Category: Technology

Microsoft Group: Some Spyware Not Worth Fighting

eWeek.com has an article online in which Microsoft’s Security Solutions group program manager Mike Danseglio states:

“When you are dealing with rootkits and some advanced spyware programs, the only solution is to rebuild from scratch. In some cases, there really is no way to recover without nuking the systems from orbit.”

Danseglio’s comments came from a presentation at the recent Infosec World conference.

While it’s true that many of the more advanced types of spyware can be difficult to remove, they’re not impossible to get rid of. In the end, however, the end-user must keep in mind the cost in time and effort to remove spyware in an existing setup, versus doing a full system restore, update and then data recovery.

Danseglio recommended end-users make use of free antispyware programs such as Spybot Search & Destroy, RootkitRevealer and of course Microsoft’s Windows Defender to protect themselves.

One thing to remember, however, is how many of these programs are primarily designed as reactive scanners, designed to remove spyware after it’s already infected your machine. Windows Defender does, however, run in a proactive scanning mode similar to that of your average antivirus program.

In my experience, however, Microsoft’s antispyware program has allowed just enough borderline spyware through due to legal concerns that I generally recommend Webroot’s Spysweeper for the average consumer’s desktop or laptop.
And, as always, get into the habit of backing up important documents to media that you can keep safe, such as a thumbdrive, CD/DVD or external harddrive.

Geek Squad and Wireless Networks

C|Net has a brief article available online that talks about the troubles average consumers face when trying to setup their own wireless networks.

The article talks about the large return rates on most consumer networking equipment, as well as how some people are turning to computer support organizations such as the Geek Squad.

As an on-site Agent for Geek Squad, I often come across people similar to those in the article, who’ve tried to setup the hardware themselves, but quickly get bogged down in confusing instructions filled with terms like ‘Network Address Translation’ or ‘MAC Address’.

I’ve found that the ability to speak in plain english about exactly what it is you’re doing and how the client can best use the technology is equally as important as the ability to setup the client’s equipment quickly and correctly.

LG-LRM-519 Digital Video Recorder

LG LRM-519 Digital Video Recorder

While searching for a replacement for my dead series 1 TiVo a month ago, I came across the LG LRM-519 digital video recorder.

The $599 digital video recorder features a 160GB harddrive, progressive-scan DVD-R/RW player and burner, built-in ethernet networking port and a free Microsoft Program Guide subscription for the life of the unit. The software that runs the unit is based off of Microsoft’s Windows XP Media Center Edition in a similar way that the TiVo is based off the Linux operating system.

After having used the device for several weeks now, I feel comfortable pointing out a few of the strengths and weaknesses of the unit. Probably the biggest thing that I miss as a former TiVo owner is the wonderful user-interface that TiVo has perfected for their devices. However, the LRM-519’s Windows Media Center interface is still easy enough to use that my parents seem to have no problem navigating through the options.

I also miss the TiVo remote, which made getting to any particular feature easy enough to do by feel alone. The included remote often takes one or two more button pushes to get to a similar feature as the TiVo. The buttons are also smaller and easier to mix up when attempting to find something by touch alone.

On the other hand, finally having a DVD recorder to back-up recorded programs to disc is a definite improvement over my series 1 TiVo. The LRM-519 also features the ability to transfer video files across my network to a Windows XP PC using a Netgear wireless USB adapter I purchased separately, though I could have simply used the included ethernet cable as well. That same network connection allows the LRM-519 to play music and display photos stored on Windows XP machines using downloadable software from Microsoft.

Overall, the LRM-519’s features put it in good standing with the more expensive TiVo series 2 devices that feature DVD recorders. It also has the advantage of including the networking features and life-time program guide free, compared to the additional cost you’ll find yourself paying with the TiVo. At the same time, the TiVo features a superior user-interface and ease of use, which is definitely something the end-user will need to consider.