How To Prevent Computer Viruses?

How can we prevent computer viruses is the big question that millions of users make everyday. The first rule in this eternal battle for computer security is to have an up-to-date antivirus. Notice the word up-to-date. That means that your antivirus software needs to be updated every day. Viruses are always appearing, so do not sub estimate them. In less than 24 hours your antivirus could be obsolete.

The next important rule is still related to actualizations. Although you may have your antivirus updated, that doesn’t mean that there are other weaknesses in your system. As a matter of fact, there isn’t an unbreachable computer. Even the most expensive system can be cracked by an expert.

So, it doesn’t matter if you have a guardian dog tied at the front entrance of your house if your windows are open. That’s why the rest of your software needs to be updated. The first piece of software that needs to be actualized is the operating system.

Almost eighty percent of the world uses Microsoft software. Hence, it is the favorite victim of black hat hackers. Configure your Windows configuration so it can make automatic actualizations that can prevent computer viruses.

The same thing goes for productivity software like Microsoft Office or even entertainment software like computer games. All software is under constant changes once it is delivered into the market. Consider the millions of possible configurations that a computer program needs to affront once it is introduced.

How to create a bootable floppy disk for an NTFS or FAT partition in Windows XP

This step-by-step article describes how to create a bootable floppy disk for Windows XP to access a drive with a faulty boot sequence on an Intel-processor-based computer.

The Windows XP installation CD-ROM is a bootable disk and can be used to start Windows. When you use the Windows XP installation CD-ROM to start your computer, you can use the Windows Recovery Console to help recover the system software. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

314058 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058/ ) Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console

Note The procedure for RISC-based computers is different and not documented in this article.

Requirements

• A blank floppy disk
• The Windows XP CD-ROM or an operational Windows XP-based computer

Create a boot floppy disk by using a Windows XP-based computer

1. Format a floppy disk by using the Windows XP format utility. To do this follow these steps:
   1. Insert the floppy disk that you want to use into the floppy disk drive.
   2. Click Start, click Run, type format a:, and then click OK.
2. Copy the Ntldr and the Ntdetect.com files from the I386 folder on the Windows XP installation CD-ROM, from the Windows XP installation floppy disk, or from a computer that is running the same version of Windows XP as the computer that you want to access by using the boot floppy disk. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Insert the Windows XP installation media into the disk drive of the computer.
   2. Click Start, click Run, type <DriveLetter>:\I386, and then click OK.Note<DriveLetter> represents the root location of the installation media.
   3. Right-click the Ntldr file, and then click Copy.
   4. Click Start, click Run, type a:, and then click OK.
   5. Click the Edit menu, and then click Paste.
   6. Repeat steps 2b through 2e for the Ntdetect.com file.
3. Create a Boot.ini file, or copy one from a computer that is running Windows XP, and then modify the Boot.ini file to match the computer that you are trying to access. The following example lists how to create a Boot.ini file for a single-partition Integrated Device Electronics drive that has Windows XP installed in the \Windows folder:
   1. Click Start, click Run, type notepad, and then click OK.
   2. Type the following text:

      [boot loader]
      timeout=30
      Default= multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows
      [operating systems]
      multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows="<OperatingSystem>"

      Note The value that is represented by the <OperatingSystem> placeholder depends on the configuration of the Windows XP computer that you are trying to access. For example, if you are trying to start a Windows XP Professional computer, this value is as follows:

      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
   3. Click the File menu, and then click Save As.
   4. Select 3 ½ Floppy (A:) from the Save in drop-down list, type Boot.ini in the File name text box, and then click Save.

   Note If your computer starts from a SCSI hard disk drive, you may have to replace the multi(0) entry with scsi(0). If you are using scsi(x) in the Boot.ini file, copy the correct device driver for the SCSI controller that is used on the computer to the root of the boot disk, and then rename the device driver to Ntbootdd.sys. Change the disk(0) number to represent the SCSI-ID of the hard disk drive you want to start. If you are using multi(x) in the Boot.ini file, you do not have to change the code in the Boot.ini file.

4. Insert the floppy disk into the floppy disk drive of your computer, and then restart Windows XP.

Create a boot floppy disk without a Windows XP-based computer

1. To download and to create the Windows XP Setup boot disks from a computer that is running Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article 310994. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   310994 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994/ ) How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks
2. Delete all the files from the newly created Setup disk 1.
3. Copy the Ntldr and the Ntdetect.com files from the I386 folder on the Windows XP installation CD-ROM, on the Windows XP installation floppy disk, or from a computer that is running the same version of Windows XP as the computer that you want to access by using the boot floppy disk. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Insert the Windows XP installation media into the disk drive of the computer.
   2. Click Start, click Run, type <DriveLetter>:\I386, and then click OK.Note<DriveLetter> represents the root location of the installation media.
   3. Right-click the Ntldr file, and then click Copy.
   4. Click Start, click Run, type a:, and then click OK.
   5. Click the Edit menu, and then click Paste.
   6. Repeat steps 2b through 2e for the Ntdetect.com file.
4. Rename the Ntldr file to Setupldr.bin. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Right-click the Ntldr file, and then click Rename.
   2. Type Setupldr.bin, and then press ENTER.
5. Create a Boot.ini file or copy one from a computer that is running Windows XP, and then modify the Boot.ini file to match the computer that you are trying to access. The following example lists how to create a Boot.ini file for a single-partition Integrated Device Electronics drive with Windows XP installed in the \Windows folder:
   1. Click Start, click Run, type notepad, and then click OK.
   2. Type the following text :

      [boot loader]
      timeout=30
      Default= multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows
      [operating systems]
      multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows="<OperatingSystem>"

      Note The value represented by the <OperatingSystem> placeholder depends on the configuration of the Windows XP computer that you are trying to access. For example, if you are try to start a Windows XP Professional computer, this value is as follows:

      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
   3. Click the File menu, and then click Save As.
   4. Select 3 ½ Floppy (A:) from the Save in drop-down list, type Boot.ini in the File name text box, and then click Save.

   Note If your computer starts from a SCSI hard disk drive, you may have to replace the multi(0) entry with scsi(0). If you are using scsi(x) in the Boot.ini file, copy the correct device driver for the SCSI controller that is used on the computer to the root of the boot disk, and then rename the device driver to Ntbootdd.sys. Change the disk(0) number to represent the SCSI-ID of the hard disk drive you want to start. If you are using multi(x) in the Boot.ini file, you do not have to change the code in the Boot.ini file.

6. Insert the floppy disk into the floppy disk drive of your computer, and then restart Windows XP.

Troubleshooting

If the path that points to the system files is incorrect or includes the drive letter, you may receive the following error message:

Windows XP could not start because of the following ARC firmware boot configuration problem:
Did not properly generate ARC name for HAL and system paths. Please check the Windows XP (TM) documentation about ARC configuration options and your hardware reference manuals for additional information. Boot Failed.

If an incorrect SCSI driver has been selected or the Ntbootdd.sys file does not exist, you may receive the following error message:

Windows XP could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem. Could not read from selected boot disk. Check boot path and disk hardware. Please check the Windows XP (TM) documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware disk configuration and your hardware reference manuals for additional information. Boot Failed.

Resolving startup issues with a boot floppy disk

You may be able to use a Windows XP bootable disk to start the operating system on a computer running Windows XP. Use the procedures in this article to work around the following boot issues:

• Damaged boot sector.
• Damaged master boot record (MBR).
• Virus infections.
• Missing or damaged Ntldr or Ntdetect.com files.
• Incorrect Ntbootdd.sys driver.
• To boot from the shadow of a broken mirror. Please note that you may need to modify the Boot.ini file to do this.

You cannot use the Windows XP boot disk to help resolve the following issues:

• Incorrect or damaged device drivers that are installed in the System folder.
• Boot issues that occur after you see the Windows XP startup (Osloader) screen.

How to use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard

You can use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to transfer settings from one computer to another computer. The settings that you can transfer include your personalized settings for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, desktop settings, display settings, and dial-up connection settings.

You can also use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to create a backup copy of your Windows XP settings. You can use this backup copy of your settings to restore your files and settings if you have to reinstall Windows XP.

Create a Wizard Disk

To create a Wizard Disk by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
2. On the Welcome to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Next.
3. On the Which computer is this screen, click Next.
4. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD screen, click I want to create a Wizard Disk in the following drive.
5. In the drive list, click the drive that you want. For example, 3-1/2 Floppy (A:), and then click Next.
6. Insert a blank formatted disk into the drive, and then click OK to create the Wizard Disk.
7. Remove the Wizard Disk, and then click Cancel.

Collect the files and settings from the old computer

1. Start the File and Settings Transfer Wizard on the computer that you want to collect the files and settings from:
   1. Insert the Wizard Disk into the drive of the computer that you want.
   2. Click Start, and then click Run.
   3. In the Open box, type:
      drive:Fastwiz

      Where drive is the drive that contains the Wizard Disk (such as A:Fastwiz).

   4. Click OK.
2. On the Welcome to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Next.
3. On the Select a transfer method screen, click the transfer method that you want. For example, Floppy drive or other removable media, and then click Next.
4. On the What do you want to transfer? screen, click the selection that you want, and then click Next.Note When you make a selection, a summary of the items that will be transferred appears in the Based on your current selection, the following items will be transferred list. You can use this list to verify that the settings or the files that you want will be transferred.The Wizard collects your files and settings. If you selected Floppy drive or other removable media in step 3, you are prompted to insert the media disk. When you are prompted, click OK.
5. On the Completing the Collection Phase screen, click Finish.

Transfer the files and settings to the new computer

1. Log on to the Windows XP-based computer.
2. Click start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
3. On the Welcome to the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Next.
4. On the Which computer is this screen, click New computer, and then click Next.
5. On the Do you have a Windows XP CD screen, click I don’t need the Wizard Disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer, and then click Next.
6. On the Where are the files and settings? screen, click the same transfer method that you selected in step 3 in the “Collect the files and settings from the old computer” section. For example, Floppy drive or other removable media.Note If you click Other (for example, a removable drive or network drive), locate or type the location that contains the collected files and settings.Click Next. If you selected Floppy drive or other removable media, you are prompted to insert disk 1. When you are prompted, click OK.

   The Wizard transfers the files and settings.

7. On the Completing the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard screen, click Finish. You receive the following message:
   You need to log off for the changes to take effect. Do you want to log off now?
8. Click Yes to log off.
9. Log on to the computer to apply your transferred settings.

How to Create Network Map in Windows Vista

The network map is a very cool new feature in Windows that allows you to visually see on your network is connected together. It is part of the Networking & Sharing Center. When you’ve got a crowded home office network chock full of PCs and other devices, keeping track of everything connected to it can be a quite a challenge. Vista’s Network Map feature was designed to address this problem by providing a bird’s-eye, graphical view of the network that shows connected devices and how they’re linked to each other.Although it can be a useful tool, Network Map is also an imperfect one, because it may provide incomplete or hard-to-decipher information.

You can access the Network Map from within the Network and Sharing Center. Just click the “View Full Map” link in the upper right corner. A new window will open, and within a few seconds it will display icons representing the various network devices found.It can be used to view either basic or detailed network info on a device. Hovering the mouse cursor over most device icons will quickly display the device’s name along with its IP and MAC addresses. If the device is a PC, a double- or right-click on its icon will let you view its shared resources. Right-clicking will reveal options labeled Open and Explore, but they both do pretty much the same thing.

The network map organizes its device icons to illustrate the network’s topography, showing how different devices are connected to the network and to each other. Devices connected by a solid double line have wired links, while broken double lines indicate wireless ones.Vista’s network map can be a convenient way to get information on major network devices like PCs, routers, and access points.

Lets take a look at this cool new tool and how it can be created:-

1. Click on your start menu and right click on Networking and choose Properties

2. Right above your graphical mini map you will see the words “View Full Map”, go ahead and click on that.

3. Once you click it another Window will pop up and you will see a message “Windows is creating a network map”

4. Next you will see a topology layout of your network.

Classification of information security

Protection of information in the network in Fig. 9.1. can be improved through the use of special noise generators, masking incidental electromagnetic radiation and laying, network filters, network devices, noise power, scrambler (encoder phone calls), suppressor of the cellular phones, etc. Crucial decision is to move the compounds on the basis of optical fiber, free from the influence of electromagnetic fields, and permits the detection of unauthorized connections.

In general, a means of ensuring protection of information in the prevention of deliberate action, depending on how the implementation can be divided into groups:

1. Technical (hardware) resources. This is a different type of device (mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, etc.), which hardware address the problem of information security. They are either physically impede penetration or, if the penetration is still held, access to information, including through her disguise. The first part of the problem solve locks, grates on the windows, the security alarm system, etc. The second – as mentioned above, noise generators, network filters, scanning radios and many other devices, “off” potential channels of information leakage, or allow them to observe. The advantages of technology related to their reliability, regardless of the subjective factors, a high resistance to modification. Weaknesses – lack of flexibility, a relatively large volume and weight, the high cost.
2. The software includes programs to identify users, access control, encryption of information, removal of residual (working) information like temporary files, the test control system, protection, etc. The advantages of software – the universality, flexibility, reliability, ease of installation, the ability to update and development. Disadvantages – limited functionality of the network, the use of resources, file servers and workstations, the high sensitivity to accidental or deliberate change, possibly depending on the type of computers (the hardware).
3. Mixed hardware / software implement the same functions as hardware and software separately, and have intermediate properties.
4. Institutional funds arise from organizational and technical (training rooms with computers, cable system to meet the requirements for restricting access to it, etc.) and legal (national laws and rules set by the leadership of a particular enterprise). Benefits of institutional funds is that they allow to solve many different problems that are simple to implement, quick to react to unwanted actions on the network have unlimited opportunities modification and development. Disadvantages – high dependence on subjective factors, including the overall organization of work in a particular unit.

Depending on the degree of dissemination and accessibility of available tools, so they continue in more detail (see “Standard methods of encryption and cryptographic systems, and software data protection). Other means are applied when needed to provide an additional level of data protection.

Data encryption is a variety of software and information security is of particular importance in practice as the only reliable protection of information transmitted on a consistent long lines of leakage. Encryption is the last form almost irresistible “line” of protection against unauthorized access. The term “encryption” is often used in connection with the more general notion of cryptography. Cryptography involves the ways and means to ensure the confidentiality of information (including using encryption) and authentication. Confidentiality – protection of information from the dissemination of its contents by persons who do not have access rights to it. In turn, the authentication is an authentication of the various aspects of information networking: a communication session, the parties (ID), content and source (the authorship of c through digital signatures).

The number of encryption programs is limited, some of which are the standard factor. However, even if the encryption algorithm is not a secret, to decrypt (decryption) without knowing the private key is extremely difficult. This property is in modern encryption programs available in the multistep process of transformation of the initial public information (plain text in English literature), using a key (or two keys – one for encryption and decryption). Ultimately, any complex method (algorithm) encryption is a combination of relatively simple methods.

Specialized software tools

Specialized software tools to protect information from unauthorized access are generally better placed and features than the built-in network operating systems. In addition to programs and cryptographic systems, encryption, there are many other available external information security. Among the most frequently mentioned solutions are the following two systems, to limit and control the information flow.

Firewalls – Firewalls (literally firewall – firewall). Between local and global networks, special intermediate servers to inspect and filter all traffic passing through their network / transport layer. This allows you to dramatically reduce the threat of unauthorized access from outside the corporate network, but does not eliminate this risk entirely. A more secure kind of method – a way to masquerade (masquerading), when all of the outgoing network traffic is sent on behalf of firewall-server, making the local network virtually invisible.

Proxy-servers (proxy – proxy, proxy). All traffic network / transport layer between the local and global networks are prohibited entirely – such as the routing is not available, and treatment from the local to the global network via special proxy servers. It is obvious that this treatment from a global network of local becomes impossible in principle. This method does not provide sufficient protection against attacks at higher levels – for example, at the level of applications (viruses, code Java and JavaScript).

Beginners Guide to going Wireless – Part-2

If you look at the image above, you’ll see that the yellow signal is travelling from the wireless router to the PC. However, the computer can’t do anything with the wireless signal if it hasn’t got a device to detect it. The device you need is called a Wireless Adaptor.

For PCs, Wireless Adaptors come in two varieties – ones you plug in to a USB port on your computer, and ones that you fit inside of the computer. Here’s a Wireless Adaptors that plugs in to a USB port:

And here’s one that fits in to the computer:

If you’re nervous about opening up your computer, then go for the USB variety. But notice the antenna on the one that fits in to the computer (called a PCI card). These screw out so that you can fit bigger and more powerful antennas.

If you have a fairly modern laptop, the chances are it will come with a wireless adaptor inside of it. If it’s not modern, then you can add a wireless adaptor to it. These are called PCMCIA cards. They look like this:

You probably have a slot for a card like this in your laptop. If you don’t, then you can always use one of the USB adaptors.

But to go Wireless for your Internet, you’ll need some form of Wireless Adaptor for your PC or laptop.

Options For Troubleshooting Windows Vista Operating Systems

Windows Vista is the hot new operating system for people and their PCs but many users still have questions. With something new comes change and with change comes questions about how to make it work properly.

By Mr. Miyagi

Windows Vista is the hot new operating system for people and their PCs but many users still have questions. With something new comes change and with change comes questions about how to make it work properly.

Whether you are new to Vista or new to personal computers altogether, there are some great resources that can help you. When it comes to troubleshooting Windows Vista, the first thing you need to be concerned with is what your problem is.

These resources can help anyone new at using computers in general or people who are just new to using the Windows Vista systems. If you determine that you need help with personal settings, parental controls or other basic operating systems, then you can use the manual for Windows Vista to help solve this type of problems.

Don’t get worried if you are having problems that can’t be fixed by using the manual. There are all types of help available including technical support that you can use to help with any problems you may be having.

If you still have access to the Internet or can get your computer with Vista to work so that you are online, you can read online tutorials and visit online help desks to determine what is wrong.

There are a lot of people that are familiar with the Windows Vista system that have user-submitted sites online that provide tips and suggestions on troubleshooting problems for this system. These sites are not endorsed by Microsoft or any of its affiliated companies.

If you decide to use one of these sites just be careful. You are searching for good information that can help you with your problems. Using information that is submitted by someone who does not understand the system could create even more problems.

When you need help with your new Vista operating system you have a variety of options available for troubleshooting Windows Vista. You should also receive a telephone number in which you can call for technical assistance in the event you cannot get online. All these options make it easy and fun for you to learn how to use your new system.

Further reading

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Windows XP Backup utility | TechRepublic.com

Windows XP’s Backup utility does not allow you to directly select any type of recordable optical media (i.e., CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, or DVD-RW) as a backup destination — even though you can copy files to recordable optical media from within Windows Explorer. However, there is a workaround that will allow you to indirectly make the Backup utility use recordable optical media as a backup destination.

This blog post is also available in the PDF format in a TechRepublic Download.

How it works

In this workaround, you direct the Backup utility to save the backup file in the CD Burning spool folder. You can then burn the backup to your recordable optical media. Here’s how:

• Launch Backup.
• Select the Backup tab and choose the files that you want to back up.
• Choose File from the Backup Destination drop-down list.
• In the Backup Media or File Name text box, type the following path:

  C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\CD Burning\Backup.bkf

Where <user name> is the name of your user profile folder and Backup.bkf is the name of the backup file.

As soon as the backup starts, you’ll see a balloon appear in the notification area that alerts you that you have files waiting to be written to the CD. Once the backup is complete, click the balloon to open Windows Explorer and then click the Write These Files To CD command in the CD Writing Tasks section of the task pane.

Note: The only drawback to this technique is that you cannot make Backup span large backup files across multiple CDs. As such, you’ll need to ensure that your backup file will fit on one CD.

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Exploiting CISCO Routers

Introduction

This two-part article will focus on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities and poor configurations in Cisco routers. We will then discuss the analysis of the router configuration file and will attempt to leverage this access into other systems. Additionally, we will cover the possibilities of what one may do once access to the device has been achieved. We chose to focus this article on Cisco routers due to their overwhelming market share.

Don’t Forget the Router…

Pen testers may often go after the more glamorous or fun systems to hack, such as the vulnerable Solaris 8 system, or the Microsoft 2000 server vulnerable to the slew of recent RPC DCOM holes, leaving the core network infrastructure devices alone. I would caution the pen tester to think twice about overlooking these critical systems, for these are the proverbial keys to the kingdom. “So what that the telnet service is accessible to everyone on the Internet”, or “I need SNMP open in order to manage my devices”, the client may say. These two services alone (though not necessarily vulnerable because of bugs in the code) will usually give a pen tester (or attacker) more than enough opportunities to compromise the device.

As important as these network devices are to the overall security, reliability, and availability of the network, it is pertinent that the pen tester takes a good, hard look at them before blessing them as being secure.

Full control of the routing device can often lead to full control of the network – either by using credentials learned from the router on other network devices and systems, or by acting more deviously and diverting some traffic through a third-party system on its way to the intended destination. I once held a power company’s network in my hands, so to speak. I had brute-forced the SNMP write community string, enabled TFTP, and sent the config file to my TFTP server. I then installed the required management software (it was an older Bay ARN router), and could have very easily reconfigured to router to do what I pleased. I could have removed Access Control Lists (ACLs), used the system to telnet or ssh to internal network systems, or even completely shut the network down. To make matters worse, I had seized control of this critical network device from the comfort of my office in Northern Virginia.

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