McStyles Software

This article is to show you the various places where virus can hide. So if your computer is acting crazy, you might want to take a look at these “hot spots”.

Start-Up Folder - This is the most logical place! Windows opens every item in the Start Menu’s Start Up folder. This folder is prominent in the Programs folder of the Start Menu.  Notice that I did not say that Windows "runs" every program that is represented in the Start Up folder. I said it "opens every item." There’s an important difference.

Programs represented in the Start Up folder will run. But you can have shortcuts in the Start Up folder that represents documents, not programs.

For example, if you put a Microsoft Word document in the Start Up folder, Word will run and automatically open that document at during system initialization; if you put a WAV file there, your audio software will play the music at initialization, and if you put a Web-page Favorites there, Internet Explorer (or your own choice of a browser) will run and open that Web page for you when the computer starts up. (The examples cited here could just as easily be shortcuts to a WAV file or a Word document, and so on.)

Registry. Windows executes all instructions in the "Run" section of the Windows Registry. Items in the "Run" section (and in other parts of the Registry listed below) can be programs or files that programs open (documents), as explained in No. 1 above.  Windows executes all instructions in the "RunServices" section of the Registry.

Batch File. Windows executes all instructions in the Winstart batch file, located in the Windows folder. (This file is unknown to nearly all Windows users and most Windows experts, and might not exist on your system. You can easily create it, however. Note that some versions of Windows call the Windows folder the "WinNT" folder.) The full filename is WINSTART.BAT.

Initialization File. Windows executes instructions in the "RUN=" line in the WIN.INI file, located in the Windows (or WinNT) folder.

As with Win.ini, file names might be preceded by considerable space on such a line, to reduce the chance that they will be seen. Normally, the full path of the file will be included in this entry. If not, check the \Windows directory

Windows has a lot of phases at the start of level but if you know what you are doing, you can catch weird files that will save you downtime.

For those that are considering an IT Certification, they may have found that there are several types to choose from.  Before deciding on a particular IT Certification, it is important to know what choices are available to you as well as what will be included in each of the types.  Following is a list of the types of certification that are available.  From here, you will be able to determine the subsets and specifics of what type of training is best for you.  This will help you to gain mastery in a particular type of technology.

1.  ERP — This is an abbreviation for Enterprise Resource Planning.  ERP will benefit you in several areas.  The first place that it will focus on is using technology in order to market your skills.  From here, it will teach you how to use tools for things such as increasing sales as well as manufacturing and productivity.  ERP will also have planning software available to take stress off of your ideas for resource planning.  Business managers will like ERP for the uses of inventory, orders, customer service, finances and human resources.  This is available for both those who are just beginning as well as those who would like to get more advanced knowledge in relation to technology and resources.

2.  Graphics — There are several types of programs that you can become certified in with graphics.  These will help you to draw charts, tables and art in a more effective way.  By knowing how to use technology for graphics, you will be able to produce a presentation that will be eye catching and effective.  From here, you will learn which types of programs and software are the best to use, as well as be able to use printers and other types of external devices to get the right look for your presentation.

3.  Project Management — You will often see this abbreviated as PM, or PMP.  Usually, this will be divided into sub-groups to help with those wanting to focus on a certain area.  Technology can help you in finding a way to plan an initiate a project that a company needs.  It can also help to control the project while it is being implemented.  At the end of a specific project, technology can help to gather the required information to close the deal.  Usually, PM will require more time than other certifications, but can be beneficial for those working with a company.

4.  Testing Certification — This type of certification is for those that are interested in finding out if other types of technology are working.  They will be used to make sure that the codes that are working for software and computer programs are properly functioning.  From here, specific developments and required changes can be made either by the company or the individual.  There are several types of testing certifications that you can get, each which will allow you to work in a different field.  This includes everything from quality management to analysts of the software.

5.  Training Certification — If you have received several other certifications, or are interested in teaching your specific technical knowledge, then you will need to get a certificate for training.  By passing a test to become a trainer, it will allow you to have the credentials needed to teach others about the software and allow them to become certified.

The final categorization of viruses is the mighty Trojan Horse.

The Trojan Horse is pseudo like software that appears harmless but once you install the software, look out! It causes more problems than you could ever think of!

Trojan Horse viruses try to emulate software that is legitimate from a well known company. For example, Windows software was being emulated on file sharing servers only to find out that after downloaded, it was not a Windows based program by spyware or worms in the files that quickly spread over your entire system.

Trojans are really annoying because they change system settings without you knowing it and include extra icons to your desktop that initialize and pop up at the most unwanted times while you are trying to use your computer. Many Trojans can cause serious data loss and be targeted to wipe out your “My Documents” folder in your Windows Operating System. Microsoft Word defaults all documents to this folder.

Trojans also create a way for hackers to get into your system which allows for your personal and confidential information to be compromised. Trojans don’t replicate or reproduce like other files.

Trojans can also appear as bundled or blended threat viruses and worms. One Trojan can open the door to your system. Another Trojan can go straight to the computer register and write malicious code to the register while another Trojan can release worms into your system. These threats can cause major damage and downtime to your system.

Trojans are really powerful and you should by all means pay attention to virus postings and warnings from Microsoft and other reputable computer companies. Some Trojans have been so powerful that in the past, they have gotten front page coverage, such as the Anthrax Trojan threat a few years back.

Certainly, a Trojan Horse threat is nothing to play with. These Trojans have been known to knock out government data systems and reconfigure critical, sensitive military data. You should use full protection in battling Trojan Horse viruses.

So you think that Internet Explorer is the only browser out there? Actually, there are other browsers out there that are better and more efficient than IE. Let’s examine the following:

Safari:

Safari is the browser of for most Mac users. It’s faster than Internet Explorer and contains a built-in Google Search, tabbed interface to browse multiple sites at once, automatic form completion and more. Free to download.

Mozilla:

Mozilla is open source software.  Mozilla is for Windows, Linux or Mac users. Browse several sites at once with the tabbed interface, block pop-up ads and it even includes IRS Chat. It has a great email client with great spam blockers and filters

Opera:

For Windows, Linux and Mac users alike. There are two versions; one free (which is ad supported) or for 39.00, you can get the ad-free version. Opera is extremely fast with built-in email clients that includes spam filters. It also contains the usual pop-up blockers.

OmniWeb:

An award-winning Web browser strictly for Mac users. Cost is 39.95. Features include ad blocking, history searching, website change notifications, even speech recognition.

Netscape Navigator:

Microsoft’s’ chief rival is still around. Netscape 7.1 is based on Mozilla architecture. Free to download.

FireFox:

Firefox (aka Firebird) is an express version version of Mozilla and built for speed. It’s only a browser with no built-in email client, so if you need email you’ll want to download its companion, Thunderbird. Those who love Mozilla will find many of the same features here. With Firefox you can block pop ups, customize the toolbars; even change its appearance with the use of themes. For Windows, Linux and Mac users. Free.

Avant Browser:

A tabbed browser that’s really fast and allows you to view multiple websites in a split window interface. Free

So there are alternatives that are better than Internet Explorer. Go ahead and try a different browser! Be different!

A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between several networks. The actual means by which this is accomplished varies widely, but in principle, the firewall can be thought of as a pair of devices which exists to block unwanted IP traffic and the other which exists to permit traffic.
Firewalls work by implementing various access control policies. It’s also important to recognize that the firewall’s configuration creates its policy based on the parameters you provide in your security control policy.

If you have a network in you SOHO business, you need firewall protection on the web side of your host and your networked computers. The Internet has hackers that seek to get into your network or server which makes life miserable for you and your system. The purpose of a firewall is to keep hackers out and to keep your system running proficiently and smoothly.

Even if you’re a small business, you should learn about the mechanics of how a firewall operates even if you have two computers on your network.  There are many software packages out there such as, McAfee Internet Suite software that keeps hackers at bay. A firewall is also great for intranet access to certain applications that are critical which you have to put restrictions on.

Lastly, a firewall can act as your corporate “ambassador” to the Internet. McAfee Internet Suite does this. Every time someone tries to access your computer, McAfee will notify you and reject their access.  It will tell you the IP address of the computer that wants access. You can automatically set these attributes to no.
Zone Alarm is another great software package which provides outstanding firewall protection. You can limit FTP upload capability to certain user profiles when putting information on the Internet and Zone Alarm also shows you the individual that is trying to break in.

Firewalls are needed because of data and programs that you don’t want destroyed by hackers. If you don’t have any firewalls set up for your computer or web host then you run the risk of losing data and getting viruses.

If you’re a business person that’s on the go and not into mobile computing systems, you may want to look into buying a laptop. While the price of laptops compared to desktops has shrunk recently, you will still pay slightly more for a laptop. With laptops reasonably difficult to expand or upgrade, it’s a good idea to add more memory or get a bigger hard drive at the time of purchase. Your system should have at least two USB 2.0 ports, as this will be the main way of connecting to external devices.

If you are a frequent traveler and want to use your laptop while flying, there are some other design issues you might want to consider. Widescreen laptops can be a hassle if you are in the coach section, as there is hardly enough room to open the machine. A system with external controls for volume and Wi-Fi can also be good, to avoid annoying other passengers or interfering with the aircrafts navigational system. For really long flights, a second battery is probably the most cost effective way of keeping your system up and running.

As laptops are more likely to be damaged or stolen while on the road, it is a good idea to have a backup plan. Do a regular backup so if something bad does happen, you don’t lose too much data. Make sure that your laptop comes with a built in DVD burner.  One DVD disc should be more than enough to store your work data. You could also use a CD burner, but you would probably need to carry multiple discs. If you only have a small amount of files you need to backup, a USB flash drive is just as sufficient.

Laptops that are on the road regularly are more likely to break down. So invest in a good quality carry case to limit any potential damage in transit, and always keep your backups up to date.

Most warranties these days are only twelve months, so if there is an extended warranty available, it may be worth taking up if you are constantly on the road. A good warranty policy is a good idea when investing in your laptop.

SEO Copywriting is called search engine optimization copywriting or search engine copywriting. It’s writing web page content that reads well for your visitors and includes specific keywords or keyword phrases so the page will rank well in the search engines.

SEO Copyrighting not only includes the viewable text on your web pages but includes optimizing other elements such as title, description, keyword tags as well as the heading tags i.e. h1,h2 h3 through HTML coding.

Check out these benefits of SEO copyrighting:

1. Increase search engine rankings - You should research targeted keyword phrases related to your site’s content, then place them throughout your web site. This will enable the search engines to more easily locate your site and give you good rankings.
2. Increase sales from your web site by having good sales copy. - Getting lots of traffic to your web site may increase your chances of making a sale but if the words used on your page turns them off it won’t place your visitors in a buying mood. Have meaningful sales pitches throughout your site.
3. Differentiate your business from your competitors. – The content I’ve examined on some sites are just downright boring. There is language that has nothing to do with the site. Make sure that your site is lively and different!
4. Obtain customer loyalty. – Make a customer feel at home! Personalize your web copy to make them feel appreciated.

Your SEO keywords are the life blood of your web content. Without it, you stand little of a chance competing against your competitors. You should include as many keywords as possible and then have great and attractive copy to hook people into coming to your site. Content matters in on the web! If you lack experience, get a professional web consultant to help you!

If you are working as a IS consultant or technology specialist, having IT Certification will help you in several ways.  By understanding why you would need IT certification, as well as the benefits that it will have for you, you can then determine whether it is the best move for you to take.

IT stands for information technology.  This includes several areas of knowledge that are provided to help a business.  Usually, information technology experts will be in charge of the information that is in an organization.  This includes making sure that the proper sets of knowledge and paperwork are manageable, organized and processed in the easiest way.  They do this not only by understanding organization, but also through the use of tools and terms related to the use of information technology.    From here, the certification branches out into several areas of this information technology.  It has been stated that IT is the largest growing branch in the United States, as well as in the world.  Because of this, it is important to know what is being done that is new and improved with technology.

The first way that you would be able to use your IT Certification is by specializing in a career that focuses on technology.  By knowing basic and advanced technology programs, you will become a large asset to any type of business that you would be interested in going into.  There are several companies, as well as individuals, that need others who know different areas of the new technology so they can have more benefits to their company or personal lifestyle.  In relation to this, most businesses will have an entire IT department to help with the technology needs.

IT Certification is not necessarily focused on those working on a career in an IT department.  There are several other professions that will make this type of training a requirement.  Certain libraries will ask that you get IT training to help keep records of the books as well as the people there.  There are also several places that will expect for you to be familiar with information technology in order to present and manage information for the area that you are working.  While several expect that you know technology, if you are unfamiliar with it, it will be best to get certification.

You can use information technology in a variety of settings as well as give yourself the ability to know exactly what types of technology can be used in different areas.  For example, if you own your own business, or work for a corporation, having an IT Certificate can help you to provide resources to keep in front of the work.  You will know exactly what types of technology the business needs, as well as what will benefit the company.

For those that are skeptical about what IT Certification can offer, there are several branches that you can look into for the right set of educational tools.   One of the popular ways that IT Certification is used is to provide companies and organizations with the tools to build things like websites and Internet portals.  There are databases that can be used online as well, which can be learned through an IT Certification.

What platform should your server be on? There are a number of different choices out there but the main two are Linux and Windows web servers. For the majority of people it will be far more important to choose a really good web host that will meet their needs

Microsoft has the Windows OS System. Linux is open source and generally a free download. A Windows host server can cost you money to develop. This doesn’t mean much if you are not setting up the server yourself so we’ll focus on hosting companies that provide server service.

The cost involved in running a server does not affect the cost of a web-hosting package. It all depends on your web applications and how detailed the application is. Some people assume that because their computer runs Windows they need to buy a Windows hosting package. This isn’t true. Access to your web account will most likely be through FTP or a control panel and both servers support these methods.

The main difference is that some of the FTP commands are slightly different between the two operating systems and some FTP programs are designed to be cross compatible in their platforms.

If you intend to create your site using the majority of Microsoft products (or IBM compatible software) ASP, FrontPage, the .NET environment, Windows Streaming Media, Access, MSSQL, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies then you probably need to consider a Windows host.

Linux is kind of “new” considering its host server technologies and is open source. There aren’t that many compatible applications compared to Microsoft. Sometimes, you have to have the knowledge to tailor the application to what you want it to do and that’s cool if you are a tech head.

In terms of performance there’s not a big difference between the two servers. Linux reportedly performs faster because Windows (as usual) has too many threads and procedure calls to go through. If speed is not that important to you, well, you might want to try Windows.

Linux is making strides in the software and hosts markets making it easier to implement. There are applications that are being designed that really operate better than Microsoft applications. The ultimate decision on whether to go with Linux or Windows will be up to you.

Web based conferencing can now be used by organizations large and small. Its a cost effective way to overcome geographical obstacles and meet with individuals or groups no matter where they are located.

Sales demonstrations and presentations can reach a large group of buyers quickly You can generate excitement and sales using audio or video in a way only the Internet can provide. Web conferencing is poised to create a revolution in fund raising. Low cost, yet dramatic presentations can motivate contributors as no other method has been able to do.

Business and sales meetings can invite input from those in attendance. You can get valuable feedback from those using or selling your product or service. You can do PowerPoint presentations with live video conferencing just as you would if you were renting a hotel ballroom.

Businesses and groups in remote locations can discuss building or sales plans while simultaneously viewing the related blueprints or documents. That can save time, money and misunderstandings. Web based conferencing allows you to do this and much more through the Internet, from the convenience of your own office, home or location.

Web conferencing is much like participating in a telephone conference. With Web conferencing participants can use their computer’s Web browser to log into a third party conferencing company’s site. Once there they use a provided code to join the conference. If you are the presenter, the Web conferencing company makes all the arrangements and you are left with the just the responsibility of preparing and presenting the program.

The various Web conferencing providers offer basically the same service with some variation of features. The cost for Web conferencing is much the same as that of a teleconference and is usually negotiable. Companies that contract to do a schedule of regular Web conferencing will be offered discounted rates.