts with upper case, lower case and numbers, disabled the “Guest” account, created an limited user account called “My Guest”, installed SandboxIE with a sandboxed firefox icon, Removed all of the IE icons from the desktop and all programs menu, and changed the DNS of the computer to NortonDNS.
In the coming weeks I plan to use software restriction policies to block software from being installed and ran.
I’m going to leave you with 2 links in the show notes for a Windows XP Security Checklist and a link on how to Lock Down Windows Vista.
Tech Talk
10 Most Common Health Hazards for Computer Techs
1. Caffeine Addiction
If after waking up in the morning, your first thought is “MUST HAVE COFFEE!”. Even though most of us are coffee addicts, you put your java on to brew before you brush your teeth and it isn’t before your second mug kicks in that you feel able to function normally. And God forbid if for some reason you don’t get your caffeine intake, all hell might break lose!
Solution (that is if you want one): If you drink 2 mugs before starting work, change the size of your mug. Your brain will register the fact that you’ve had 2 mugs and won’t be bothered about the quantity all that much.
Also brew a smaller amount to last you through the day.
2. Working/Sleeping late
A lot of Techs are night owls. This might not necessarily be because they function better at night. There’s a good chance that this habit formed from working late while trying to fix a computer. Working late fine once in a while but when it becomes the norm you’ve got a problem.
Solution: Dont work late or sleep in, a human body needs upto 8 hours of sleep, give it that.
3. Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health. It’s a universal fact. Techs who smoke tend to do it more while working (I know I do). As you keep working, you work through your pack of cigarettes too and before you know it, your ashtray is full and your pack is empty and you’re still craving.
Solution: You could make your home office or shop a smoke free zone! Or you could put that pack in another room away from your work space.
4. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very real threat for any one who sits at a computer. CTS can affect our fingers, wrists and hands. Consider this: Techs at our computers for hours at a time, typing and fixing things.
CTS is no laughing matter, CTS requires surgery to be corrected and has a 6 week recovery period. Can you imagine not working for that long? Who will pay the bills? well maybe Aflac if you have it, lol.
Solution: Exercise your hands after every hour or so. Stretch your arms, flex your fingers and rotate your wrists. Keep a massage ball or a similar hand exercise item at your desk and use it whenever you’re thinking or brain storming. A carpal tunnel wrist strap is a good idea also
5. Burning eyes
What did you expect after looking at a computer screen all day?
Solution: Close your eyes for a few minutes and rest them. Take off your glasses if you wear them. Wash your face with cold water or soak some cotton in cold water and press them on your eyes gently. You can also use glasses like the Gunnar Optiks to help with eye stain.
6. Short Attention Span
This I’ll blame on the internet or on my ADD.
Solution: Prioritize. If you need to work, close off everything else. Close your inbox, twitter, and any web pages you always keep open. and listen to The Computer Repair Podcast, LOL
7. Back/Neck ache
We’re at a desk or bench for most of the day. Sitting in a chair or stool and staring at a screen isn’t the most comfortable things to do. After a few hours our neck starts to stiffen and our back begins to ache. We shift in our chairs trying to get more comfortable but are too engrossed in our work to notice it. It’s only when we’re finally getting up from the chair that we realize the pains.
Solution: Stretch your neck and back at regular intervals. Get up and move around before coming back to sit. If the back ache gets really bad, try placing a cushion or pillow behind your back to add lumbar support.
8. Bad posture
After being hunched over your computer for hours daily, your posture is bound to suffer.
Solution: To avoid looking like a hunched up old person, invest in a good ergonomic chair or a ergonomic ball chair. It’ll be expensive but it’ll serve you well for years to come.
9. Stress
Insane amount of work, demanding clients, late nights and ect, all lead to stress. You might produce your best work under pressure, but if it continues over a long period of time it will burn you out.
Solution: Figure out what’s the most stressful part of your of your daily life. Are you stressing over a computer? A project? Whatever it is, identify the subject that is stressing you out and walk away, head to the fridge and get something to eat or drink or go for a walk around the block. after doing this the stress level will lower and some times ideas come to you and you can continue with what ever your working on.
10. Fat
Are you over weight?
Solution: Get off your behind and start exercising. Do a few stretches, go for a walk or jog. Join a gym
As a computer tech and as someone who spends most of there time sitting in a seat or chair, I’ve faced all these hazards except Carpal Tunnel! Although some say I have Fibromyalgia.
Your Feedback
Voice Mail
Mitch
Hi Ben, Love the show, I laugh so hard.
I have to agree with your comments on Adobe Flash. I personally, avoid it whenever possible and that is not always easy. Flash is so huge and lumbering. Updates annoy the heck out of you because it is so insecure and it has become a haven for virus writers. Getting rid of it can be a chore also. Adobe’s install methods have a tendency to take over your computer by installing tons of files and separate software modules which are left lying around after an uninstall.
Also, I have to admit, I am not a fan of Adobe Reader either. Which leads to my question.
I have converted all of my magazine subscriptions to digital copy rather than traditional paper magazines. Saving a tree is wonderful but to be honest, I just don’t have the space. My favorite subscriptions allow you to download and keep a PDF copy of each issue. Reading them in Preview on the MAC is okay but I am trying to find a separate PDF reader which displays two consecutive pages at a time side by side just as you would read a magazine. Hopefully such a reader exists and would work on both PC and MAC. Have you seen anything like this?
Mark (MeClaudius)
Dude, I dont know about 4chan.org it looks like a bunch or flaming A-holes, I would recommend another line of support.
James from Chicago
Next time on The Computer Repair Podcast. The Tech Talk is going to be a continuation of this weeks topic, but talking about malware.
So if you have any feedback or questions you can always send me an email at feedback@qetuo.me or call the feedback line @ +1 304-449-4335
