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ADSL

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line service. It is called asymmetric because the download and upload speeds are not symmetrical (download is faster than upload).

ADSL2

ADSL2 (ITU G.992.3 and G.992.4) adds new features and functionality targeted at improving performance and interoperability and adds support for new applications and services. Among the changes are improvements in ADSL’s data rate, an increase in the distance ADSL can reach from the local telephone exchange, dynamic data rate adaptation, better resistance to noise, diagnostics, and a stand-by mode to save power. ADSL2 also reduces the initialisation time from more than 10 seconds (as is required for ADSL) to less than 3 seconds. ADSL2 has the same signal footprint as ADSL.

ADSL2+

ADSL2+ (ITU G.992.5) doubles the bandwidth used for downstream data transmission, effectively doubling the maximum downstream data rates, and achieving rates of 20 Mbps on telephone lines as long at 5,000 feet. ADSL2+ solutions will interoperate with ADSL and ADSL2, as well as with ADSL2+. ADSL2+ will include all the feature and performance benefits of ADSL2 while maintaining the capability to interoperate with legacy ADSL equipment.

1. Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)
2. Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP Encryption
3. Change the Default SSID
4. Enable MAC Address Filtering
5. Disable SSID Broadcast
6. Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks
7. Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices
8. Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router
9. Position the Router or Access Point Safely
10. Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use

Steps to help remove a virus:
1.
Visit Microsoft Update and install the latest updates.

2.
If you currently use antivirus software, visit the manufacturer’s Web site, update your software, and then perform a thorough scan of your computer. If you don’t use antivirus software, subscribe to a service and scan your computer immediately.

3.
Download, install, and run the Malicious Software Removal Tool. Note that this tool does not prevent viruses from infecting your system; it helps to remove existing viruses.

By default, most routers are configured to offer virtually no security features, allowing anyone  to access your network. Unfortunately, this allows others to use packet sniffing software to  record your traffic, potentially including the names of sites you visit, electronic mail texts, and  the passwords used to access non-secure webpages.

If you are setting up a wireless network at your home or business, in your wireless router  configuration you may have come across the option to use either WEP or WPA security to help  encrypt your data. What are the basic differences between the two?

(Note this article covers only the basics and does not discuss enterprise implementations of these protocols.)

* WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy, is an older method for securing wireless networks from snoopers by encrypting information sent to and from the router from computers and other network devices. While WEP is supported by most all devices that support wireless security, this type of encryption is relatively easy to break. Thus, if you use WEP security, many hackers will still be able to see what websites you visit, what search terms you use, etc. Note that accessing HTTPS (HTTP Secure) websites over WEP will offer limited protection.

* WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a much more secure method of encrypting information sent over wireless networks. Several different types of WPA security are available, the one most users will run across is called WPA-PSK. This uses a 8-63 character passphrase that must be stored on the router and sent by each device that wishes to access the network. The longer the passphrase, theoretically the stronger the protection, so if you implement this protocol, please do not use passphrases such as “computer” or your first name. These can easily be guessed by hackers.

While WPA offers more security, it is not supported by some older devices and operating systems.

* WPA2 is like WPA but offers a stronger encryption algorithm, among other features. As with WPA, some older operating systems and hardware do not support this standard. As with the WPA protocol, use a longer passphrase to increase your network security.

• Default home page changes to a different page; commonly an adult oriented web page
• Computer slows down
• New tools in the browser such as anew search toolbar is installed or added to the browser
• Default search engine or other settings changed.

Unfortunately, many of the software programs designed to hijack a computer’s browser are intentionally designed to be difficult to remove and/or detect. Below are recommendations on how these types of programs can be prevented and/or removed.
Free programs

When installing free programs , read the disclaimers and watch for additional programs that are being installed. Many times these programs are supported by automatically installing spyware programs.

If you no longer use these programs on a regular basis, uninstalling these programs will (but not always) also uninstall any associated software that is included with them.
Add/Remove programs

If you are running Microsoft Windows and you have noticed a program that you do not wish to use or want uninstalled, see if the program can be removed through Add/Remove programs in the Control panel.

All of the legitimate companies that install toolbars onto your computer should be able to be removed through the Add/Remove programs icon in the control panel. Some examples include the Alexa Toolbar, Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar, and Windows Live Toolbar.

If the spyware program you’re attempting to uninstall cannot be uninstalled or gets reinstalled when you reboot the computer. Boot the computer into Safe Mode and then uninstall the program while in Safe Mode. Additional information about getting into Safe Mode can be found on document CHSAFE.
Restore browser settings

Some web pages and programs are designed to automatically change your browser’s settings. For example, a web page or program may automatically change your default home page to an alternate home page. These types of issues can be corrected by following the below steps.
Close all browser windows so that only one window is open.
Visit an alternate safe site such as Computer Hope or Google.
Correct the settings changed, such as changing your home page back to your original home page. Additional help and information about changing your browser’s settings can be found on our browser help pages.
Once the settings have been changed and applied, close out of the browser window.
The next time the browser is opened it should have the correct settings. However, if the site that changed your browser settings is visited again, it is likely that the settings will be changed again. This issue can be prevented with many of the spyware / adware programs that are available today.
Spyware / Adware / Malware detection and removal programs

Because of the ever-growing threat of these types of programs, many companies and individuals have developed programs that help prevent, detect, and remove these types of programs. Below is a listing of a few of the programs you may wish to consider.

• Microsoft’s Windows Defender
• Ad-aware from Lavasoft
• Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software
• Spybot Search and Destroy
• SpywareBlaster from Javacool Software
• HijackThis by Merijn.
• Ewido (online scanner) www.ewido.com

Mr Hemant Prakash (hprakash@prakashlawyers.net.au)

Welcome to the iTechNSK Consulting blog , we will over the weeks try to provide you with advice in area’s of ;

1. Computer maintenance
2. PC recovery
   • Data
   • Photos
3. Virus detection
4. Spyware removal (advice)