Useful Technical Web Sites

• RootKitrevealer RootkitRevealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility. It runs on Windows NT 4 and higher and its output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootkit. How to use RootkitRevealer
• HijackThis is a tool, that lists all installed browser add-on, buttons, startup items and allows you to inspect, and optionally remove selected items. The program can create a backup of your original settings and also ignore selected items. Additional features include a simple list of all startup items, default start page, online updates and more. Intended for advanced users.
• HijackThis online log analyzerThe script presented on this page is a way to analyze your HijackThis log without help from the outside: simply copy/paste the content of the log file in the textbox below and hit the analyze button.
• Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.0 Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) 2.0 is an easy-to-use tool that helps small and medium businesses determine their security state in accordance with Microsoft security recommendations and offers specific remediation guidance. Improve your security management process by using MBSA to detect common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on your computer systems.
• Hard Drive jumper settings This page from Ontrack has the links to eight major hard drive manufacturers web pages . Those pages allow you to access jumper setiings and other specifications.
• USBman.com BIOS This page lists all the websites for BIOS manufacturers. It lists the common boot up entry keys for BIOS and it also lists some common switches to enable USB from the BIOS.
• TCPView" is a Windows program that will show you detailed listings of all TCP and UDP endpoints on your system, including the local and remote addresses and state of TCP connections. On Windows NT, 2000 and XP TCPView also reports the name of the process that owns the endpoint.
• CPU-Z CPU-Z is a freeware hardware detection engine. It allows to get some information on your system, including Processor name and vendor, Core stepping and process, Processor package,Processor current core voltage, Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier, Partial overclock detection, Processor features, including supported instructions sets, L1 to L3 cache information : location, size, speed, technology, Motherboard information : name, vendor, BIOS, chipset, memory, AGP and Memory information : size, type, timings, specifications.
• RootKitsFor the Security minded folks among us, there is a new type of invader of our systems to be aware of - something called RootKits. Here is a link to a useful (and free) tool to analyse and detect these sophisticated bugs, along with a somewhat technical explanation of the process.
• Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot floppy that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.
• WindowsNetworking.com This is a site worth exploring if you are an administrator or IT person. It has an Admin KnowledgeBase, Articles & Tutorials, Message Boards, Newsletters, and RSS feeds.
• GFI Email Security Testing Zone This free service tests your e-mail system for up to 17 vulnerabilities by sending you a series of e-mails.
• Using Remote Assistance (XPpro) via e-mail Remote aasistance allows you to give permission to another remote computer to take control of your computer. This can be done via e-mail and lasts for a set period of time. Both machines must be running XPpro. This is useful for tech support or just to show what is running on your computer.
• Power-supply troubleshooting with a multimeter Over a quarter of all PC problems are in some way related to trouble with the power supply. Power-supply problems can also cause lockups, unexpected reboots, and intermittent boot problems. This article shows you how to test the PC’s power supply using a multimeter on your power connections and motherboard.
• Displaycalibration.com Calibrate your computer display or monitor online for optimal viewing.
• Navas Cable Modem/DSL Tuning Guide
• Hungry, Like The Fox In Windows XP older DOS programs like FoxPro are often memory hogs. This article shows how to adjust memory allocation for executable files.
• NTFS.com NTFS is a file system proprietary to Windows XP 2000 NT. This site explains NTFS Basics, NTFS vs FAT, Optimization, Recovery Concepts, , Encryptation, File Storage Hardware and Disk Organization and the FAT File System (FAT16 FAT32) It also has free software to create a DOS NTFS boot disk to access NTFS partitions in Windows XP 2000 or NT
• Bootdisk.com Files to make boot disks for Windows operating systems.
• Codec for windows media player 10 This article should give most readers a basic understanding of what a codec is and exactly what codecs are available for windows media player 10.
• SHERLOCK - The Codec Detective This utility will verify what Video and Audio codec's you have installed on your computer, what versions and if they are they broken or not. This could be useful in troubleshooting any music and video problems that you may be having. You can print out the results or even send them to a text file.
• WinTasks Process Library In the recesses of your computer, 20-30 invisible processes run silently in the background. WinTasks Process Library is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to know the exact purpose of every single process.
• Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer Article from MS support.
• ExpressPCB.com, eMachineShop.com, Frontpanelexpress.com These three sites allow you to download software to design and then order Circuit Boards, Front Panels or custom items from a machine shop.
• Secunia.com monitors vulnerabilities in more than 4000 products and posts those vulnerabilities on a daily basis with a rating. Essential if you are about to install a product. RSS feed available.
• Black Viper The tech expert on operating systems and how to tweak them.
• Microsoft Most Valuable Professional's This is your jumping off point to offerings being provided by a few folks associated with the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) program.
• Everything USB - A Terrific USB Info Site
• Windows Networking is a networking resource covering Dial up Networking, ICS, RAS, ADSL, Direct Cable Connection Networking, General Networking, Linux Integration, Network Troubleshooting, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT 4, Windows XP, Wireless Networking
• Broadband Reports The 'bible' for Information on DSL, Cable and Other High Speed Internet Services
• Mike Healan's SpywareInfo the spyware and hijackware removal specialist.
• WinXP News- One of my favorite XP related tips/info sources - now with XML feed
• Microsoft Knowledge Base Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base of technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products
• The Windows XP Readiness Test uses PC Pitstop's ActiveX technology to collect information about your PC and compares it with the requirements for running Windows XP. It also checks popular applications with known or possible incompatibilities with the new OS.
• Microsoft Resource Kiits are available online for FREE, including the add-in tools. Those considering an upgrade to Office XP may want to have this link handy. (Don't run any of the tools available here on an Office 2000 or 97 installation!) The online OXPRK tracks revisions to documentation and the tools.
• Microsoft DLL Help Database This database contains information about DLL files that ship with selected Microsoft products. Use DLL Help to identify which software installed a specific version of a DLL.
• A guide on how to identify a motherboard
• A Guide to Hard Disk Interfaces and Configuration IDE, ATA and SCSI, and a few other interfaces are covered in this guide. Since the interface can have a major impact on system performance it is important to know which one you are using and how to get the most out of it.
• Andy McFadden's, CD-Recordable FAQ, This FAQ is usually updated about once a month and includes information on, simple answers to simple questions, CD Encoding, How Do I..., Problems, Hardware, Software, Media, Net Resources and Vendor Lists.
• Tech24.com Tech24 provides free computer help for computer users worldwide 7days a week and 24 hours a day.
• CoolerGuys.com The place to come to go to for your computer cooling supplies for CPU's, hard drives, cases, videocards,fans and accessories. They even have How-To's on installartion.
• Neoseeker is designed to help you find products. All resources such as reviews, previews, tips, and downloads are located in product profiles. Using this site I have found review sites that I normally would not have found using a regular search engine.
• WinDOwS ©Tricks · Secrets · Bugs · Fixes.This site has over 90 pages of information and is continually being updated.
• SDRAM vs. RDRAM Facts and Fantasy.
• Securius.com This portal site is all about computer security. It's designed to connect those curious about security to resources including tips and tools.
• Chip Geek Processor Specs Now sporting 80 different processor types, with 350 different processors detailed. Also check out the Processor Specs Key
• protonic.com is an online community which provides free technical support to all computer users. If you've got a problem with your computer - anything from error messages to HTML help, just fill in the on-site form and an experienced volunteer will solve your problem within minutes via email.
• Freebyte's guide to drivers, DLLs and BIOS upgrades
• FileImg.exe This utility from Microsoft takes snapshots of theentire contents of any directory on your machine. It displays important information about all files and subdirectories such as version, size, date,and attributes. It also lets you compare two images to determine how the files in a target directory have changed.
• BelarcThis free service gives you a list of every piece of hardware in your machine-- complete with manufacturer info-- and even the serial number for your BIOS. But wait, there's more! You also get a list of all the software you've installed, including the locations of the programs.
• Shields-Up The Internet's quickest, most popular, reliable and trusted, free Internet security checkup and information service. And now in its Port Authority Edition, it's also the most powerful and complete. Check your system here, and begin learning about using the Internet safely.
• Dependency Walker is a free Microsoft utility that scans any 32-bit or 64-bit Windows module (exe, dll, ocx, sys, etc.) and builds a hierarchical tree diagram of all dependent modules.
• Modemhelp.org This site is a free help/support resource center for Modem users of all levels ranging from beginners to advanced users.
• Bandwidth Meter Do you have DSL speeds? Check the Bandwidth Meter to find out exactly how fast and speedy your connection really is.
• Anti-Online.com , Secure Me , Shields Up These three sites provide online security analysis of your internet connections to see if your computer is vulnerable to intrusion while you are online. Those who have a cable ISP service or DSL service that provides you an "always on" connection are particularly vulnerable ot this type of intrusion This site is dedicated to online security and also has a free security analysis of your internet connection.
• Jack Danniel's Web SiteThis web site contains Plain English explanations and tutorials of many computer-related subjects.
• The Intel® Processor Frequency ID Utility was developed by Intel Corporation to enable consumers with the ability to identify and, in some circumstances, determine if their Intel processor is operating at the correct and rated frequency intended by Intel Corporation.
• 2wire.com This site has a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) look up service, an excellent tutorial on DSL and a bandwidth simulator.
• xDSL Technology The information here is not a primer on xDSL. Rather, it is a quick and dirty synopsis for the consumer who is thinking of using xDSL technology for networking access and needs some practical information.
• SpeedGuide.net The PC Performance resources on SpeedGuide.net form an extensive database of information, providing both the novice and the technically advanced reader with better understanding, as well as tools for optimizing, troubleshooting and customizing of their system.
• Bootdisk Boot Disks for various operating systems and much more.
• Trish's Escape from Hardware Hell numerous links to Hard Drives, Motherboard/Bios, Build/Upgrade, Drivers, Jumper Settings, Printers/Scanners, Cdrom/Audio, Memory, Modems/Serial Ports, PS/2_OS/2, Company Contacts, Monitors/Graphics, SCSI, CPU/Chipsets, Network.
• FCC ID Search (Equipment Authorization Database) If you do not know who manufactured your product, read the product packaging and documentation, or look on the product itself for the name of the company and FCC ID number. You can then use this number to search the FCC Equipment Authorization Database. With the manufacturer information you can get started looking for your driver or upgrade.
• Tom's Hardware Guide Best hardware reviews on the net.
• Cnet's Help.com We've got the answers to all your technology questions.
• Microsoft Security Notification Service is a free e-mail notification service that Microsoft uses to send information to subscribers about the security of Microsoft products. Anyone can subscribe to the service, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
• WinDrivers.com The #1 site for Windows Support/Drivers.
• PC Guide Welcome to one of the Internet's premier sites for detailed PC reference information
• Experts-Exchange is a totally free, interactive knowledge sharing community where people, just like yourself, ask and answer questions based on a points and grading system.
• Search Microsoft's Knowledge Base If you have a problem with Windows 98 or any other Microsoft product, enter a few keywords in this search page and you will probably find some articles that will explain and help you solve the problem. This is a mirror of the knowledge base at Microsoft, but the search page actually works, as opposed to the one at Microsoft's web site. Microsoft's search page does not return all matching articles to the queries, but this will. It is also a public site open for everyone, use it as much as you want.
• Ontrack Jumper Viewer is a graphical, interactive Java applet for quickly finding jumper placements for IDE/ATA hard drives.
• Security-Focus.com. SecurityFocus.com is designed to facilitate discussion on security related topics, create security awareness, and to provide the Internet's largest and most comprehensive database of security knowledge and resources to the public.
• Troubleshooters.com. Web site devoted to troubleshooting. Not just PCs but Linux, cars, trucks, Windows, and a host of other things! There's even an article called the "Universal Troubleshooting Process" that makes for some very interesting reading. If you are involved with troubleshooting systems, and if you are running Windows, then you are already a troubleshooter or soon will be, you need to give this site a visit. Great stuff from the roblem-solving mind of Steve Litt.
• ugeek.com. The name says it all!.
• sysopt.com. Technical Information, FAQ's, and Links at the System Optimization web site.
• motherboards.org. Another accurately descriptive name.
• overclockers.com. For those that like the fast lane. Not recommended for the faint of heart!
• modems.net.Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Modems ...But Were Afraid To Ask.

Category: Appz, Internet, Security