Use Bitlocker Encryption without TPM

While doing research on encryption methods for multi-boot netbooks and laptops, I came across this requirement for Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft needs a Trusted Platform Module (TPM Chip) to activate its encryption technology. This chip however, is not present in most lower end notebooks, or in most netbooks either.

There exists a workaround however. In the local group policy there's a setting that will allow you to turn on the ability to use a USB storage device instead of a TPM key to store your encryption key. The catch is, every time you turn on your computer, your USB storage device with the encryption key needs to be plugged in. Otherwise your computer will not boot. Your USB storage device has now become the key to your computer. Here's how to do it....

Click to read more ...

Suspect malicious bots on your PC ?

Do you think your computer has been compromised by a botnet? Malicious software called Bots can quietly take control of computers making them participate in networks called “Botnets.” Without you knowing, these botnets can use your internet bandwidth to relay spam, attack web servers, infect more computers, and perform other illicit activities.

Trend Micro has a tool called RUBotted that can help you determine whether you've been Botted. It is small, lightweight and easy to use. It's available for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows Vista.

1. Grab the program for free here.
2. Install it and check the box to run the program after installation.
3. Once installed, RUBotted should run and place an icon in your system tray.
4. If your system is clean, you will get a green check mark, and a message saying "No Bots Found".
5. The program will remain running in your system tray to constantly monitor your computer from now on, unless you disable it.

iPhone Citrix Receiver Application

Citrix has announced the availability of their iPhone-iPodTouch app called Citrix Receiver. The app allows you to run Windows applications as services over Citrix networks. It gives the user VNC style control with greatly enhanced performance. Once connected to a Citrix XenApp environment, iPhone or iPod-Touch securely works with apps from Oracle, SAP, McKesson, Cerner, and others. Screen taps, gestures, keyboard input, and screen updates are the only Information sent over wired or wireless connections, Keeping your data completely secure.

As a bonus, for those who have been waiting for Flash and/or Silverlight content, Recevier uses Citrix HDX to deliver high-definition content to your device. It's not native support, but it's enough to get work done in an enterprise environment running Citrix. The app is available for free in the App Store.

Cirtix Receiver Information
Receiver in iTunes Store

Dropbox: Simple file syncing

Simply put, Dropbox gives you the ability to keep your desktop files synced with “the cloud”, and your other computers. Think of it as online data storage(backup), file sharing, and file synchronization, in a simple no fuss implementation.

A folder created by the Dropbox installation exists on your computer(s) to handle all the heavy lifting.

• Anything you place into this folder will be uploaded to your account's online drive (accessible from any web browser) and synced between all of your computers via the Dropbox client.
• You can share a folder with your Dropbox friends, and everything you drop into that folder will be synced between both accounts.
• Drop a file in your Public folder, and you can share it with anyone.
• Placing photos in the Photos folder, creates a web gallery for you.
• Most important, Dropbox provides file versioning. So if you delete a file by accident? Dropbox can restore it for you.

Click to read more ...

Re-Installing your Windows PC for a fresh start

We've all been there. Windows needs a fresh start every 6 months or so due to stuff accumulating in the registry or even more common these days, "Malware". Most of us jump into this task feet first, and realize midway through that we forgot to document important information from our old configurations and backup our files. WHOOPS!

IT departments, have this down to a science. Usually keeping virtualized images on a lan, or bootable Ghost images ready to go. Here are some tools and tips to help you get your fresh start done right.

Click to read more ...