ISP problems

This morning I sat down to work and found the internet was gone. No browser or email functions. It turned out to be a nationwide problem with Telstraclear communications. Imagine having over a million users off line at the same time! Maybe I should send them something for the headache!

Psychotic virus

We all hate them, don't we? The only thing we hate more is the person or persons who created them. Yesterday a customer brought me an infected PC. The virus lodged in the windows/system folder (write protected). Having established itself, it simply ignored all attempts at removal. Not only does windows protect the infection, it risks spreading it as well.

The only solution was to back up as much stuff as possible before formatting the drive. Pity about the files lost that weren't backed up. Are you reading a moral to the story here? Always keep a current backup of your important files!

Where to find me in New Zealand

This morning I received a suggestion from google maps to mark my location for those trying to find me. As google does not completely cover the globe, I used a local service to help you find my home and workshop. Home and web site both here By using the features on the map you can see the whole area and even follow roads to see where they go. The orange blob points to my house.


Alternatively, you can type the address of any place in New Zealand and see that as well.

Microsoft unleashes new windows

Personal computers are about to get a makeover with the launch of the latest Windows operating system.

Microsoft is hoping the successor to Vista will be more of a hit with users when it launches on 22 October.

Many of the features take into account multimedia applications and the fact that users are beginning to store their data on the internet.

In the UK some computer stores are due to open at midnight so keen PC users can get their hands on the software.

Microsoft is encouraging people to hold Windows 7 launch parties and has gone as far as to prepare party packs for those willing to get their friends together to mark the release.

Full story at: Microsoft unleashes new windows

US scientist charged with spying

An American scientist who worked for the US defence department and the space agency Nasa has been charged with attempted espionage, officials say.

Stewart David Nozette tried to give classified information to a person who he believed was an Israeli intelligence officer, the justice department said.

The 52-year-old, who once had top security clearance, was arrested on Monday by FBI agents, it added.
News:US scientist charged with spying

French micro plane fast forwards to hover

It may look like something your kids brought home from shop class, but this rugged, French-designed micro air vehicle (MAV) could be a missing link between smooth, steady hover and fast, forward flight.

The inventor, Dr. Jean-Marc Moschetta, professor of aerodynamics at the Institut Superieur de l'Aeronautique et de l'espace in Toulouse, France, created what he calls the MAVion with both commercial and military markets in mind.

A mere 30 centimeters long, the MAVion combines fixed wings with two counter rotating propellers, allowing it to operate with high aerodynamic efficiency--even in adverse conditions, according to the professor.

More here:
French micro plane

Millions tricked by 'scareware'

Online criminals are making millions of pounds by convincing computer users to download fake anti-virus software, internet security experts claim.

Symantec says more than 40 million people have fallen victim to the "scareware" scam in the past 12 months.

The download is usually harmful and criminals can sometimes use it to get the victim's credit card details.

The firm has identified 250 versions of scareware, and criminals are thought to earn more than £750,000 each a year.

More here:Millions tricked by 'scareware'

Bistromathematics

This was a term invented by (or attributed to) Douglas Adams, the writer of the Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Bistromath is defined here:Bistromathematics
While I did not have the privilege of meeting him, it is true that the house where he worked on his creation is about 10 minutes walk from my address. Should friends visit who have an interest, it may be possible to wander over there (just for fun).

Are you annoyed by "Nigeria scams"?

Most of us get email offering access to a bequest or a lottery winning or similar "welcome news". The pattern is becoming well known by this time. They offer a carrot, claim affiliation with some trust or a major bank and wish to process a large transaction in your favour. Once the process begins, there are some legal or administrative requirements to be met which require fees paid before delivery of the money. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANYTHING! They are trying to scam money from you by playing on your desire for wealth (if you have one). Yesterday one arrived giving the name "Felicia Paul" so I decided to check up on her. Upon locating the company she claimed to be employed by, then contacting them to find out about her. They informed me no such person worked there. Note: This scam named the company and branch she "worked for". It was a simple matter to find it with a search engine and use the contact features on their web site to discover if the person worked there. She didn't. Checking up like this saved me a lot of time and expense by exposing the original deception. So be smart. Don't get taken in. Check up and expose the fraudsters before they can harm you!

Freelists got a facelift

John Madden, the creator of freelists has just updated his system (nicely). The original system was created using perl script years ago to allow large numbers of email lists to be created, subscribed and archived. The system has performed well over that time. I have lost count of how many lists it runs, but there are lots. The pchelpers list (mine) was one of the early ones.

So if you have the desire to create or run your own list with private/public membership, why not try going to Freelists to set it up?

Transferring modecideas.com

Within days of registering my domain, it was hijacked to a fake site. To prevent this from happening again, arrangements are being made to transfer the domain to another provider. Those of you who have had difficulty finding the right page at modecideas.com can put it down to the malicious actions of others. For what gain?
Registration of the domain has now been completed. It is set up for at least 3 years from now. Thanks to all those showing patience while this process was completed. If anything has been learned from the experience it is "don't let your domain expire before renewing!". The problems in getting it back can be much bigger than just renewing it. Things like other people trying to acquire it, for example can cause sleepless nights. Allow a day or two to get back to full speed, thanks.

Diamond web award winner

International Association of Web Masters and Designers



Years ago, modecideas.com received an award for web design of a high standard.Since that time the site has been updated with information designed to help web masters develop new sites, find electronic information (markings on resistors, capacitors etc) and to answer some of the difficult questions website owners must face as sites develop and grow. During that time the effort has been aided by many members from the pchelpers online email support group. With over 80 members world wide we help needy people deal with their website and PC issues without charge. We bounce ideas off each other and work things out together on a daily basis. If you would like to be a part of it, please go to the sign-up form at http://modecideas.com/index.html and add your email address to the list. You can contribute to the conversation and choose to leave at any time. We welcome your questions and your input.

Why I would prefer a web hosting service over running my own server

Most people who have a web site find it convenient to use a web server outside their own home/office. I have one in house, set up for direct access updating. My approach is to use a USB stick to store the updates and just walk across the room, plug it in and upload the files directly.

This is fine for some, but the majority either don't have the interest or the ability to maintain or set up such a system.

What's the alternative? Simple- look for a web hosting service on line (preferably one that offers FTP access). FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. There a number of handy programs you can download for this, such as "Cuteftp". In this case an FTP account is set up by your hosting provider with a personal password for you. When you have created new pages or updated existing ones,you simply bring up your FTP program, connect with the server and send the files to it (being careful to put them in the right directory and do any other tasks your host requires). It's a convenient and efficient system, and the web server could be anywhere in the world.
One other thing. Having your site set up this way may also have its dangers. If the server has many clients, it is possible one or more may misbehave and affect the reputation of the service. For example, while you maintain your web files with integrity, another client could be sending spam and thereby affecting the reputation of the server, and possibly your reputation as well.

That's the good and the bad side of FTP server hosting. It's your decision. Let it be a wise one!

Domain update is done

Enom are querying some of the details to get them right. I sent them off a few minutes ago. My mistake for thinking the problems were over! So I still keep working to straighten them out. Hoping this is the last problem before everything is back to normal again.

Access modec traffic with site meter

Check our traffic! Site meter (check traffic numbers here) This link now monitors blog traffic and modecideas.com

Domain update

The expected transfer did not take place (unfortunately) due to problems with the alternative hosting service. So modecideas.com was renewed on ehost.com instead. By this time the changes should have begun to percolate over the net. It may be a couple of days before everyone can see the site again. Please take the opportunity to ping the domain during this time and post your results. The IP information you get from this could assist me to identify both spread and any problems with the update.

Domain transfer for modecideas.com

With thanks to all the staff at enom, I have arranged to transfer my website (modecideas.com) to a new domain name provider. Both parties have been advised of the move. There could be some problems accessing the domain while this goes on, so please be patient over the next few days. Note: Doing this may also prove a deterrent for those who tried to hijack the domain recently. After they got into one server it will be harder for them to locate and deal with a new one.

In the meantime I would like to thank all those loyal friends and the users of my website, the members of pchelpers for their understanding and support. This blog will not be affected by the changes described above. Everyone is still welcome to visit and post as usual. PS:I have just posted a temporary access to the modecideas.com site until the domain comes on stream again. http://121.73.82.180 NB: I will endeavor to leave this on the blog until the problem is cleared up, but after that it will be removed.
PS:It didn't all turn out as expected. The transfer didn't happen, so I renewed the domain on enom. Lots of work later it was done and the results were submitted to the net. Over the next couple of days the site should become visible again. Hopefully the fake one will be history.