Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by AsenDURE

Can't find your thread? It's probably here!

AsenDURE — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:42:32 +0800

With the sudden influx of newbiew/n00bs who refuse to use the search function, and thus opening repeat topic/thread, here's the software corner's own super-newbie/n00b thread

Rules -
1. I'll make them up as i go along.
2. Super duper newbie questions (we all have to start somewhere) & super n00b question (makes moderating easy).
3. simple questions (non-n00b/newbiew) and one liners - those that keep you up awake late at night, the answer you could swear on your grandpapy's grave you know, but simply eludes you and gnaw at the fringes of your memory.
4. if you can't find your thread - it's merged here.
5. Super n00b question are encouraged and tolerated. Super n00b answer's are strictly prohibited!
6. spamming/flamming not allowed.

System Mechanic 6

AsenDURE — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:00:48 +0800

System Mechanic 6 Free Giveaway.

CODE

http://www.iolo.com/shoppingcart.cfm?itemid=677&pid=584B5008-2E1A-4483-A2BC-D3DA7F5208DF

1. Copy and paste this link in your browser. Place your quantity.
2. Fill in your details and email address (important to get your license keys)
3. Checkout. Done.

download System Mechanic from Here:
https://secure.iolo.com/customercare/kbarti...px?id=KBA-01366

Promo end July 19th so hurry!!

Rootkit's Detectors

AsenDURE — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:37:23 +0800

Rootkits

what are rootkits?
normally only sysadmins are concerned with these, but i'm seeing alot of these crap floating around in the home networking environment. could be coz alot of current Windows version seem to be based on NT/Server platform. a rootkit is program that that allows the a hacker to mask intrusion and gain root or privileged access to the computer. rootkits can then monitor traffic, grab keystrokes, steal passwords, or create a "backdoor" into the system for the hacker to administer the infected system remotely for almost anything he wishes to.

because rootkits can run at the kernel & API level, it can be hidden from the OS the upper layer utils like Explorer (file viewers), does not show up in Task Manager (process viewers), will not leave visible entries in the startup folders or common startup locations mentioned above. It will also not show up on most antivirus scanners & antispyware. rootkits not only take advantage of the vulnerbilities in your OS but even in your antispyware/antivirus detector as well.

rootkits are not themselves not malware programs but ofthen times are used to hide the presence of malware programs/trojans/worms. detecting rootkits requires a specialist rootkit detector.

check rootkit threat alerts from here:
http://www.rootkit.com/board.hot.php

types of rootkit-run levels

QUOTE(M'zoft Technet)

The term rootkit is used to describe the mechanisms and techniques whereby malware, including viruses, spyware, and trojans, attempt to hide their presence from spyware blockers, antivirus, and system management utilities. There are several rootkit classifications depending on whether the malware survives reboot and whether it executes in user mode or kernel mode.

Persistent Rootkits
A persistent rootkit is one associated with malware that activates each time the system boots. Because such malware contain code that must be executed automatically each system start or when a user logs in, they must store code in a persistent store, such as the Registry or file system, and configure a method by which the code executes without user intervention.

Memory-Based Rootkits
Memory-based rootkits are malware that has no persistent code and therefore does not survive a reboot.

User-mode Rootkits
There are many methods by which rootkits attempt to evade detection. For example, a user-mode rootkit might intercept all calls to the Windows FindFirstFile/FindNextFile APIs, which are used by file system exploration utilities, including Explorer and the command prompt, to enumerate the contents of file system directories. When an application performs a directory listing that would otherwise return results that contain entries identifying the files associated with the rootkit, the rootkit intercepts and modifies the output to remove the entries.

The Windows native API serves as the interface between user-mode clients and kernel-mode services and more sophisticated user-mode rootkits intercept file system, Registry, and process enumeration functions of the Native API. This prevents their detection by scanners that compare the results of a Windows API enumeration with that returned by a native API enumeration.

Kernel-mode Rootkits
Kernel-mode rootkits can be even more powerful since, not only can they intercept the native API in kernel-mode, but they can also directly manipulate kernel-mode data structures. A common technique for hiding the presence of a malware process is to remove the process from the kernel's list of active processes. Since process management APIs rely on the contents of the list, the malware process will not display in process management tools like Task Manager or Process Explorer.

rootkit detectors

• M'zoft's Sysinternal RootkitRevealer [from sysinternal, 'nuff said]
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysintern...itRevealer.mspx

• X-Focus's Ice Sword [chinese, very good and for experienced users only]
http://www.xfocus.net/tools/200509/

• M'zoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en

• Blacklight from F-Secure [non-free]
http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/

• Sophos Anti-Rootkit [Release Candidate 1]
http://sophos.com/products/free-tools/soph...ti-rootkit.html

• RKDetector
http://www.rkdetector.com/

• RootKit Hook Analyzer
http://www.resplendence.com/hookanalyzer

Rootkit removal
The difficulty with rootkit removal is lies problem that rootkits work by changing the OS itself at the kernal level, it may not be possible to remove the rootkit without causing Windows to become unstable or non-functioning.

For rootkits that are 'bundled' with spyware/malware, removing the malware hidden by the rootkit presents the normal problems of removing any malware but removing the rootkit itself may unstabilize your entire system to the point that the malware can not be completely removed.

Virus /Rootkits Thread

AsenDURE — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:11:29 +0800

multi bay eSata external enclosure from scratch

AsenDURE — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:38:42 +0800

is this project techinically sound? im not sure if i've missed anything. havent been keeping up with consumer hardware scene for quite some time.

DIY maybe-not-so-portable 4 bay eSata enclosure project.

eSata enclosure side
1x MicroATX/Small Form Factor Casing. super chepo brand.
2x HDD Sata to eSata bracket (2x Sata/eSata ports per bracket)
1x ATX PSU
2x casing FAN
4x eSata cables

since no mobo installed the PSU's ATX molex will be jumped between Pin 14 (live) and Pin 13 (ground) permanently, maybe later on, i'll install a SPST Switch.

PC side
2x sata to eSata bracket (2x sata/esata ports per bracket)

conceptual diagram. original pictar stolen & redrawn w/o prior permission of the owners and with total disregard to IP rights

i am not looking to use this as a full time addition but a convenient way to have the disks available quickly when additional storage is required. this would be 100% free to me as I have all the hardware mentioned already laying around. not interested in RAID (though it could be done as in all purpose the disks are being "connected" to the mobo's SATA ports) or NAS. pure storage.

Help me find Driver for <insert device here>

AsenDURE — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:04:59 +0800

This thread is a centeral repository for those of you unsure where to find drivers for devices. You may also post driver updates and question on how to troubleshoot driver problems or other "unknown devices".

these are some useful sites to look for drivers, try checking there first before posting here.

Where Do I Look?
1) manufacturer's website.
MSI motherboard? go to www.msi.com.tw
2) chipset manufacturer's website.
on a Nvidia Chipset? go to www.nvidia.com
3) www.driverguide.com

I Don't Know My Chipset/Device
if you don't know what the heck your chipset is, use this application to help you. Unkown Device Indentifier[/b]

I) you can see that the chipset is Silicon Intergrated Systems a.k.a SIS. therefore you need to go to www.sis.com.

II) next you notice that the chipset model is 7012. go to download/support and search for this chipset model. download the files and install. done.

Windows Vista Helpdesk

AsenDURE — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:09:16 +0800

Too many thread open up by all those switching to vista and don't RTFM or solutions not included/addressed in the RTFM. Put all your question in this thread please.

Please state clearly...

Vista Build:
Vista Version:
Problem:

Microsoft Windows Home Server Beta 2

AsenDURE — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 21:41:36 +0800

New M'zoft OS to play around with...so go participate in the Beta testing and fire up your VMWare

QUOTE

Microsoft unveiled beta 2 of Windows Home Server (WHS), the company's effort to improve and simplify the computing and digital-media experience for the increasing proportion of households that have broadband connections and multiple PCs or PC-like devices such as XBox gaming consoles. With features like centralized storage and media sharing, automated data backup, and easy remote access, WHS provides the capabilities that Microsoft envisions will serve as the centerpiece of wired—or, increasingly, wireless—homes, connecting individual PCs running Windows XP and Windows Vista into a seamless network that requires minimum effort and expertise to configure and manage.

Microsoft built the OS, due to ship this fall, on a dramatically simplified version of the battle-hardened Windows Server 2003 R2, rather than on the server variant of Vista—currently known as Windows Server "Longhorn"—still in development. When WHS actually ships, rather than being downloadable or sold as a shrink-wrapped product, it'll primarily come preloaded on various dedicated devices like the recently announced HP MediaSmart Server, a small, simple home server that's entirely "headless"—no keyboard, mouse, or monitor (not even a monitor port, in this case). Other PC manufacturers will follow, and AMD has already announced a WHS reference platform. Microsoft also plans to release a software-only version, letting enthusiasts build specific solutions.

- PCMag
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2094871,00.asp

development blog
http://blogs.technet.com/homeserver/default.aspx

sign up here. they'll ship it to you (if you're selected to participate).
http://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeSe...x?SurveyID=3465

[FAQ] PC Restart/Auto Restart Problems

AsenDURE — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 16:35:34 +0800

Isolating problems thru elimination process. - the BASIC tech support 101 prerequisite.
1. When you are not sure what the problem is, remove everything from the chasis. Set up your PC with minimum configuration, that is, Mobo (motherboard), CPU, RAM and GC and see if it POST and boots. If it doesn't then, beg, borrow or steal, try to swap these components with working ones (make sure it's working and it's compatible as well). See which component fails.

2. If it POST properly then slowly add your other components (Hard Drive, Optical Drive, Modem, etc) and repeat process 1 for each. Don't forget that the connectors (IDE cables, SATA cables, etc) should be swapped and tested too as any regular components).

If you press the power button and nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans, etc.) then this issue is not a NO POST but is an power related issue. If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be easily checked by locating any fans in the computer or visible from the outside of the computer. If these fans are spinning, the computer is receiving power and this document may not apply to your issue. Some motherboards also have a LED light that indicates that there is power coming from the PSU (Power Supply Unit).

1. Connections connected properly - check you are plugged in lah >_>
Verify that the power connection is connected properly to the wall and the back of the computer. If you have a power strip (surge protector) or switch used to turn everything on at once, temporarily disconnect the computer from that switch and connect that cable directly to the wall. This will help verify that the strip or switch is not bad. Verify that the outlet works by connecting a different device like a TV, Radio to it.

2. New hardware
If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer it is recommend that you temporarily disconnect that device or devices from the computer to verify they are not preventing your computer from turning on.

3. Bad power cable
Verify that the cable supplying your computer is not bad or damaged by using another power cable. Borrow the cable from your CRT monitor or even your electric cooker/kettle.

4. PSU, power button, and/or power board or inverter
If problem still persists then try to test with another PSU. beg, borrow or steal too. Check that your power button to mobo (motherboard) is not faulty (you may swap it with the reset button).

Troubleshooting POST Problems [New Assembly]
1. Check that no part of your motherboard is touching the casing bare metal or motherboard tray. It is a good idea to layer a piece of foam/sponge between the motherboard and the casing to prevent any contact. You can also opt to layer duct tape for the screw holders/motherboard mount brackets. This is to prevent a short circuit which can lead to anything from the PC not switching on to restart or even damaged mobo.

2. Refer to elimination process steps above.

Troubleshooting POST Problems ["old" pc] - "old" here refers to a PC that is up and running before as opposed to one that is currently being assembled.

1. Did your computer beep at you when you tried to start it?
almost all computers run a series of diagnostic tests called a "Power On Self Test" ( POST) when they start up. Only after POST is passed does the computer try to load the OS (operating system). When the POST is successfully completed, the computer beeps once.

If the computer beeps more than once, or if it doesn't beep at all, it means POST has failed and never even got to the OS loading. That indicates a problem with the hardware, or occasionally the BIOS . Multiple beeps means that the computer is trying to tell you what's wrong. Each BIOS vendor (such as AMI and VIA) has their own "Beep Codes", but here are some common examples of what the codes mean. There are some common beeps though,

a. one long continious beep - RAM is loose/lost contact.
b. multiple beeps with pause in betwen - GC (graphics card) is loose.

p.s-some of the newer computers have LED's that light up that indicate the error or have a sound file to indicate the error. RTFM (read the freaking manual - yes. your mobo manual!) !

To rectify, take a eraser and rub along the gold fingers. Use compressed air and blow the slots clear of dirt/dust. Replace and make sure the contacts are not loose.

2. Check that your Capacitors not bloated/leaking. Technicians call this big nose. If it is get it changed/replace or it's time to get it changed.

4. Clear your CMOS. Locate the jumper by RTFM or remove the CMOS battery for a couple of minutes.

other forumers, please feel free to contribute. Once this thred gains momentum, it'll be unpinned and tagged official.

[FAQ] PC auto restart/Blue Screen (BSOD)

AsenDURE — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:05:05 +0800

[center]All questions for PC/Laptop automatically restarting goes here. [/center]

First step on PC restart/restart loop diagnostics is to turn off auto restart when an error occurs.

Automatically Restart

here

here.

I run the debugger and found the culprit in the line probably caused by:. I don't know what that file is. what should I do?

http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1

http://www.google.com

Additional Reading

[ATTENTION] READ BEFORE POSTING!

AsenDURE — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 13:40:39 +0800

Now that i've got ur attention

Master Thread Index List
Search for Existing Thread here....

Index
List of commonly opened thread. For reference by newbiews before opening a similar new thread (and regulars to point out to newbiews if they stumble on one ).

To those blind bats or for faster searching use the Find function in your browser (CTRL+F - opera, firefox, IE) to look for a keyword (if the list gets too long).

Common Software Recommendation Thread. Ask for recommendation here...

[WTA] software to protect pendrive, lock folders

i would like to password protact a folder in my pc, how can i do that ? (FAQ)

Turn off monitor from keyboard/hotkey

parental control software?

forgot/Reset computer administrator password? (FAQ)

Software to deny access to certain programs

"reboot-to-restore" software, restore ori OS settings after restart PC (Recommendations)

Discussion QnA: System Monitoring/Hardware Benchmarking Utilities, tempreature, voltage, fan speed, etc...

Emulate multiple machines using one machine - Virtual Machine (VMware, Xen, Virtual PC,etc)

Need recommendation? Ask here!

Nero Q&A

Cloning/Backup Software: copy hard disk to hard disk, backup hard disk, create image files, etc

Chinese Star Q&A

Why I can't view chinese characters?, Any software to support?

burning Multiple CDs at one go., CD Duplication. Burning same CDs

Windows Licensing - OEM, Full Retail Pack, etc

Disk Defragmenting softwares

bandwidth divide software, bandwidth limiting softwares

(network)

bandwidth divide software, bandwidth limiting softwares

(local not network)

Connect/Remote control another PC/home PC thru internet

Internet is a huge LAN. see below too.

Wat r the software to remote control pc in a LAN

Software to encrypt/Protect Thumbdrive

Emule/edonkey support thread

Bit Torrent Support Thread

Encrypt your data CD. Need authentication only can access

Software to deny access to certain programs

Excel Q&A thread

Hard Disk Recovery Software/Deleted file Recovery Software/Partition Recovery Software

Restrict Access to Certain Folders

Hard Disk Partitioning Software, Partition, Change Size, Map, etc (FAQ)

Any software to separate music?, how to seperate the song and the music?, separate voice of singer with music (Editing)

translation software

software to make animated gif, i want the easy to make gif

Official Outlook Express Thread.

safely remove pendrive icon, Windows Me (Q and A)

Blocking Contents on the network, Blocking P2P, Blocking IM, etc - Proxy Servers

Windows XP Pro x64 Edition, should I change to x64 edition?

don't be shy to use the search function...

VMWare Server Final

AsenDURE — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 15:43:29 +0800

QUOTE

Begin enjoying the benefits of server virtualization with the free VMware Server. VMware Server installs on any existing server hardware and partitions a physical server into multiple virtual machines by abstracting processor, memory, storage and networking resources, giving you greater hardware utilization and flexibility. Streamline software development and testing and simplify server provisioning as you utilize the ability to "build once, deploy many times."

download
VMWare Server
Pre-built Ready to Run Applications

Toilet Humor - forwarded email

AsenDURE — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 15:04:34 +0800

Eecellent poems by not so famous poets.. found on toilet doors and walls...

A budding poet trying his best...

HERE I LIE IN STINKY VAPOR,
BECAUSE SOME ******* STOLE THE TOILET PAPER,
SHALL I LIE, OR SHALL I LINGER,
OR SHALL I BE FORCED TO USE MY FINGER.

Before he graduated to be a poet, he wrote this...

HERE I SIT
BROKEN HEARTED
TRIED TO SHIT
BUT ONLY FARTED

Someone who had a different experience wrote,

YOU'RE LUCKY
YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE
I TRIED TO FART,
AND SHIT MY PANTS!

Perhaps it's true that people find inspiration in toilets...

I CAME HERE
TO SHIT AND STINK,
BUT ALL I DO
IS SIT AND THINK.

There are also people who come in for a different purpose...

SOME COME HERE TO SIT AND THINK,
SOME COME HERE TO SHIT AND STINK,
BUT I COME
HERE TO SCRATCH MY BALLS,
AND READ THE BULLSHIT ON THE WALLS...

Toilet walls also double as job advertisement space...

(Written high upon the wall)
IF YOU CAN PISS ABOVE THIS LINE, THE SINGAPORE FIRE DEPARTMENT WANTS
YOU.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ADVERTISEMENT.

WE AIM TO PLEASE!
YOU AIM TOO! PLEASE

On the inside of a toilet door:

PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO REMAIN SEATED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE
PERFORMANCE.

And finally, this should teach some a lesson...
Sign seen at a restaurant:

THE HANDS THAT CLEAN THESE TOILETS ALSO MAKE YOUR FOOD...PLEASE AIM
PROPERLY.

Knoppix 3.8 CeBit Edition

AsenDURE — Sat, 26 Mar 2005 20:43:03 +0800

Many thanks to debian_kl for his announcement on the release of Knoppix 3.8 and UnionFS. Since then I've been searching the net high and low for the download and I've finally found it.

Woot! Get your torrents here!
http://www.boegenielsen.dk:6969/torrents/e...13c28a7.torrent

or here

http://stacktrace.org/index_html/20050313-...ion.iso.torrent

and for a version that works ontop of windows by chris_uk

http://home.btconnect.com/chrisandcarolyn/torrents/

The source page Knoppix Forum

Edit: PS. It's In German. Normal Menu items are in English but some new menu items are in German.