New Bot Infecting Routers And DSL Modems

There’s a new bot on the net called “Chuck Norris” trying to infect your router or DSL modem. If it’s successful it redirects your browser to a malicious web page that tries to install a virus, then looks for other vulnerabilities on your network.

It can also steal non-encrypted (non-SSL connections) private information and be used to attack other systems like most botnets.

This bot is new, but the attack method is not. It finds routers using default passwords or uses a basic password guessing program to install itself. Because it’s on your router, your anti-virus software can’t see it.

The solution is relatively simple. If you think your router or modem has been infected, just unplug the power source for 30 seconds or so and it should remove the bot from the RAM.

Next, make sure you have a strong password on your router. Look up how to access your router or modem’s interface in the manual that came with it or do a search on the web with the make and model for instructions on how to change the password.

Your router is like the front door to your computer(s). Using the default password is like leaving your front door unlocked..
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How To Download YouTube Videos

How do I download YouTube videos? That’s a question we get quite often, so I created a quick video tutorial showing how to download YouTube videos.

There are two steps: downloading the video and downloading a player onto your computer that can watch the videos, which are Flash videos with an.flv file extension.

Related links:

Firefox web browser
NetVideoHunter addon
VideoLAN player (most audio and video files)
Wimpy Player (.flv and .swf)

If you don’t want to use a Firefox addon there’s a video download toolbar that works in both Internet Explorer and Firefox. Just follow the directions on the page, but it only works on .flv files, not other types of video..
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What You Need For A Home Office

Lots of you are looking at starting a home office, especially with the latest recession. We’ll look at the three main components of a home office – the space, the furniture and the technology.

You can start small and expand later or outfit your home office with the latest and greatest – the main idea is a functional and comfortable work environment.

Home Office Space

Unless you live alone, you really want your home office to be in a separate room – with a door that can be closed. It keeps out noise and distractions, allows for privacy and is easier to write off on your taxes.

A spare bedroom or small den should work fine. It should also be well lit with several lamps (one for the desk) rather than a bright overhead light. The consensus today is a light and airy decor rather than the dark oak paneling of yore.

If you don’t have a spare room, at least try to outline an office space. Use a corner of the family room. Have a couple of lamps to light the space. Consider a folding screen to block off the area.

Home Office Furniture

Office supply stores will have “office suites”, often for $1000 or more. They’re worth checking out even if you can’t afford one just to see how they’re laid out. If you have to piecemeal your office here’s what you need. Read more.
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The Video Streaming Format War Heats Up

Apple’s recently released iPad has brought video streaming formats to the forefront. Why? Because it doesn’t recognize Flash.

It wasn’t that big a deal when the iPhone shunned Flash, but when the iPad, suitable for Internet browsing, didn’t include Flash it meant that its users would have a limited view of the web.

NOTE: YouTube uses Flash video. Apple added an app that allows YouTube videos.

First, a little background on video streaming. True video streaming requires server software that handles the stream. It monitors the connection speed between the server and the viewer and matches the download speed to the connection speed.

Most web video uses progressive download. That’s where a portion of the video is downloaded and the rest downloads as it’s being viewed. The initial wait time (buffer) and streaming rate are built into the video.

The advantage of progressive downloads are its simplicity and ability to run from any web site. The disadvantage is people with slow connections having to wait during viewing for the video download to catch up and people with fast connections not receiving the optimal experience.

The Video Streaming Battle Begins…

Read more.
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