I run a Linux server which is physically located at a 1and1 Data Centre in Germany. It runs Fedora Linux and SWsoft’s Plesk management software. I’ve had it a few years and I’m happy enough with it.
Here’s a bunch of resources I’ve found to be useful whilst doing various admin tasks on this system:
I’ve decided to start (b)logging some of the PC problems that I fix, especially the viruses and trojans and suchlike.
A client’s WindowsXP PC was brought in to me yesterday because it was behaving oddly—amongst other things I noted that:
Using a bit of software by Sysinternals called Autoruns I stopped the system from executing files ‘C:\WINDOWS\system32\anti_troj.exe’ and ‘C:\WINDOWS\system32\antiav_exe.exe’ on boot. This then allowed me to successfully re-install the broken software (AVG and ZoneAlarm) and get the system running ok again.
After re-installing AVG and updating its definition files, I scanned the system and found ‘Virus: I-Worm/Bagle’ and successfully cleaned it up. The system seemed to have no other viruses or spyware on it.
I believe the users of this PC surf exclusively with Firefox, so my theory is that the virus came as an email attachment, or it was possibly transmitted via instant messaging.
Firstly: know your enemy!
Basic wash cycle to clean icky Windows:-
…and rinse
For grime that proves harder to shift:-
For persistent problem stains, try a different angle:-
…and repeat
On Windows PCs, it is necessary—for a number of reasons—to replace IE. I do it with these:-
…again… and again… and again…
Some years ago I programmed a few projects for the NES (Nintendo’s 8-bit games console, famed for the original Mario Bros games)—since then, things have moved on a long way in the world of games consoles…
…which is why I was so impressed when I discovered Grand Theftendo.
Grand Theftendo is a new homebrew game for the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is a tribute to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto III running on the 8 bit, 256×240 resolution, 2 bit colour x 2 bit palette, 1.79 Mhz system, written entirely in 6502 Assembly Language!
It’s truly amazing what some people will do in their spare time—he’s even written his own 6502 assembler!
I’ve been looking at various WordPress plugins for a website I’ve been building, but also with a view to using some of them here, on my own blog. During my travels, I also discovered the tremendously useful Blogging Pro page about Wordpress plugins too.
I found two plugins that I immediately liked and installed—both here and on the other site I’m developing too.
…and also, for this other site I’ve been working on, I am making use of a handy plugin called Customizable Post Listings.
