The computer and electronics super geek thread

[azrael]

It was too fast-I couldn't read it. The blue screen flashed and then it just went back to trying to reboot itself. Someone had suggested testing the RAM but I wasn't able to considering the system wouldn't boot up...

So it's not even making it past POST as well (that period when you hit the power button till you see a Windows logo)?

[shiroikaze]

As for the blue screen going by too quick, perhaps try this when you boot into safe mode:

Go to System in Control Panel, click the Advanced tab and select Settings under "Startup and Recovery", deselect automatic restart.

Edited March 5, 2011 by shiroikaze

[myk]

Ok guys, thanks for the suggestions. Based on the wonky performance of my system and the google/IE searches that kept taking me to random sites it was obvious that trying to stream that episode of Southland must've infected my machine. I just finished reinstalling everything and I hope I don't have to deal with this again. The irony is that during the heyday of my porn/tentacle sex/internet days and no virus protection I never had a problem. Now that I'm strictly on the 'net for message boards, mail, and t.v. shows while being loaded to the gills with anti-virus protection I'm getting hit with viruses every other week. Maybe I'm using the wrong anti-virus programs? I liked running with AVG and Spy-Bot S&D; do you guys have any better ideas?

Edited March 5, 2011 by myk

[David Hingtgen]

No virus program gets them all. You can pick from many that each cover a different 98% of the spectrum. IMHO. Lately I see more and more stuff coming from infected ads/jpgs, so even the most trustworthy site/forum can infect you now.

[azrael]

No virus program gets them all. You can pick from many that each cover a different 98% of the spectrum. IMHO.....

Just to add, no virus program, adware/malware program, or security tools gets 100% of everything out there. Much of it requires you to be careful. Be sure that your anti-virus or anti-malware program is updated with the latest updates. Be sure to patch your OS. Be sure the programs you use are updated. Be sure your firewall is running and is only allowing what you want it to allow. Limit the number of processes/services running. Use blockers (ad and/or script blockers) available for some browsers. Use hosts files to block certain sites. And the list goes on....

These days, you can't just rely on security tools to keep you safe. The other part requires you to be mindful of your own actions.

[emajnthis]

Just to add, no virus program, adware/malware program, or security tools gets 100% of everything out there. Much of it requires you to be careful. Be sure that your anti-virus or anti-malware program is updated with the latest updates. Be sure to patch your OS. Be sure the programs you use are updated. Be sure your firewall is running and is only allowing what you want it to allow. Limit the number of processes/services running. Use blockers (ad and/or script blockers) available for some browsers. Use hosts files to block certain sites. And the list goes on....

These days, you can't just rely on security tools to keep you safe. The other part requires you to be mindful of your own actions.

I'd say your last sentence is your computers biggest vulnerability. I work in Information Assurance (just recently got my CISSP hooray!) and can tell you that no matter how complex our security stack is, we will never be able to remove the human element from wreaking havoc. In fact, i can say with absolute certainty, that since i've been employed at my current job, all unscheduled downtimes have been caused by human error not by hardware/software failure or external or internal vulnerability.

[myk]

Lesson taken guys. The world of mal-ware has advanced itself and I need to be more aware. Ah those long gone, worry-free tentacle porn days...

[David Hingtgen]

Since it's on-topic:

Any recent recommendations for a hosts file? Most of them are too aggressive IMHO and utterly block every ad-serving site there is, which will actually screw up navigating some websites--especially those that play an ad in front of a video. Is there a hosts file that is dedicated just to blocking malware/viruses, not malware+ads+tracking+everything else?

[mikeszekely]

Be sure to patch your OS. Be sure the programs you use are updated.

This.

It's amazing how many people get a security program on their computer, then think they're done. I spent three days cleaning up my mom's laptop after she got a bad case of "Security Tools 2011". Once I had her computer working again, I see that she's got Microsoft Security Essentials installed and updated, but had updated her web browser since she got the computer, Flash was out of date, Java was out of date, and Windows itself was missing probably 15 updates.

[azrael]

Since it's on-topic:

Any recent recommendations for a hosts file? Most of them are too aggressive IMHO and utterly block every ad-serving site there is, which will actually screw up navigating some websites--especially those that play an ad in front of a video. Is there a hosts file that is dedicated just to blocking malware/viruses, not malware+ads+tracking+everything else?

Perhaps I should explain how hosts file work. Hosts files only manage web hosts (i.e. websites). They can be used to shortcut/alias certain addresses. It doesn't block anything. If I wanted my browser to immediately go to New York Times' website just by typing the letter "n" in my browser's URL bar, I would add the line into my hosts file:

199.239.136.200 n

Now we "block" hosts by redirecting the site elsewhere. We point the host to 127.0.0.0 (localhost) or 0.0.0.0 (this address doesn't exist). So whenever a site tries to load material from that site, whenever it is called, it goes to a loopback or nonexistent address. Let's say I don't like material (either ads, scripts or whatever) from "example-crap.com", I would add this line to my hosts file:

127.0.0.0 example-crap.com

So anytime "example-crap.com" is referenced, it is redirected, in essence, that site is "blocked". So if a certain site is hosting up crap, we can redirect the referenced host elsewhere. We can't block malware/viruses/trojans/etc but we can tell our browsers where to go so that we face less crap.

[BeyondTheGrave]

Would it be easier cheaper to build a new home computer or just buy one?

[azrael]

Would it be easier cheaper to build a new home computer or just buy one?

Cheaper = DIY. But how much time do you want to spend pricing, shopping, then waiting for components, and then putting it altogether as opposed to just getting a computer that's already built and ready out of the box?

[eugimon]

Would it be easier cheaper to build a new home computer or just buy one?

depends on what you want it to do. Kick ass gaming rig, DIY. Decent rig that's more for everyday stuff than running "awesome game" in "awesome mode", buy it. Check slick deals, there's usually a couple rigs on the cheap every week.

[BeyondTheGrave]

Cheaper = DIY. But how much time do you want to spend pricing, shopping, then waiting for components, and then putting it altogether as opposed to just getting a computer that's already built and ready out of the box?

I actually don't mind pricing and shopping around too much. And putting it together is fun and a challenge.

depends on what you want it to do. Kick ass gaming rig, DIY. Decent rig that's more for everyday stuff than running "awesome game" in "awesome mode", buy it. Check slick deals, there's usually a couple rigs on the cheap every week.

Little bro has an ipod(it died while my zune is still going)with several mp3's also dad wants to look into taking his old 45's and converting them to another format. Along with photo's a handful of movies and misc stuff.

On top of that I'd like to have a mid-range gaming rig that could possibly serve as a media server(looking into getting a wdtv live).

So any system i buy I would have to put bigger HDD in automatically.

[mikeszekely]

Cheaper = DIY.

Not always. If he's talking about building a gaming rig, then yeah. But if you're just looking for a basic internet/iTunes kind of box, it's cheaper to buy pre-built. You can get a decent Athlon-powered desktop with 4GB of RAM and at least a 750GB hard drive for $400 these days. Last I priced parts on Newegg I figured that the cheapest I could build one for was almost $300, and that was figuring that it'd only have 2GB of RAM and that I already have a copy of Windows.

[BeyondTheGrave]

Not always. If he's talking about building a gaming rig, then yeah. But if you're just looking for a basic internet/iTunes kind of box, it's cheaper to buy pre-built. You can get a decent Athlon-powered desktop with 4GB of RAM and at least a 750GB hard drive for $400 these days. Last I priced parts on Newegg I figured that the cheapest I could build one for was almost $300, and that was figuring that it'd only have 2GB of RAM and that I already have a copy of Windows.

I forgot all about getting a copy of windows.

Asked in another thread but doubt it'll be answered in that thread...

I'm looking to upgrade to a blu-ray player soon. Should I buy a ps3 or a dedicated blu-ray player?*

Also my local sears is going out of business and they have hdmi cable priced at 40% off. Phillips brand 6 and 12 ft, Sony flat hdmi cable normally $65. that a good deal?

*I don't really care for netflix capability.

[shiroikaze]

Well... I personally say get a PS3. Lately, I've seen them go for $250 on Amazon and various other places.

As for the HDMI cables? Go to monoprice.com, you won't regret it.

You can get a decent Athlon-powered desktop with 4GB of RAM and at least a 750GB hard drive for $400 these days.

Got one for my dad for about $250.

Edited March 7, 2011 by shiroikaze

[mikeszekely]

I'm looking to upgrade to a blu-ray player soon. Should I buy a ps3 or a dedicated blu-ray player?*

Also my local sears is going out of business and they have hdmi cable priced at 40% off. Phillips brand 6 and 12 ft, Sony flat hdmi cable normally $65. that a good deal?

*I don't really care for netflix capability.

At this point, it really depends on whether or not you're going to play games. There are better, cheaper Blu-ray players on the market now. But if you want a PS3 for games too, the PS3 is still a good Blu-ray player.

As for HDMI cables, by my math that's still almost $40 a cable, so no, it's not a good deal. The thing with HDMI is that it's digital... for the most part, it either works or it doesn't, and one generic cable is usually just as good as expensive gold-plated fancy ones. You can get a 6' HDMI cable for as little as $3.28 at monoprice.com. Or, if you want to stick with "Ships and Sold by Amazon.com" to grab an extra item to hit $25 and free shipping next time you order, Amazon sells their own brand for $9.99... or $6.99, if you don't mind the old version. The difference? The $9.99 one supports Ethernet over HDMI.

[BeyondTheGrave]

At this point, it really depends on whether or not you're going to play games. There are better, cheaper Blu-ray players on the market now. But if you want a PS3 for games too, the PS3 is still a good Blu-ray player.

I'd play MGS4 maybe FFXIII versus and uh....... other stuff?

Edited March 7, 2011 by BeyondTheGrave

[azrael]

Not always. If he's talking about building a gaming rig, then yeah.

Most people don't have gaming rigs.

Little bro has an ipod(it died while my zune is still going)with several mp3's also dad wants to look into taking his old 45's and converting them to another format. Along with photo's a handful of movies and misc stuff.

On top of that I'd like to have a mid-range gaming rig that could possibly serve as a media server(looking into getting a wdtv live).

So any system i buy I would have to put bigger HDD in automatically.

Mid range gaming rig that could eventually be a media server.....

A media server doesn't really need much besides a lot of storage, a recent CPU, probably 4GB of RAM and good networking. And it could be squeezed into a small case unless you decide to RAID it. A gaming rig would need more or better cooling, room for video cards and a better processor.

I would probably consider a Core 2, Core i3, Athlon II X4 or the low-end Phenom II X3 or X4. In this case, a processor would probably be low on my list of priorities. For video, a card in the $100-200 range would probably fit that mid-range area. Again, a media server doesn't need good video so I'm sure how this would fit in after it's done being a gaming rig.

[emajnthis]

In some regard Mike is right that purchasing out of the box can be cheaper but it also depends on how patient you are (is time a factor). Four months ago I built my friend a computer (of course he had no clue what he wanted) so i decided to go middle of the road with everything (HTPC with light gaming in mind). The parts break down was something like

HTPC case w/550PSU $25

Motherboard w/Phenom II X2 $100

Dell U2311h 23" eIPS $200

Radeon HD 5670 $60

1TB HDD $50

4GB DDR3 1600 $35

Blu-Ray Combo Drive $80

______________________________

Total $550

That's including a high end eIPS monitor, i have a subscription so OS was free and i get free peripherals from work (we throw away crates of them a day). Also to get more bang for the buck, i unlocked the other two cores on the Phenom X2 to make it an X4 and then overclocked it to 3.6ghz. His budget was $550 and the most expensive part was the Monitor, and that was only expensive because i decided to go with an eIPS panel instead of a TN panel since i had excess money left in his budget. If you decide to build it yourself, go to Micro Center for the Processor, no one is cheaper than Micro Center for processors, often times they'll have motherboard combos that are great too (like in my case). If time is not a factor get everything else by checking on slickdeals, amazon and newegg for the best price on the parts you're looking for. I also mention time not being a factor because usually the best prices are found by waiting for rebates, sucks i know, but ultimately you make out in the end.

Edited March 7, 2011 by emajnthis

[myk]

In my own personal experience I easily spent the same amount on an equivalent "boxed" system as I did with my home-built system. Picking out your own parts usually means that you're picking out the best of everything. I could imagine a retail system skimping on certain things just to keep the costs down. I will say that I would like the security of having technical support but then again I've learned quite a bit since I started out and also that's what you stellar MacrossWorld guys are for, lol.

Got another question for you guys: So I've lost two HD's over the last few weeks. After the first failure (my WD Raptor), I decided that I would have Steam installed on an external HD. Well, after the virus fiasco last week I had to format my current drive. However, when I got everything up and running I found that all of my Steam game data was lost. My achievements are still recognized on Steam's online services, but my save data is all gone. So I'm wondering why my save data would be lost when I have Steam installed on an external HD that has nothing to do with my routinely failing internal drives?

[mikeszekely]

In my own personal experience I easily spent the same amount on an equivalent "boxed" system as I did with my home-built system. Picking out your own parts usually means that you're picking out the best of everything. I could imagine a retail system skimping on certain things just to keep the costs down. I will say that I would like the security of having technical support but then again I've learned quite a bit since I started out and also that's what you stellar MacrossWorld guys are for, lol.

Got another question for you guys: So I've lost two HD's over the last few weeks. After the first failure (my WD Raptor), I decided that I would have Steam installed on an external HD. Well, after the virus fiasco last week I had to format my current drive. However, when I got everything up and running I found that all of my Steam game data was lost. My achievements are still recognized on Steam's online services, but my save data is all gone. So I'm wondering why my save data would be lost when I have Steam installed on an external HD that has nothing to do with my routinely failing internal drives?

Regardless of where you install your games, most games (including Steam ones) put save files in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\your name\My Documents in XP, or C:\Users\your name\My Documents in Vista and Windows 7.

[myk]

Oy vey...

On that note, I was finally able to track down a twin for my video card. Too bad I lose three out of four of my damn SATA ports with both of the cards installed...

Edited March 10, 2011 by myk

[CoryHolmes]

I need some help. I'm trying to set up a home wi-fi network so I can use my iPad and PC at the same time (I know, trying to join the 2000s when it's 2011 already...). I bought a Linksys wireless-N router, went through all the connection/installation stuff, and my new network pops up on my Wi-Fi tab on my pad. I enter my password and it says that it can't connect.

What am I doing wrong?

[eugimon]

I need some help. I'm trying to set up a home wi-fi network so I can use my iPad and PC at the same time (I know, trying to join the 2000s when it's 2011 already...). I bought a Linksys wireless-N router, went through all the connection/installation stuff, and my new network pops up on my Wi-Fi tab on my pad. I enter my password and it says that it can't connect.

What am I doing wrong?

make sure you're using WPA or WPA2 security protocol, there's some reports that WEP and ipad don't get along.

[CoryHolmes]

Danke. Also, I forgot to change the factory-set password to my usual one

[frothymug]

I guess it's about time I got into this thread, considering I enjoy working on and with computers. However, I'm here with a general inquiry for you gurus.

I got a text from a friend telling me that they got an e-mail from me with a spam link, meaning my account was compromised. By the way... no laughs, please... I use AOL mail (and have been for 13 years with no problems to date). I found two e-mails sent out to my entire address book with a simple link in the text. I immediately changed my e-mail password and scanned my computer for viruses. Nothing has turned up. Again, no laughing... I use the free version of AVG Anti-virus.

I recently downloaded a slew of game demos from Steam, looking for something to keep me busy during Spring Break. I'd hate to think that I got some kind of virus from their servers, but it's a strong possibility.

The questions I want to ask:

1) Is it possible someone just "guessed" or hacked my e-mail password?

2) If not, is my computer infected and AVG is not picking it up?

[Lynx7725]

The questions I want to ask:

1) Is it possible someone just "guessed" or hacked my e-mail password?

2) If not, is my computer infected and AVG is not picking it up?

For (1), it depends on the complexity of the old password. A simple password can be guessed/ brute-forced, but that also requires very simplistic security on the provider's part.

There is also a possibility that it isn't related to your account at all, just someone overriding their email headers to use your email instead. Trivial to do, but that two of your contacts have received a spam email from you is of concern. If possible, it might be good to get the email from your friends, and run a search on the contents -- if it is a virus/ trojan, it should be reported by now and in the media somewhere.

For (2), a possibility. It depends on how well you keep AVG updated, after all. And AV isn't infallible, no matter the make -- there has been cases where the virus targets the AV....

[azrael]

1) Is it possible someone just "guessed" or hacked my e-mail password?

Always possible. Accounts are hacked everyday so changing your password is a good start. Make sure you make it a complex password or passphrase (using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, etc.) and avoid simple words that can be cracked with dictionary attacks.

2) If not, is my computer infected and AVG is not picking it up?

Yes. There are other free anti-virus scanners that you can download and scan your system with. I would also recommend running other adware and malware scanners. It's possible you picked up a key logger in your web surfing. And yes, be sure your anti-virus scanner is updating regularly.

[frothymug]

Yeah, my password was alphanumeric, so it had a decent amount of security strength in it. AVG actually updated itself today about 4 hours ago and I ran the scan 2 hours ago. It had run its regularly-scheduled scan yesterday evening. It didn't pick anything up. When I tried to purchase a game from Steam, it made me verify the account by sending me an e-mail and having me click on a link embedded within. I'm wondering if this was the culprit.

[David Hingtgen]

No program gets everything. Since you have good cause to suspect something, I would go here and let it run this scan. http://www.pandasecu...ons/activescan/ Just say yes/agree/install to everything.

Note that it will scan EVERY file and will take a while---I think 3 hours last time I ran it, maybe 180 gigs searched. But I have found it'll often find things others (AVG, Avast, Avira, MS) miss, even if it's as minor as a tracking cookie from an ad website.

If it is a key logger, decent odds are it's specifically a root-kit, which are quite different from viruses and many scans won't find them easily. Google up a few root-kit detectors and see if they find anything. (note that there can often be some false positives, especially if you have anything with SecuROM on your PC)

"Combofix" is also a good, powerful, all-purpose "find the hidden nasties" program. It'll find a lot of things others miss. Doesn't take long either. http://www.combofix.org/download.php There's always a lot of warnings associated with it, but I've never seen any issues. It will go DEEP into your OS/registry though, to the point that many other programs will consider what it does to be viral--but that's how it roots out things others miss.

[Lynx7725]

Yeah, my password was alphanumeric, so it had a decent amount of security strength in it. AVG actually updated itself today about 4 hours ago and I ran the scan 2 hours ago. It had run its regularly-scheduled scan yesterday evening. It didn't pick anything up. When I tried to purchase a game from Steam, it made me verify the account by sending me an e-mail and having me click on a link embedded within. I'm wondering if this was the culprit.

If you suspect so, then run a Google search on the game and the link. You might turn up something.

DH: thanks for the links -- I really should schedule in a deep dig for my system.

[myk]

Question guys, just how important is the CPU when it comes to games? I just found a second GTS 250 to try my hand at SLI and I'm getting performance issues in games and basic video playback (such as Hulu) that I never had when my GTS was single. I've messed with drivers, settings, etc. but from what I've been reading up on, it seems as if my dual-core E6500 might be a bottleneck of sorts. I've always believed that video cards was where my attention should be focused on, but if my processor needs to be looked at I'm open to suggestions. For example canyourunit suggests a core 2 duo-honestly when I was shopping for processors I didn't know that "dual-core" and "core 2 duo" were two different things, lol. Is there anything else I should be looking at other than hardware? Could this still just be a software issue? Thanks in advance...

[mikeszekely]

Question guys, just how important is the CPU when it comes to games? I just found a second GTS 250 to try my hand at SLI and I'm getting performance issues in games and basic video playback (such as Hulu) that I never had when my GTS was single. I've messed with drivers, settings, etc. but from what I've been reading up on, it seems as if my dual-core E6500 might be a bottleneck of sorts. I've always believed that video cards was where my attention should be focused on, but if my processor needs to be looked at I'm open to suggestions. For example canyourunit suggests a core 2 duo-honestly when I was shopping for processors I didn't know that "dual-core" and "core 2 duo" were two different things, lol. Is there anything else I should be looking at other than hardware? Could this still just be a software issue? Thanks in advance...

Some games are more CPU intensive than others... in general, GPU is more important. But if your performance is worse, and the only thing that's changed is that you added a second GPU, then the CPU isn't likely the problem. Likewise, even bargain-bin dual-core CPUs these days should be able to handle streaming video, even up to 720p, without a hitch. The problem is more likely software or GPU related. SLI, from what I've read, can be pretty hit-or-miss.