Everyman IT

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: January 16, 2012
• Length of Class: 43 Minutes

Tracks

• Computer Security /Integrity
• Computer Repair

Prerequisites

• Simple Windows PC Tune Up
• Cleaning an Infected Windows PC

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches students how to remove spyware and malware from their Windows PC using Spybot Search and Destroy

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. First Steps (07:43)
3. Spybot Search and Destroy (13:20)
4. Demonstration (28:09)
5. Final Thoughts (33:26)

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. Spyware and Malware tries to make your computer do things you do not want it to do, not destroy it.
2. Spyware can generally be removed fairly easily
3. Spybot Search and Destroy has been a solid product for many years and is free
2. First Steps
1. First do a basic PC Tune Up: Delete temp Files, Uninstall Crapware, Disable Startup Items
2. Verify AntiVirus is installed and working
3. AntiVirus Software removes PUPs – Potentially Unwanted Programs, that are almost always unwanted.
4. Install ALL Updates: Make sure Internet Explorer is up to date, Install ALL Windows Updates, Install Latest Java, Install latest Flash and Adobe Reader.
3. Spybot Search and Destroy
1. Eli suggests that you do not use Tea Timer – a Registry Guard
2. When you start Spybot Right Click Icon and Select “Run as Administrator”
3. Immunize System – This edits the HOSTS file for DNS protection and locks it.  It additionally closes other holes.
4. Demonstration
5. Final Thoughts
1. If Spybot does not remove the spyware you can try other Anti Spyware software (Malwarebytes, Combofix, AdAware, etc.)
2. After the spyware has been removed uninstall any additional Anti Spyware software you have installed
3. To protect your system in the future use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari to prevent getting malware in the future. (Or buy a Mac)

Resources

• Spybot Search and Destroy

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: January 14, 2012
• Length of Class: 73 Minutes

Tracks

• Computer Repair

Prerequisites

• None

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches the procedures and thought process behind trying to clean a Windows PC that has been infected with viruses.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. First Steps (00:00)
3. Uninstalling Crapware (00:00)
4. Installing Security Software (00:00)
5. Install ALL Updates (00:00)
6. Run Scans (00:00)
7. Final Thoughts (00:00)

 

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. Generally is a PC has a virus you should just do a Wipe and Reload
2. Create a checklist for the procedures you will use to clean the PC
3. Know when you will decide the computer is not repairable
4. You can run the computer in Safe Mode is regular mode is not responsive.  You access Safe Mode by pressing F8 while the PC boots, and then selecting “Safe Mode” option.
5. MSCONFIG tool can be used to keep software from booting when the computer boots. To use MSCONFIG go to Start -> Run -> and then type MSCONFIG
2. First Steps
1. Try to do a System Restore to an earlier time before the computer had the virus with Windows built in System Restore Utility
2. Use OpenDNS on your router to try to prevent the infected computer from “phoning home”
3. Change the password on the system to prevent scripts from being able to easily modify configurations
4. Reset Internet Explorer Settings to default to ensure that Internet Explorer will not block your attempts to download updates and software.
3. Uninstall Crapware
1. Uninstall ALL Toolbars and anything that you do not recognize
2. Uninstall ALL Security, and “Tune Up” Software.  This software can cause problems o the system.
3. Use “Removal” tools to remove Norton or other Anti-Virus software if it does not uninstall correctly.
4. Uninstallers for toolbars and “crapware” can many times be found within the folder that the software is installed in.  Under C:\Program Folders.
5. If crapware will not uninstall boot PC into Safe Mode, and then Rename the Folder that the Software is installed in.  This will effectively brake the software.
4. Tune Up Computer
1. Use “Tune Up” software such as CCleaner to perform a basic Tune Up of the PC
2. Delete ALL Temp files
3. Defragment the Registry
4. Disable Unnecessary Start Up Items
5. Install Security Software
1. Anti Virus Software is like condoms.  One is good, but more then one is horrible. (Anti Virus software will attack each other)
2. Minimize the number of “Tune Up” of Anti Malware pieces of software you use.  These can actually cause problems unto themselves.
3. Computer Security companies generally do a very good job creating one product, but then package that good product with other inferior ones into an “Internet Security Suite”.  I recommend you use different software from different manufacturers.
4. Eli prefers Microsoft Security Essentials for Anti Virus, Spybot Search and Destroy for Anti Spyware, and Windows Firewall for Firewall.
5. Immunize system immediately with Anti Malware software, but do not run scans yet.
6. Disable “Registry Guards” such as Spybot’s TeaTimer.  these guards will ask you whether or not the computer should make a change to the Registry, and if you make the wrong choice you can create problems.
6. Install ALL Updates
1. Many times Updates themselves will fix problems with the PC, and disable Viruses and Malware
2. Install ALL Windows and Office Updates
3. Install Latest Adobe Reader and Flash
4. Install Latest Java
5. Install Updates to any other pieces of software on the PC (Quickbooks, iTunes, Quicktime, Word Perfect)
7. Run Scans
1. Run FULL Anti Virus Scan
2. Run Anti Malware Scan
3. You can run multiple scans at the same time
4. If this does not fix the PC try Malwarebytes and Combofix (Only download Combofix from BleepingComputer.com, everywhere else is a piece of spyware)
5. If computer still is infected then you must simply start trying to figure out how to remove the virus manually.
8. Final Thoughts
1. If you cannot remove the virus, but you can also not Wipe and Reload the system then you simply lock down the system as much as possible and use it as little as possible.  Take a backup of the system, restrict user accounts to have as few rights as possible, etc.

Resources

• Norton Removal Tool
• CCleaner
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Combofix
• Malwarebytes

 

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: January 11, 2012
• Length of Class: 33 Minutes

Tracks

• Computer Repair

Prerequisites

• None

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches students how to easily Tune Up a Windows PC.  We clean Temporary Files, Defragment the Registry, Disable Start up Items, and Uninstall Unused Software.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Overview (01:50)
3. Demonstration (14:26)
4. Final Thoughts (29:34)

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. Windows PC’s slow down over time due to normal use.  Windows does not have effective ways to clean up the PC built in.
2. You use specific software to perform Tune Ups of Windows PC’s.  Eli prefers CCleaner, but there are a number of options.  The main functions you need are the ability to Clean Up or Defragment the Registry, be able to Disable Start Up Items, and to be able to Clean Up Temp Files.
2. Overview
1. CCleaner is currently FREE to use
2. Windows creates temporary files while you are using the computer. These files can the cause problems.  Many people have 5-10GB of temp data on their PC’s. (I have seen one client with 50+GB).  PC’s need 10% of their hard drive space to be free in order to do standard routines.  If the hard drive space goes below 1 GB of Free Space the PC can start to experience major problems.
3. Anti Virus and Anti Malware software will scan ALL files on a PC.  You can waste significant time if the software is scanning Temp Files.
4. The Registry is a Database in Windows that contains important configuration settings for the operating system and installed software.  Windows does not automatically clean and correct the Registry.  PC’s can slow down when the Registry tries to access files that no longer exist on the PC.  Defragmenting the Registry deletes Registry Keys that point to files that do not exist.
5. Many pieces of Software configure the PC to start them when the PC boots up.  This makes the software seem to run quicker, but uses the systems resources and slows the boot time.  Software like Quickbooks, Adobe, and Quicktime do not need to be started when the PC boots to work properly.  By disabling these start up items the computer will boot faster, and use fewer resources.
6. Do not disable Security Software or Printer Software from the Start Up.
7. Many people install software that they never, and don’t uninstall it. This software can casue problems on the PC and make it run slower.  By uninstalling unused software you make sure the computer runs properly (I have seen clients with 10 Internet Explorer Toolbars Installed and they wonder why it’s a pain to use Internet Explorer)
3. Demonstration
1. CCleaner is currently free as of the creation of this video, but that may change.
2. There are many options for Tune Up Software that perform the same functions as CCleaner
3. Run the Registry Defragmenter and Temp File Cleanup Tool 3 times each to make sure everything has been cleaned up.
4. Final Thoughts
1. Defragmenting the Hard Drive does not do much, and on a 500GB+ Hard Drive will take a very long time.
2. A simple Tune Up takes 5-10 minutes and can make a huge difference.
3. Removing Viruses/ Malware is a separate task from a Tune Up.

Resources

• CCleaner

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: November 8, 2011
• Length of Class: 22 Minutes

Tracks

• Networking

Prerequisites

• Understand basic network concepts

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches students how to use NetBalancer to restrict how much network bandwidth individual applications use on a Windows computer.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Demonstration (05:47)
3. Final Thoughts (16:48)

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. Bandwidth throttling allows you to control how much bandwidth applications of computers use
2. Demonstration
1. NetBalancer allows you to view information such as the connecting IP address or Domain Name, it shows you both speed and amount of data that has been transferred
2. In order to either upload or download files you need some bandwidth in the opposite direction.  If you are downloading data you need some upload speed for client/ server communication.

Resources

• NetBalancer

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: November 7, 2011
• Length of Class: 24 Minutes

Tracks

• Virtual and Cloud Computing

Prerequisites

• Basic Understanding and Ability to Install Operating Systems

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches students how to install and use VirtualBox to run Virtual Machines on their Desktop Computer

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Demonstration (05:34)
3. Final Thoughts (22:12)

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. There are a number of pieces of software you can use to virtualize computers on your machine.  Virtual Box, Virtual PC, VMware.
2. Demonstration
1. Download the version of VirtualBox for what Operating System you will be installing it on.
2. Make sure to understand VirtualBox licensing
3. You can boot from .ISO files to install a virtual operating system
3. Final Thoughts
1. There can be issues with networking on the host machine when you run virtual machines

Resources

• virtualbox.org
• Virtual PC
• VMware Player

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: September 11, 2011
• Length of Class: 34 Minutes

Tracks

• Security / Data Integrity
• Web Design

Prerequisites

• None

Purpose of Class

• This class shows website administrators how they can use CloudFlare to make their website run faster, have more up time, be more secure and be able to easily ad functionality without having to recode webpages.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. How CloudFlare Works (01:19)
3. Using CloudFlare (14:51)
4. Demonstration (17:34)
5. Final Thoughts (28:40)

 

Class Notes

1. Introduction
1. Web Proxy Content Delivery Network – CloudFlare caches your website so that if your server goes down your visitors will still see your cached site.  The CDN means your visitors will be directed to a server that is closest to them.
2. Apps / Plugins allow to easily ad functionality to your site
3. CloudFlare can block spambots and hackers from getting to your site
4. Free/ Pay for Versions
2. How it Works
1. Create an account on CloudFlare.com
2. Change your DNS Name Server records to CloudFlare’s name Servers
3. You’re done…
3. Final Thoughts
1. Easy to setup
2. No Problems so far

Resources

• CloudFlare

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: December 17, 2010
• Length of Class: 75 Minutes

Tracks

• Cloud and Virtual Computing

Prerequisites

• None

Purpose of Class

• This class introduces students to the world of Cloud Computing and explains that Cloud Computing is more then Virtualization.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Web Applications (06:51)
3. Clustering (09:26)
4. Terminal Services (16:26)
5. Application Servers (25:13)
6. Virtualization (30:00)
7. Hosted Instances (44:05)
8. Hosted Solutions (54:41)
9. Public vs. Private Clouds (58:06)
10. Final Thoughts (60:00)

Class Notes

1. Introduction
   1. Cloud Computing is a design philosophy that breaks the Operating System and Applications  from the Hardware
2. Web Applications
   1. Are Created in Web Programming Languages
   2. Generally Use Databases to Store Data
3. Clusters
   1. Are Generally Used for Database Servers (MySQL, Microsoft Active Directory)
   2. Load is balanced between servers in a cluster.  If one server fails the cluster responds by not sending traffic to it.
   3. Servers maintain the same data by using replication
4. Terminal Services
   1. Based off of old Mainframe and Dumb Terminal Architecture
   2. Now You Use Terminal Services Servers and Thin Clients
   3. Thin Clients can be Hardware Devices or Software installed on a computer
   4. All processing happens on Terminal Services Server and the Thin Client simply gets a “Window” into the server.
   5. Example: http://www.ncomputing.com/
5. Application Servers
   1. Uses Terminal Services but instead of providing a full Environment it only delivers a specific Application.
6. Virtualization
   1. Uses Desktop Clients Software or Hypervisors to allow you to install multiple Operating Systems on to one physical server.
   2. Hypervisors
   1. 1. i.      Hypervisor is installed on the physical hardware to support the Operating Systems, and Management Software is used to configure each Virtual Machine, or Instance.
      2. ii.      VMWare uses ESXi as the Hypervisor and vSphere for the Management Software
7. Hosted Instances
   1. Examples: Amazon EC2 , Microsft Azure
   2. You Pay for Use (Storage Amount, CPU Power, RAM, Bandwidth)
   3. Edge Locations are used by some providers to allow for faster access to servers over the Internet.  You may be charged to send data from the main servers to the Edge Servers
8. Hosted Solutions
   1. Are pieces of software that are hosted by vendors using the Cloud (Hosted Exchange, Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat.com, Mozy)
9. Public vs. Private Clouds
   1. The Public Cloud is Cloud Computing used from Online Vendors
   2. Private Clouds are environments on business/organization property that use Cloud Technologies.
10. Final Thoughts….
    1. Security… Most Small Business Security is poor. Security for most small to medium sized business will be better when systems are hosted in the cloud
    2. Local and Internet Bandwidth becomes more important with Cloud Computing.  Even on the LAN you may end using all of your bandwidth.

Resources

• VirtualBox
• VMWare ESXi
• Amazon Web Services
• Microsoft Azure
• MySQL Cluster

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: December 16, 2010
• Length of Class: 44 Minutes

Tracks

• Computer Security /Integrity

Prerequisites

• None

Purpose of Class

• This class discusses the concepts required to understand how to protect user accounts from hackers.

Chapters

• Introduction (00:00)
• Username Security (04:16)
• Password Security (12:48)
• Session Security (23:30)
• Final Thoughts (34:56)

Class Notes

1. Username and Login Name
   1. The Username and Login Username do not have to be the same many times.
   2. xYYY113 can equal eli.etherton
   3. For security do not allow Login Username to be displayed automatically at login prompt.
2. Password
   1. Password complexity
   1. 1. At least 8 characters
      2. Use Numbers, Capital and Lowercase Letters in passwords
      3. Put the Capital Letter somewhere other then the first Character of a Password
      4. Put the Number somewhere other then the last Character of the Password
      5. Redrider1 is less secure then reDr1D3r
      6. Complex passwords are harder for people to remember
   2. Routinely change your passwords. Preferably every 30 days
   3. Use different passwords for different accounts
   4. There’s no shame in having a password book
3. Session Length
   1. Time of Day – You can restrict access to user accounts based on time of day
   2. Length of Sessions – You can have sessions automatically closed after a period of inactivity
   3. Location of Sessions – You can restrict access to user accounts based on geographic location of person logging in
   4. Physical Tokens – You can require use of physical tokens such as USB dongles to create sessions
4. Final Thoughts
   1. User Account Security used to mean knowing about Windows Authentication.  Now an average business user may have over 10 accounts that they have to log into in order to do there job.  By understanding the Theory behind User Account Security you can do a better job of securing your users and organization from hackers.

Resources

Info

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Date Created: December 10, 2010
• Length of Class: 39 Minutes

Tracks

• Web Publishing

Prerequisites

• Basic Website Administration

Purpose of Class

• This class teaches students how to create podcasts and create a Podcast channel on iTunes.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. What is Podcasting (01:26)
3. Podcast XML File (16:21)
4. Submitting to iTunes (29:00)
5. Final Thoughts (35:42)

Class Notes

1. What is Podcasting?
   1. Podcasting (Proper Name) uses iTunes to deliver audio or video files to iTunes users.
   2. podcasting (generic) is simply creating audio or video files that people can download.
   3. Podcasting requires 3 parts: iTunes Service -> XML file -> Web Storage for content
   1. iTunes provides no statistics/ analytics
   2. Content has to be free
   3. Files types supported: .m4a, .mp3, .mov, .mp4, .m4v, and .pdf
2. XML File
   1. The XML file is a simple text file that uses XML tags to provide information to iTunes
   2. You can create the XML file in Notepad and simply save the file with an .xml extension (Not .txt!)
3. Submitting to iTunes
   1. You need a free iTunes account
   2. In iTunes Store go to Podcasts and then select “Submit a Podcast”.  Type in full web address to your Podcast XML file (example: http://www.everymanit.com/pod.xml)
   3. It will take 24 hours or more before your Podcast shows up in iTunes
4. Final Thoughts
   1. iTunes Podcasting is a cheap and easy way to deliver multimedia content to your fans and followers.
   2. iTunes Podcasts download to subscribers computers so you can use cheap/ less reliable hosting for your content vs. streaming video services

Sample: (Copy, Paste and Edit for Your Needs)

<item>
<title>Deconstructing Failure</title>
<itunes:author>Eli the Computer Guy</itunes:author>
<itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:summary>This podcast discusses the failures of “Eli the Computer Guy” the Repair Shop. Eli discusses; why making employees salaried positions was a poor idea, that clients ask for work to be done even when they have  no idea how they will pay for it, that you should never overlook ROI for your own business, the insipid effects of sugar intolerance, and waking up to realize that the business that you have worked so hard on… kinda sucks.</itunes:summary>
<enclosure url=”http://www.everymanit.com/podcast/deconstructing_failure.mp3″ length=”" type=”audio/mpeg” />
<pubDate>Wed, 1 Dec 2010 19:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<itunes:duration>42:19</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>computer, business</itunes:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>15 Minutes of Paparazzi</title>
<itunes:author>Eli the Computer Guy</itunes:author>
<itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:summary>Andy Warhol predicted that we would all one day get our 15 minutes of fame. He neglected to mention the 15 minutes of paparazzi that goes with it.
In the modern world I believe that all professionals planning to make over $50K per year should publish their ideas, thoughts and concepts in blogs, podcasts and web videos to demonstrate to potential clients and employers their skills. The side effect of this is that some people will watch, listen or read so much of you work that they will feel that they have a personal connection with you even though you have never met.
Web publishing allows your voice to be heard by those that care which may lead to unexpected consequences.</itunes:summary>
<enclosure url=”http://www.everymanit.com/podcast/15_minutes_paparrazzi.mp3″ length=”" type=”audio/mpeg” />
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<itunes:duration>24:35</itunes:duration>
<itunes:keywords>computer, business</itunes:keywords>
</item>

</channel>

</rss>

Resources

• iTunes Making a Podcast link