Dennis Faas

Speaking of securing your PC and keeping it protected from Hackers -- Infopackets Reader Riad S. writes: " Dear Dennis, I run Windows XP. I recently ran the Windows Update scan (by clicking Start -> Windows Update) and now it gets stuck at 0% ... activity, then finally aborts with an error message that reads: ' Windows Update Error. Windows Update has encountered an error and cannot display the requested page. Error no.(0x800C0005) '. I tried all suggestions on the error page, but with no result. Can you please help?" My response: According to updateXP.com , the hexadecimal error ... (view more)

Earlier this week, I informed Readers that our web server was assaulted with a Distributed Denial of Service ( DDoS ) attack. After writing Tuesday's article, I invited some comments from Readers concerning the attack. Infopackets Reader Steve S. ... writes: " Dear Dennis, The likelihood that the DDoS attack was a result of your recent article on web security is most likely not the case. I would tend to look at this issue from a more statistical point of view by mapping out the available data on who gets attacked, where and when. For this reason, I believe that the attack on your server was ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Becks1969' writes: " Dear Dennis, When I try to download my pictures off my camera or my memory card, it doesn't seem to do anything -- and some times, my camera beeps. I used to be able to do this, but now my camera software ... doesn't even ask me if I want to download my pictures. Would you have any idea what I need to do to try to get this working again? I have been reading your newsletters and a lot of your information has helped me a great deal. I'm hoping you might be able to help me with this matter." My response: A number of things may prohibiting your ... (view more)

Dear Infopackets Reader s, Over the weekend, our web server was attacked by hacker(s). Although security was not compromised, the attack resulted in the web server being temporarily shut down until my hosting company could safely implement a data ... mitigation filter to deflect the attack. In a nutshell, the attackers sent a flood of information to the web server and caused it to "choke" on incoming requests. Because the attack originated from multiple IP addresses (I.E.: from more than one computer), this type of attack is referred to as a DDoS attack (or, Distributed Denial of ... (view more)

Have you ever been in a jam -- and to top it all off, your computer won't boot? Infopackets Reader Donald C. writes: " Dennis, I just read your May 19th article on ' Access old user account files under WinXP? ' where a Reader was unable to access ... his files stored via a hidden system folder. I just wanted to comment by saying that I've come across a great program -- actually, it's a bootable CD ROM image -- that can be used to access files on your hard drive: all within a Windows environment. If you can't find a better way to access files inside of XP, try doing it OUTSIDE of XP! Bart ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Brenda M. writes: " Dear Dennis, I emailed you this morning about a PC crash and a list of errors I get when trying to boot the computer. Eventually, the PC does start, but now it that some of my device drivers are missing. I can ... not connect to my ISP and I can not sign on to the internet. My OS is Windows 98SE. I am using another persons PC that I have access to on a daily basis. Is there a way that I can get the drivers to work again? " My response: You didn't mention how your computer connects to the Internet. At any rate, you will need to: Identify the device ... (view more)

With respect to yesterday's feature article regarding new changes affecting our web site, Infopackets Reader Paul B. sent me the following Visitor Feedback: " Dear Dennis, Just a quick comment: Keep up the good work! I have never been disappointed ... with infopackets or any of the products I have purchased thru the site. Thanks for that. I do have one question, however. I just read the 06/01/2004 issue of the Gazette, where you reported that you are writing web scripts [I.E.: special web server programs] in order to transform the layout of the infopackets web site. In writing this email to ... (view more)

Recall -- Last week, Infopackets Reader Jenny C. asked if I knew of a freeware greeting card program. She wrote: " I am wondering if you could help me: I have been trying to find a small (and hopefully free) software program to create ordinary ... greeting cards -- one that I can put my own pictures or clipart on, write my own verse, and mail it (via snail mail) to friends. I used to use a greeting card program that came pre-packaged with my computer, but the program has expired and I can no longer use it. I would love to make my own greeting cards and I am sure other subscribers would too. ... (view more)

With the main web server upgrade finally complete, I have decided to up the ante by implementing a new 'control panel' which revolutionizes the way that users interact with our newsletter and web site content. In a nutshell, the new layout will ... allow Readers to post comments after each newsletter article, jump to relevant topics, download complete issues via email, search past issues, and much more. This change comes after announcing last week that our newsletter will soon be available via RSS news feeds . Other changes I also plan to re-write the newsletter delivery program so that email ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Chris W. writes: " Dear Dennis, I'm having a little problem running my wireless laptop PC. It seems every time someone in my home picks up one of the cordless phone, the Internet service from the Linksys is interrupted. The ... Linksys router is attached to my sons desktop computer. Do you any solution to this problem? " My response: Unfortunately, I'm still using old technology which requires me to use wires to connect more than one computer to my router. I did, however, forward this question to Jake Ludington and he was able to shed some insight. Jake comments: ... (view more)