The one thing that never changes in IT is the fact that everything is constantly changing.  In the past, people had to watch out for viruses.  Then it was spyware, and then it was browser hijackers.  Next came the Trojan, a program, that when opened would release either a virus, spyware or both.  Lastly, we heard about phishing, an attack that tricked the end user into giving out personal information that can lead to identity theft. 

Recently The Village Geek has been flooded by computers that are infected with what researchers are calling fraudware.  Fraudware is software that tries to frighten the end user into purchasing protection from… itself.  In the old days they called it extortion.

 The current rash of fraudware is called Antivirus 2008; it is available in several varieties, including XP Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009 (the latest version!), MS Antivirus and probably more.  This is an actual program that installs itself on your system in the same way spyware installs, without your knowledge or permission.  Antivirus 2008 then shows up on your task bar as a warning icon that looks almost identical to the Windows Security Center shield and it shows an “X” or an exclamation mark.  Pop up bubbles will warn you that an infection has been found.  If you ignore the pop ups the program will pop up full screen and simulate a virus scan showing multiple infections.  The program will show you all the problems and then it will explain that you must purchase the full version for $50 in order to clean these infections.

 Here are some typical warning messages:

Privacy Violation alert!

XP antivirus detected Privacy Violation. Some program is secretly sending your private data to untrusted internet host. Click here to block this activity by removing threats (Recommended).

Or

System files modification alert!

Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss. Click here to block unauthorized modification by removing threats (Recommended).

The beauty of the scam is that (at least so far) none of the major antivirus and antispyware programs are picking this thing up.  Once you pay your money the program doesn’t clean anything and on some versions it will actually release a flood of spyware or Trojans into your system.  Eventually you will no longer be able to use your system as the Antivirus 2008 will not allow you to get past its interface except to follow the link where they will allow you to repurchase the software in hopes of ridding yourself of the menace.

Obviously if you have paid these crooks for the full version you will need to contact your credit card company and stop payment as soon as possible.

The early version of this fraudware had an uninstall routine, which would remove it from the “Add and Remove Programs” applet in the control panel, but did not remove the program.  The newest versions don’t bother with the extra steps, they’ve got you and they aren’t going to let go.

Below are some typical processes, files and registry entries that must be removed in order to clean Antivirus 2008 off your system.  You should be aware that editing the registry should only be done by experienced technicians, and there is no guarantee that these files are the only ones on your system.  Comparing your running processes in the Windows Task Manager against this list will help you determine if this is an issue on your system.

Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Processes

Antvrs.exe

AntvrsInstall.exe

AntvrsInstall[1].exe

Win Antivirus 2008.exe

av2008xp.exe

Antivirus-2008.exe

xpa_2008.exe

Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Files:

c:Program FilesXP Antivirus

c:Program FilesXP Antivirusxpa.exe

c:Program FilesXPAntivirus

c:Program FilesXPAntivirusXPAntivirus.exe

c:WINDOWSsystem32scui.cpl

%UserProfile%DesktopXP Antivirus 2008.lnk

%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008

%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008Uninstall XP Antivirus 2008.lnk

%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008XP Antivirus 2008.lnk

%UserProfile%Application DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick LaunchXP Antivirus 2008.lnk

c:WINDOWSkrln32.exe

c:WINDOWSsystem32scvh0st.exe

c:Program FilesCommon Filestrjdwnl.dll

c:WINDOWSshlext32.exe

Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Windows Registry Information:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareXP antivirus

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ServicesXPAntivirusFilter

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesXPAntivirusFilter

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper

Objects{4e7bd74f-2b8d-469e-dcf7-f96da086b434}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper

Objects{6C6B8C69-9285-4D94-8492-9E920C8C2B65}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper

Objects{74f25a2c-22b3-4023-8f1a-ca616c30a8b5}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper

Objects{9a19966f-ae0e-4699-8cce-9b6f5f1c352c}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper

Objects{D714A94F-123A-45CC-8F03-040BCAF82AD6}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallXP antivirus_is1

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun "XP Antivirus"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun "mmnext06"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun "shellbn"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun "System"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun "Windows Framework"

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun ""

Typically I would refer you to links on the internet that may be helpful at this point, but every site I can find is busy attempting to sell you a solution, or worse, attempting to infect you.  At one point the top paid advertisement on the right side of a Google search was for Antivirus 2008.  Tread carefully here folks, or just bring it to The Village Geek and let us clean this mess up for you.



By: Steve Weigle

About the Author:

When the Internet appeared for the first time it had limited functions but even then people were able to take great advantage of the incredible technology. Many years later, we are facing a rise of the Internet and it seems that this technology will slowly cover the entire planet. Today, our lifestyle has changed and most of the times we need easy access to information (regardless of the place we are). Many businesses have started to implement the concept of remote access and thus, specialized companies have come up with what is generally known as the remote access software.

What is so great about remote access software? The first and perhaps most important element is the ability to access information from a remote location, no matter of the current location. Thus, you can obtain data that is relevant to your business, having the possibility to enter in contact with clients, business partners and other organizations. The remote access software is also used on a wide scale for web conferencing, thus increasing the efficiency and functionality of any meeting. The computer you access might be your home calculator, the laptop you left in the office or any other kind of device. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection and a reliable source to purchase the remote access software from.

Ten years ago we would have managed without computer and the remote desktop. Today, we can’t. It’s that simple as we live in a world where information must be quickly accessed and in any location. The mobile and fast-moving universe forms the basics of remote communication and thus everyone can understand the importance of having remote access. If you have an important meeting and you left your ppt presentation on your home computer, if you need urgent data for the ongoing project from your laptop but you’re stuck in a meeting or if you just want to access your computer to input some info, you can use the remote access software provided online and fulfill all of your needs.

Most people go online searching for remote desktop software but end up picking out the first option they are presented with. They don’t perform a thorough search because they don’t have enough time and neither the patience required. Still, given the fact that you need such programs to enhance the efficiency of your business you should always try and make time for finding a functional and highly reliable remote desktop software provider. Check out the other features that are presented for such programs and try to understand how your business can benefit from them. Don’t settle for the cheapest offer as quality is never synonymous with a low price.

If you are interested in remote desktop applications, then you should definitely consider Turbo Meeting among your top choices. Perfect for a wide variety of businesses, easy to use and certainly suitable for those interested in organizing timesaving meetings, this is the software you need when it comes to remote access. Online, you will be presented with all of its characteristics including the possibility to reboot and lock the computer not to mention the transfer of various files. You should always take into consideration that such programs are created to be compatible with the current firewall protection software. In fact, you what you should know the most is how much can the remote access software do for the interactive meetings you plan on having. It’s reliable, safe to use and above all efficient!



By: Ron Mark

About the Author:

TV FOR PC:

TV for PC simply refers to a program that enables you to watch television on your computer. It is also referred to as Satellite TV for PC because this program gives you access to watch up to 12000+ TV channels on your desktop PC or laptop via the internet.

TV Shows:

At a one time registration fee of 44.95$ Only, you will download a simple software and TV viewers which will enable you access the satellite TV for PC site and watch over 12000+ free TV channels, videos and TV shows from all over the world, there are no monthly charges and no purchasing anything once you are registered. Click here for more details…

Some of the TV Channels you will access are:

CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, UPN, PAX, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, ESPA, BBC, MTV, CARTOON NETWORK, HBO, CW, Movie Stations, Animation TV, Al jazeera, Animal planet, TBN ….and thousands of other live TV channels from all over the world.

Some of the TV Categories available are:

News & Weather, Business, Finance, Cartoon TV, Classic Films, Full movies, WebTV, reality tv, Live shows, Soccer, Live Sports!, Cultural TV , Talk Shows, TV Trivia, Sci Fi TV, free old television shows, children shows, Action/Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Drama, Science-Fiction, Soap, Talk Shows, Popular Shows, TV Listings …… and much, much more.

Never miss your favorite shows again, because when you watch Satellite TV for PC

You will get everything form Live TV, and VOD (video on demand), direct to your computer or laptop.

Advantages of Satellite PC TV:

- This PC TV program is perfect for you when traveling or on vacation

- When you do not have access to cable or satellite TV in your area.

- When you want to see some great TV programming your current TV provider doesn’t offer.

- You watch TV channels from all over the word in many different languages.

- Its an alternative to your cable or satellite TV service.

- You save money from the high cost of cable and satellite TV service.

- This service is perfect for those who would like to convert from ANALOG to DIGITAL TV.

 

Free Members Bonuses:

- Unlimited movie downloads

- DVD/CD burning software

- Video/DVD to ipod converter

- Web look TV

- Free internet security software

 

COMPUTER/ PC REQUIREMENTS:

At least 64M system memory --- 128M system memory is recommended.

At least 10M hard disk space.

OPERATING SYSTEM:

Windows XP (Professional or Home edition), Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows95, Windows98, or Vista Home or Professional Platforms. MAC users will need to have a current OS X version with .exe download abilities.

INTERNET CONNECTION:

Use Satellite TV for PC on a broadband cable/DSL connection with 128K minimum speed for optimum performance. However, this will work on a 56k dial up as well. You will just need to wait longer for the TV channels to buffer (download).

You can use satellite TV for PC on as many as six computers with one membership, provide everyone in your household with this service, or install at your work or business. You will be allowed to download and view on up to six computers or laptops with one membership.

NOTE: IN FEBRUARY 2009 YOU WILL NEED TO SWITCH FROM ANALOG TO DIGITAL TV….

You will have three primary choices:

1. Contact your local cable company to purchase a converter box and service.

2. Purchase a satellite TV service.

3. Purchase an Internet TV service such as Satellite TV for PC at a ONE-TIME price and get more channels than the others. Depending on your computer set up it is possible to transfer the TV signal from your computer to your TV set.

Satellite TV for PC will be uninterrupted by the transfer. As a matter of fact Satellite TV for PC is expecting more TV stations once the transfer takes place in February 2009. No need to wait. Click here to purchase Satellite TV for PC.

 

 



By: Tv For Pc

About the Author:

Photoshop skills relates to the knowledge of using the tools and techniques of Photoshop to get maximum benefits and achieve best output. Once we master the techniques of using the daily use tools of Photoshop we can get started and gradually learn other high end Photoshop skills which can result in optimizing our output quality. Photoshop is such a powerful application that even very expert and continuous users tend to find more and more new techniques to improve their photography.

The most popular Photoshop skills necessary for quality enhancement of imaging are:

Making an optimum selection: This is one of the most fundamental Photoshop skills which is necessary for controlling part of the image requiring adjustment. Photoshop offers various tools for making selections in its applications for editing of images. Since Photoshop offers various tools to do the selection, choosing the most suitable tool is also a challenging task. Professionals use different set of tools for a single selection to get optimum results. Feathering and adjusting selections for sharper edges relates to pixel adjustments over the edges to make it more suitable to the eyes.

Adjusting color and Tone of the Image: This is a basic Photoshop skill which will give a totally improved look to your image. To interpret the color perfectly in a photograph we need to see the strong black and white in the images. Levels can be used to set black and whit in photographs. It is recommended to use adjustments layer to adjust photographs as it leaves the original photograph unchanged for future reference. After adjusting the blacks and whites in photograph you have to fix the midtone using the curves adjustment option. These few simple adjustments improve the color quality of the photo a lot.

Removing imperfections: With the help and use of retouching tools such as Rubber Stamp, clone tool and the handy spot healing brush all imperfections such as an unwanted object or a spot can easily be removed from the photograph. Learning this Photoshop skill will make one master of the photographic art.

Sharpening the image: The images clicked from a digital camera needs sharpening as they tend to get soft while converting from analog to digital. Although there is a sharpening feature inbuilt in the camera but additional selective sharpening is also required to get the best results. The unsharp mask option of Photoshop provides the best tool for sharpening of images. There are options for controlling the intensity and scope of sharpening. Sharpening of Images must be done after making other adjustments and after resizing the image for final output because size of the image is very important for its resolution quality.

Photoshop skill is a skill which is not very common and many people are not master of this skill. So having Photoshop skill can put one above competition in a scenario requiring artistic background. Photoshop skill can be put to work to earn money or even livelihood for families as this is in great demand in today’s world. It needs practice for mastering Photoshop skills.



By: Joesph Till

About the Author:

Skype is a proprietary peer-to-peer Internet telephony (VoIP) network. It has achieved rapid growth in usage and software development since its launching, both of its free and its paid services. The Skype network can scale very easily to large sizes just over hundred million users without an intricate and exorbitant centralized infrastructure. It is free in the beta phase. Skype is a prominent VoIP category product worldwide, with near sixty million people are registered to use Skype's free services. Moreover, more than three million people using Skype concurrently at any one time. Every Skype user must have the Skype software downloaded on his computer. This software is currently available free of charge but the software is proprietary.

The security of internet communication has become an issue therefore, people are more aware and want secure communication feature in the products they use. Skype is well designed to automatically encrypt calls, file transfers and chats before sending it through the internet. All Skype traffic is encrypted by default and the user cannot turn it off. There are some flaws in security especially in the area of the global Skype network that is, searches for contacts, and connection via supernodes, are trusted without asking for authentication. You can use the system without revealing your identity to other users of the system, but also you have no authenticity that the person you communicate with is the one they say they are in real life.

User can make free calls with the Skype PC-to-PC calls over the Internet to anyone else who also has Skype. All you need is a PC microphone and speakers or a basic USB headset, PC running Windows 2000 or XP required for video call, a web cam, if you want to make video calls. Broadband connection is best through cable service.

Skype has added innovative features that are quality-rich. There is a facility to search the Skype database, so that you are able to build a list of contacts. When you have people on your list, you can see if they're online, offline, busy or not sitting at their computer right now. Importing contacts is the facility that allows you to find people among your contacts who are already on Skype. SkypeOut is a cheap way to use your computer to call landlines and mobile phones all over the world. SkypeIn is a number your friends can call from any phone. Skype Voicemail takes your calls when you are busy or offline; skype SMS gets you in touch with friends instantly when they are not online. However, free features are: Call anyone else using Skype, throughout the world. You can have a group-chat with up to hundred people as well as conference calling with up to four people simultaneously. However, there are some limitations with the use of skype system. It is totally computer-dependent and caters to computer consumers, the calls made to landlines are of low quality and Skype does not offer much calling features.



By: Anupam Agnihotri

About the Author: