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The Computer Forensic Toolkit
The Computer Forensic Toolkit
Computer forensics has been garnering a lot if interest due to the increase of cyber crimes. The need for computer forensic experts is steadily increasing. As the technology continues to develop criminals and offenders find a way to catch up. The Computer has become an important part of your lives.
It has changed the way we work and live. This is why it has become the target of criminals and offenders. Computer forensics helps combat crimes. It is also necessary for them to avoid mistakes and make sure that they do their job. Fortunately a computer forensic toolkit is available to make sure that they got all the bases covered.
Computer forensics is complex. It needs careful preparation and procedures must be followed diligently. It may look easy in television but computer forensics takes a lot steps. If any of these steps are missed the evidence can be tampered. The evidence will be inadmissible in court and the computer forensic analyst may face a lawsuit.
The right tools for the right job
Like any other job we need the right tools for it. These tools are important to be able to do your job well and avoid mistakes as much as possible. If you’re a computer forensic expert you cannot afford to make a mistake. Any evidence should be handled carefully and properly.
Any IT professional can retrieve data but they are not trained in evidence techniques that are necessary for the job. In most cases the computer system is taken from owners even though they have provided consent. If the data and the machine are compromised the computer forensic analyst may face a lawsuit.
The computer forensic toolkit reduces the risk of making mistakes while doing your investigation. It also serves as a guide and framework to be able to have a smooth investigation. It also serves as en educational guide for newcomers that will provide the technical and legal know how to a forensic investigation.
A computer forensics toolkit is available online. Unfortunately it not free and costs 9. It’s a comprehensive guide for both the beginner and the veteran. To keep with the continuing changes in the technology tools such as these are important for a faster and more efficient forensic investigation. Computer forensics is not exactly one of those jobs wherein you can erase your mistake and begin over.
The whole tool kit can be viewed in MS word format for easier reading. The first part of the toolkit is the Introduction and Guide. It contains a comprehensive overview of computer forensics with an outline for the whole procedure. The next is Management Presentation. It is followed by forensics report template which provides a guide in making consistent reports.
Essential Forensics Forms, as the name suggests contains all requisite forms for documentation. Manuals and Procedures contain all the steps done in the forensic laboratory. Forensic glossary contains all the terms. Forensic resources contain the FAQ, cost estimator, case studies and valuable tips.
There’s checklist to keep track of your progress. The last but not the least is the Tool Reference Catalog which contains the list of documents and software tools that you need.
The toolkit will provide the know how for any newcomer and a reviewer for the veteran. Every analyst should keep abreast with the times to make sure that the criminals won’t overtake them.
Memory Upgrades: An Inexpensive Way To Boost Computer Performance
Memory Upgrades: An Inexpensive Way To Boost Computer Performance
Many people buy a computer with only the minimum amount of memory (RAM) installed. The reasons for this vary, but usually computers with the minimum amount of RAM are cheaper than the others, so appear to be a bargain.
Other folks have older computers that might have had a reasonable amount of memory installed at the time of purchase, but struggle to keep up with the memory requirements of modern applications. Installing additional memory is a relatively inexpensive way to boost performance in old and new computers alike.
If your computer is 2-3 years old and it is running somewhat slow, then it’s worth considering purchasing a memory upgrade before lashing out on a new computer. The majority of people that I talk to about computer memory upgrades (especially those with a computer over 2 years old) are surprised at the increase in overall performance after installing a memory upgrade. Typically it can extend the useable life of the average computer by another 2-3 years, at a mere fraction of the cost of buying a new one.
Installing a memory upgrade is usually a simple process, requiring at most a phillips screwdriver to either undo the memory hatch on your notebook, or to remove the case if you have a desktop pc. Once you have access to the memory slots, it’s just a simple matter of pushing the memory module into the spare slot firmly, closing the hatch or putting the case back on, putting the screw back in, and rebooting the computer.
It can be a more complicated exercise if your memory slots are fully populated, but a competent memory supplier should be able to provide you with advice on the upgrade options available and whether or not you will need to remove one or more of the existing modules to make room for larger ones.
The question a lot of people ask me when considering buying a memory upgrade is “What size memory upgrade should I buy?”
I usually answer this with a question: “Tell me about the sort of things you use your computer for?”
Generally speaking I recommend you install 512mb if you are running Windows XP on your computer. Microsoft say that the minimum is far less, but it really is the minimum in my opinion. 512Mb of installed memory will give you enough room for Windows XP to load, and a little spare for a couple of web browser windows, an email client, antivirus application, and a spreadsheet or word processor.
If you run OSX or a flavour of Linux, I still recommend 512mb as a minimum.
If you only have the generally accepted minimum of 256mb, this is barely enough to load Windows XP. As you start up other applications, your pc will begin to allocate “virtual” memory. This means that a section of your computers hard drive is used for moving around data in the same way that physical memory is used, only it goes a lot slower.
If you do photo editing in addition to the basics, think about going up to 1GB of installed memory. If you are a home video buff or play a lot of computer games, then 2GB is really going to keep you productive. (Is gaming productive?).
Memory upgrades are available from many different sources, and made by a lot of different manufacturers. Kingston are probably the best known manufacturer, and they make modules for most of the top OEM’s, who rebrand Kingston memory as their own.
Before purchasing an RAM upgrade, be sure to ask if the memory is guaranteed to be compatible with your PC or laptop, and is backed by a no-quibble return policy. Always make sure a lifetime warranty applies as well.
So if you or your kids are complaining about their latest computer game running too slow, consider that you might not need to buy a new computer even if it is a couple of years old, but simply upgrade the one you have with some more memory. It can make a world of difference, and make your computing investment last a lot longer.
Computer Software From Microsoft
Computer Software From Microsoft
There are various different items for computer software from Microsoft. The famous computing company has various different types of software products. This includes operating systems like the famous Windows programs and productivity programs like the Microsoft Office series. There are informative programs from Microsoft and even gaming software programs. Here is a look into some of the many types of computer software that are available from Microsoft.
The Windows series operating systems are the most recognizable of all computer software from Microsoft. Windows Vista is the most recent product in the Windows product line. Windows XP is also used, but some people still use older Windows systems like Windows 2000 and 98.
Windows products are unique in that they are operating systems that work to make things easier for computer users to handle. This includes finding files and programs with ease through simple navigation menus on the system, but it also makes it so that more experienced users will be able to access all parts of the computer. Separate versions of Windows operating systems include home editions that are used for simplicity and business editions that work to help with improving small business productivity.
The Windows Office series is another of the top products of computer software from Microsoft. These programs in the Office series work to help increase productivity for both businesses and the home. There are basic editions of the Office series products but there are also editions available for small businesses and for students. These packages all contain different programs that will be useful for different groups of people, so not all Office programs will be on each of them.
The Windows Office programs include Word, which is a word processing program, and Excel, which is a spreadsheet production program. Outlook works to help make email easier to receive and read, and PowerPoint works to create presentations for business or the home. There are various other Office programs, including Publisher, Access, InfoPath, OneNote and Groove, but not all Office program packages will include all of them.
A good vacation can be something that anyone can use, and with computer software from Microsoft, it can help with preparing a vacation. MapPoint and Streets and Trips are among the parts of computer software from Microsoft that is popular. MapPoint creates stronger data mapping and analysis for the Office series of programs. Streets and Trips can produce trip-planning solutions that can make it easier to travel and find information on businesses and hotels on the way. AutoRoute, meanwhile, is used for travels throughout Europe.
Internet programs can be used as one of the many forms of products from Microsoft. MSN Messenger, which is a Microsoft Network program, can be used to create text or video communications with other people who are online. Connection software is also great for people who are looking for Microsoft programs. Internet Explorer is an especially popular online surfing browser that is easy to use and maintain.
The Windows Media Player is a popular product offered by the company. This works to help play audio and video files on a computer, and various different formats are supported by it. Media library organization and CD-R editing technology is also available.
The last of the different types of computer software from Microsoft are the many games. Various computer games are available from Microsoft. The Flight Simulator and Age of Empires series are highly popular games from the company. Some games that have been incredibly successful on the Xbox gaming system, including the Halo series and Shadowrun, are also available.
The world of computer software from Microsoft is indeed great with all different sorts of products. From major programs like operating systems to productivity programs and ones for entertainment and gaming there are many products that can make a computer better and more enjoyable. These programs can all be found at a store that sells computer software.
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Fix Computer Free: The 7 Commandments
Fix Computer Free: The 7 Commandments
Do you become glassy-eyed when technicians spout computerese? Can’t they just speak in plain, simple English when they fix computer snags? Here is hope. Read on.
Should you beware of geeks preaching fast fix computer free?
Do you have computer problems? The most common is the slowing down of the system. Fix computer experts say this is the easiest to tackle. They list down 7 commandments to successfully rev up an arthritic unit. Don’t despair. It’s all in simple English! People want to know what’s wrong with their computers and how to fix computer free of hitches, so open the door to the geeks bearing tweaks. They will save your day.
A free fix computer guide everybody would die for
Whether you like it or not, or pretend not to know, your electronic playmate will eventually encounter problems. This is the most dreaded part of owning a PC which becomes your better half – for better or for worse, till glitch do you part. But will you allow it? Of course not. A frantic call to a fix computer service shop will be the order of the day.
This fix computer free guide is good for slowing PCs. This may be caused by a lot of things – downloading big files like games and images and adding those very important dictionaries. There are also other reasons and these are very simple, like improperly plugged cables. Imagine that.
1. Restart your computer. Surely, this is basic and everybody has gotten the hang of this. Close all files and go to the main menu. Click shut down computer. You are immediately given multiple choices: Shutdown computer, restart computer, or log off. Click restart and run scan disk. In most cases PCs come to life again with just a restart. There is built-in software that revives the PC. Sometimes you will encounter a frozen case. This means your computer just won’t shut down. Unplug it and let it rest. After 30 minutes (just to be on the safe side), plug it back in. It will work fine.
2. Check your computer cables. Are the cables in their proper sockets?
3. Check the computer wires. Are they all plugged into the outlets?
4. Are the outlets in working condition? Better be careful about this, though.
5. Remove peripherals, such as mouse, keyboard, scanner, and external hard drives, and reset the computer. Observe if the computer gains speed without these excess baggage. Listen if there are strange sounds. Check the lights. Are they on?
6. When you unplug your unit take a peek inside. Are the cards and the wires properly installed? A practiced eye may spot any irregularity. Don’t worry, in time you’ll make perfect. Double check the wires before you turn the PC on.
7. Check out any missing Windows devices. This is another reason for your PC’s reduced speed. It is missing something. Go to the Start menu, settings, and then the control panel. Click the Device Manager tab. If you see an exclamation mark, then it is missing a system. You can delete this drive by right clicking it. Also reboot the system when you’re through.
Remember if you have installed any software. Try thinking back if the problem started then. If it did, uninstall this software and test the computer’s speed. Reinstall Windows. This may be the clue. There is no need to reformat your PC, unless you really have to. Use your installation CD and double click the setup.exe file.
If all these 7 commandments do not work, then seek the fix computer expert or the geek bearing tweaks.
Taking Care of Your Computer – 7 Useful Tips
Taking Care of Your Computer – 7 Useful Tips
There are many reasons why you should take care of your computer. Number one, is that it’s a major investment for most people and you would probably like to keep it running for as long as possible.
There are various things that you can do to help prolong the life of your PC, both hardware and software wise. It’s always a good idea to keep your computer clean. A clean computer runs faster and lasts longer.
Here are some ways to clean and maintain the software (your operating system) on your pc.
1. Run the defragmenter utility, at least once every month or two. In Windows XP this can be done by going to your Start menu, then All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then select Disk Defragmenter. The defragmenter will help ensure that your files are located at the right place on the hard drive and should boost the overall speed of your computer.
2. Clean up old files. When you install/uninstall software frequently it can leave many unwanted files in temporary and system folders. In Windows XP, you should run the Disk Cleanup utility once and a while to clean things up. This utility can be found by clicking the Start menu, then All Programs Accessories, System Tools, then select Disk Cleanup
3. Scan for viruses. Viruses can cause your computer to be slow or not work at all. You should always have a good virus scanner installed and keep it up to date. Some well known virus scanners are Norton, McAfee, and AVG.
4. Scan for other malware. Other malware can include spyware, adware, key loggers, and Trojan horses. These pieces of software can get installed without your knowledge when you install another program or visit a website. They can cause your PC to slow down considerably. Spybot Search & Destroy and Adaware are two well known malware scanners.
Here are some ways you can keep your hardware running smoothly.
1. Clean out the dust. Computers are notorious for accumulating dust. Every once and a while you should open it up and clean it out. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or a can of dust remover.
2. Keep your PC cool. You should always make sure that you keep your computer in a well ventilated area. By doing this you help keep the PC cool and, therefore, will prolong the life of your hardware.
3. Buy quality hardware. When you buy new components for your PC try and get good quality parts. If you get components from respected manufacturers you can be sure that you will get good technical support and the parts will be well made and not cause problems with other hardware.
Theses are just a few little tips to help you keep your computer running for a long time. There are many other things that can be done but by following these few tips you can be sure that you will reduce future computer problems.