29 January 2008:

How to block Pop-ups?

Introduction

This page, targeted towards home users, discusses the basic steps needed from an user to stop pop-ups. Part of the information in this page was collected from online sources, including the Microsoft Web site. Thanks and all credit due to the third-party sites referenced, and the authors for their part.

Pop-ups can be classified as follows:

* General browser pop-ups
* Messenger Service advertisements
* Pop-ups generated by adware and spyware

General browser pop-ups

These pop-ups can be prevented by installing a pop-up blocker. Often times, these new windows display advertising that can interfere with your ability to see the content on the page you're trying to read. Adding the Ad related Domains to the Restricted Zone in Internet Explorer is a good idea. Refer to the following MS-KB articles to learn how to stop pop-ups from a particular webpage.

Prevent Pop-up Ad Windows When Browsing with Internet Explorer

A New Window Appears When You Visit Some Web Sites

Windows XP Service Pack 2 now includes a built-in Pop-up blocker. You can read more about this feature, in the following pages:

Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer: Windows XP SP2

Export Internet Explorer Pop-up blocker settings

Always allow Pop-ups for secure sites (HTTPS) in Windows XP SP2

Messenger Service Advertisements

If the title bar reads as "MESSENGER SERVICE" with gray Ads, then it the famous Messenger SPAM. This is applicable only for Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The "Messenger Service" [different from Windows Messenger IM] is responsible for transmitting these text-based messages. While disabling the Messenger Service can stop the pop-up ads, it's not sufficient in the security point of view. These messages arrive to your system because there is a way for someone to transmit data to your computer via TCP and UDP ports [UDP ports 135, 137, and 138; TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 137]. This means, some intruder can do nasty things on your computer with these ports open.

The HIGHLY RECOMMENDED method to prevent these type of pop-up and to harden the security of your computer is to install a firewall application (such as Zone Alarm), or use the Windows XP Firewall. Windows XP SP2 turns off the Messenger Service by default, and enables the Windows firewall. This blocks the ports required for Messenger Service data transmission.
To enable the Firewall in Windows XP

For Windows XP SP2 systems:

If you're using Windows XP, and haven't updated to SP2, please do it immediately.

* Click Start, Run and type Firewall.cpl
* Select On (recommended) button, and click OK.

Never connect to internet without enabling the Firewall. Otherwise, there are fairly good chances your system gets infected. Finest example is the RPC NT Authority Shutdown caused by Blaster Worm, which infects "unpatched" and "unprotected" computers.

Note: If using a third-party firewall application, you don't have to enable the built-in Windows XP firewall.
References

Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement Appears

Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles

Pop-ups generated by Ad-ware & Spyware

Spyware cause the same effect as general browser pop-ups but they are usually powered by Browser Helper Objects, ActiveX controls which attaches to Internet Explorer and contacts their servers without your knowledge. This not only means waste of internet bandwidth, but your private information may also be sent to someone. You need to treat any outgoing connection without your permission, as a security threat.

Along with your anti-virus software, you need to anti-spyware tools such as Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster at a bare minimum. You must update the pattern files before scanning just like what you do for your anti-virus software.
Protection mechanisms

*

Use HOSTS file to block unwanted ad servers and sites that are known to spread malware
*

Increase your browser security settings. Visit the following link to learn how to protect the system from parasites.

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
(Site packed with full of security tips, advice to prevent parasites being installed)

*

Use an application-based firewall, such as Zone Alarm, Sygate etc. They alert you whenever an outgoing traffic by a new application is detected. By doing this, you are preventing dialers, Trojans accessing the internet. Give equal importance to the configuration of the firewall. Assume your firewall as the gatekeeper, and only allow programs that you want, to access the internet. You may then test the effectiveness of the Firewall (for inbound protection) using any of these websites. They scan your system for open ports and vulnerabilities and advice you what action to take.

grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 | dslreports.com/scan | hackerwatch.org/probe

Still unable to control pop-up windows? It may be caused by a Malware running in the background. Experts in these forums help you eliminate the unwanted things from the PC by examining the HijackThis log file. Most forums provide this as a free service, with voluntary members spending a part of their time to help others. If they've helped you clean the system, see if you can return the favor in some way :-)

AumHa - HijackThis section | Spywareinfo forums | CastleCops | Wilders Security

Before approaching for help, follow the preliminary steps (run a system scan yourself using Ad-Aware, SpyBot S&D with fully updated definitions). Eliminate Malware as much as you can. A Virus scan will also help.
General Advisory

*

Don't connect to internet without enabling firewall and Anti-virus software
*

Increase the security settings in the browser so that Activex controls won't install automatically
*

Visit Microsoft Windows Update frequently and download all Critical Updates
*

Subscribe to Microsoft Security Bulletin to know the vulnerabilities identified and the patches released
*

Use HOSTS file to block unwanted websites
*

Think twice before enabling an application to access the Internet if you use a third-party firewall. Gather information about a process / application name, if found suspicious.
*

Keep yourself updated on Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

Essential Tools (minimum required)

* Any good Anti-virus package. You may consider AVG
* A third-party firewall such as ZoneAlarm, Sygate.
* Spybot S&D
* Lavasoft Ad-Aware
* Spyware Blaster
* Google Toolbar to block pop-ups. Google Toolbar Privacy Policy

Malware removal advice

One of the finest documentations (Recommended reading)

The Parasite Fight: Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware

Protecting Your Privacy & Security

thanks for sharing this

30 January 2008:

Don't Highlight That!

Have you ever noticed that Windows XP always highlights the new programs you install on your computer in the Start menu? I mean, it’s helpful if you’re new to computers and you’re not sure where to go after installing a new program, but sometimes Windows will also highlight multiple aspects of the installed programs that aren't really necessary, such as the "Read Me" files and so on. Plus, those items remain highlighted until you actually run them. That can get quite annoying, especially once you become more experienced with your computer and know where the items go once they’re installed. Talk about frustrating!

If you let it continue, your Start menu will start to look like an orange striped zebra! That is, unless you go through and run every program you install at least once (and many times more often than that, because for some unknown reason, some programs will be rehighlighted after restarting your computer). Who has time for all that?! So, if you would prefer not to have to go through all of that, there is a way you can get back to normal. Here's how you can turn the highlighting feature off in Windows XP. Let's go!

First, as with most things, we will begin with the Start menu.

Next, use your right mouse button and right click on any blank space on the Start menu. That will bring up an option to go to the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window:

From there, click on the Properties button when it comes up. Now, you can also right click on the actual Start button to bring up a menu where you can select Properties. Either way brings up the same screen.

Once the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window is open, about half-way down, you will see a Customize button on the first screen next to the version of the Start menu you have selected. Click on the Customize button to bring up the next screen:

Next, you will see the Customize Start Menu window. At the top of that, there are two tabs: General and Advanced. Click on the Advanced tab to proceed.

Under the Advanced tab, the second option is “Highlight Newly Installed Programs” with a checkbox next to it to either enable or disable this feature. To turn it off, just make sure the checkbox is unchecked. Alternatively, if you are following these instructions to turn this feature back on, make sure the box is checked.

Now, all that’s left for us to do is save the settings and close out the windows. To do that, simply find the OK button at the bottom of the Customize Start Menu pane:

Then just repeat this step in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window (you can either hit the OK button by itself or hit the Apply button, followed by the OK button. In this case, both of them will do the same thing).

There you have it! Now, you don’t have to see every newly installed program highlighted until you run it. It makes for a cleaner looking desktop and it can always be switched back at a moment's notice. Give it a try today!

31 January 2008:



Snappy Scrolling

When you scroll a folder in Windows Explorer or a web page in Internet
Explorer, it acts "sticky," as though it needs oiling. I presume oiling the monitor is out of the question, but there's got to be a way to make scrolling snappier?

Microsoft calls this behavior "smooth scrolling," and fortunately, you can turn it off. For this, you'll need a Microsoft program called TweakUI (free, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx). Click the Explorer category on the left side of the window, and on the right side, uncheck the "Enable smooth scrolling" box. Click Apply when you're done.

To turn off smooth scrolling in web pages, in Internet Explorer select Tools > Internet Options, and click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the bottom of the Browsing section, uncheck the "Use smooth scrolling" box, and click OK.

01 February 2008:

Sharpen Blurry Text

The text on my screen is blurry. Do I need glasses?

If the manufacturer's logo on your monitor is also blurry, glasses might be a good idea. Otherwise, there are two things that can cause blurry text in Windows XP.

If everything on your screen is blurry, as opposed to just the text, your display may be set to the wrong resolution. If you have a flat-panel LCD monitor, it has a native resolution, which matches the number of the monitor's physical pixels. If your monitor's native resolution is 1024x768, for instance, and Windows is set to 800x600, your screen will have to interpolate that lower resolution, and the display will appear blurry. To fix the problem, right-click an empty area of your desktop, click Properties, and then click the Settings tab. Slide the "Screen resolution" slider until the numbers match your screen's native resolution, and then click OK.

Note: If you don't know your screen's native resolution, it's usually but not always the rightmost (highest) setting. Since an LCD's native resolution is also the highest it can display, you know you've gone too far if you lose the edges of your desktop and Windows scrolls the display as you move the mouse. When in doubt, see the documentation.

If text is the only thing on the screen that's blurry, you're suffering from the "benefits" of antialiasing. Windows "smoothes" screen fonts to reduce their jagged edges, but this doesn't always look so hot.

Note: If you like font smoothing but aren't happy with the way Windows does it, try Microsoft's free ClearType Tuner PowerToy, available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx Among other things, it walks you through the settings, allowing you to adjust the feature to suit your taste. It even lets you change the contrast to help minimize the drawbacks inherent in anti-aliasing.

To turn off font smoothing, right-click an empty area of the desktop, click Properties, click the Appearance tab, and then click the Effects button. There are two kinds of font smoothing (Standard or ClearType), but odds are you won't be able to tell the difference. Just uncheck the
"Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts" box and click OK to disable the feature altogether.

02 February 2008:



Make Things Big on High-Res Screens

I spent a lot of cash for the best, highest-resolution flat-panel LCD display on the market, but everything on the screen is too small. Did I waste my money?

Depends on how much you spent! But the good news is that you can make most things on your screen bigger to compensate for the tiny pixels. To make text bigger, right-click an empty area of your desktop, click Properties, and then click the Appearance tab. From the "Font size" drop-down, you can choose either Large or Extra Large, but for better results, click the Advanced button to enlarge specific elements (title bar, menus, tooltips, etc.) to your taste.

Start by clicking Active Window in the little preview window at the top of the dialog box (or selecting Active Title Bar from the Item list), and then choosing a larger number in the Size list in the second row (next to the Font list). Do the same for Inactive Title Bar, Menu, Message Box, Palette Title, and Tooltip.

While you're here, you'll probably want to make your desktop icons bigger. By default, they're 32x32 pixels, but if you choose Icon from the Item menu, you can specify any size you like. For best results, restrict your choice to multiples of 16, such as 48 or 64. Finally, adjust the Icon Spacing (Horizontal and Vertical) to accommodate the new, larger icons.

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03 January 2008:



Understanding Color Depth

Have you ever noticed that photos appear excessively grainy or contain ugly bands or streaks where a smooth sky or gradient should appear? Do all the colors on your screen become distorted when new images or web pages are displayed? These are symptoms of an adaptive palette. When your display is set to 256 colors, there can never be more than 256 individual colors in use at any given time. Because 256 isn't nearly enough to represent all the colors in the spectrum, Windows simply chooses the best 256 colors each time you display an image. The more images are displayed, the more horrendous things can look.

However, since 65,536 colors (16-bit mode, or 216 colors; sometimes called High Color) are sufficient to display photographic images (as are the even better 24- and 32-bit modes), the palette is fixed and does not have to adapt to what is on the screen. This results in a richer, faster display; web pages, games, and photos look better; and you don't have to put up with a constantly changing palette.

To set the color depth, open the Display control panel and choose the Settings tab. Move the Screen resolution slider to the right to increase your display's resolution (more dots equals more screen real estate, but smaller screen elements). To the right is a drop-down list labeled "Color quality" with all of the color depth settings your video card supports. Select the highest color quality setting your video hardware supports (at least Medium 16-bit). As you adjust your color depth, Windows may automatically adjust other settings depending on your card's capabilities, especially if you're using an older video card.

The amount of memory on your video card dictates the maximum color depth and resolution you can use. The memory required by a particular setting is calculated by multiplying the horizontal size times the vertical size times the bytes per pixel. If you're in 32-bit color mode, each pixel will require 32 bits, or 4 bytes (there are 8 bits to a byte). At
a resolution of 1600x1024, that's 1600x1024x4 bytes/pixel, or 6.25 MB. Therefore, a video card with 8 MB of memory will be able to handle the display setting, but a card with only 4 MB will not. The card's refresh rate can also limit the maximum resolution and color depth. Most newer cards easily exceed these restrictions, though, so the case may be moot.

In most cases, choose the highest color depth your system supports at whatever resolution you're currently using. However, since higher color depths may cause your applications to run a little more slowly and eat up more system memory, you may want to downshift to 16-bit color.

Thx for the tip yaar .....

BTW ... 2day is 3rd FEB and not 3rd JAN

04 February 2008:



Un-Animate Windows Controls

Windows takes forever to open menus and drop-down list-boxes and to scroll lists. How can I give it a kick in the proverbial pants?

To make Windows XP appear fancier and more advanced than the competition (I know, what competition?), Microsoft added animation to several parts of the interface. But waiting (and waiting) while Windows slowly cranks open a menu can be a real drag. To speed things up, open the System control panel, click the Advanced tab, and click the Settings button in the Performance section. Uncheck the boxes for "Fade or slide menus into view," "Slide open combo boxes," and any other animations that annoy you. Click Apply to try out your new settings.

05 February 2008:



Using Themes

Themes let you save several individual settings under a single name. There's only one place in Windows to save and retrieve themes, and your theme selection affects settings in several dialogs.

Manage themes by opening the Display control panel and clicking the Themes tab. To load a theme and replace your current settings, select a theme from the drop-down Theme list and click the Apply button.

To save your current settings into a new theme (or replace an existing theme), click the Save As button. Your theme is saved as an individual .theme file, by default in the My Documents folder. But only themes found in the \Windows\Resources\Themes folder are used to populate the Theme list, so place your custom .theme files there.

Settings saved with the current theme include your wallpaper, your custom desktop icons (select the Desktop tab, then the Customize Desktop button), your screensaver, your current style, and color selections. Themes essentially cover all of the tabs in the Display Properties dialog, except for the Settings tab.

According to the Windows documentation, themes are supposed to also encapsulate your mouse pointers, sounds, and Windows Media Player skin settings. Unfortunately, this simply doesn't work. When you save a custom theme, these extra settings are ignored. What's worse, when you then load a theme, the mouse pointers, sounds, and WMP skins are all simply reverted to their defaults. You'll need to use schemes to save your mouse and sound settings and protect them from the themes feature.

06 February 2008:



Using Schemes

A scheme is a saved collection of settings in a single dialog box. For example, you can save your current mouse pointer selections under a scheme name by going to the Control Panel, opening Mouse Properties applet, clicking the Pointers tab, and selecting a different pointer. This not only makes it easier to quickly switch between multiple sets of mouse pointers (such as one for when you're wearing your glasses and one for when you're not), but also allows you to quickly undo changes made by Windows and other applications.

Other dialogs that use schemes include the Power Options control panel (the Power Schemes tab) and the Sounds and Audio Devices control panel (the Sounds tab). In previous versions of Windows you could also save your Display Settings into a scheme, but in Windows XP this functionality has been replaced with themes.

07 February 2008:



Show the Desktop Without Closing Windows

I usually have a lot of application windows open, and it's a pain to have to shove windows out of the way to get to a file on the desktop.

There are a bunch of ways to get to your desktop in a flash. First, hold the Windows logo key (which we'll call Winkey, just to be cute) and press D to quickly minimize all open windows. Press Winkey-D again to restore them. Do this many times to give yourself a headache.

But what if your keyboard havey no Winkey? No problemo; just click the Show Desktop button on the Quick Launch toolbar (the little row of tiny buttons on the far left of your Taskbar). Give the button another click to restore the windows.

Want to free up some Taskbar real estate? Eliminate the Quick Launch toolbar buttons you don't use by right-clicking each one and selecting Delete. To really save space, you can banish all the buttons except Show Desktop, and place the shrunken Quick Launch toolbar next to the Windows System Tray on the far right.

Note: If you can't move or resize the Quick Launch toolbar, right-click an empty area in the Taskbar and deselect the "Lock the Taskbar" option. When you have things the way you like them, turn "Lock the Taskbar" back on.

Note: If you don't see the Quick Launch toolbar, right-click an empty area on your Taskbar, and go to Toolbars Quick Launch.

If these tricks don't do it for you, right-click an empty area of the Taskbar, and select "Show the Desktop." It'll look like all your windows have been minimized, but they're just hidden; to bring them back, repeat the procedure but select Show Open Windows instead.

Alternatively, to access any files or icons on your desktop (without disturbing your open applications), you can simply open Windows Explorer and highlight the Desktop folder at the top of the folder tree.




Make a Show Desktop Button

By default, the Quick Launch toolbar comes with a Show Desktop button, which allows you to quickly minimize all open windows and access stuff on your desktop.

But what if this button accidentally gets deleted?

Unlike most other toolbar buttons, the Show Desktop button isn't a Windows shortcut. Rather, it's a Shell Command File (SCF), which is really just a plain text file containing a special command that Windows understands. To create a new SCF file, open your favorite plain-text editor (or Notepad), and type the following five lines:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Save the file as Show Desktop.scf (or any other name, provided that you include the .scf filename extension) anywhere you like, including on the desktop. To have the icon appear on your Quick Launch toolbar, place the file in the \Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch folder.