How to Build a Kid Friendly Computer

Do you worry about your children using your computer? What trouble can they get into on the Internet? What harm could they do to your important data? Why not build them a computer of their own?

Build your children a computer using some inexpensive parts that you buy online or recycle an older computer. The child's computer doesn't have to be very powerful or loaded with memory. Just build something functional that they can call their own. If the hard drive is used, format it in order to wipe it completely clean. Install an operating system that you are familiar with. For this example, we will use Windows XP. Once the operating system is installed, remove all applications that your child doesn't need. This should free up quite a bit of space and remove a lot of distracting icons. Install some fun children's learning games and create shortcuts for them on the desktop.

Customize the computer to match your child's tastes. Apply cool stickers to the computer case or even paint it a wild color. Adjust the screen resolution so that the text and icons are larger and easy to see. Change the background on the desktop to a colorful splash with some familiar cartoon characters that your children will recognize. Once you have everything set the way you like it, create a store point using System Restore. This is found by clicking the "START" button and going to All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore. Chose the option for creating a restore point and name the restore point description something easy to identify, like the current date. Now, if your child changes a critical setting by accident, you can restore the computer to perfect working order.

Take control of your child's online experience. Buy a router and configure it with policies that restrict the times that they can access the Internet. For even more control, purchase Internet monitoring software that will block websites based on your criteria. Use Windows Remote Assistance software or one of many available remote access programs to monitor your children's activities if they are located in another room or if their monitor isn't visible to you. You can also configure your router to save a log file of the pages they visit that they cannot delete unless they have access to the router.

Password-protect your own computer and leave it logged off when you are away from it to encourage your children to use their own computer. Check the permissions on your computer and turn off sharing to the root of your hard drive. You will not have to worry about them accidentally deleting your files or infecting your computer with any malicious viruses. Let them have all the fun they want with their computer and if they mess it up, just reformat it and start all over.


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How to Snoop-proof Your Computer

Do you worry about people snooping around on your computer or trying to use software or underhanded tricks to spy on you? Be proactive. Learn what signs to look for and how to protect your private information.

One of the most obvious ways that people spy on unsuspecting computer users is to access their computer while they're not around. Improve your security by setting a BIOS password, also known as a "power-on password. To set a BIOS password, you must access the BIOS during start up. If your computer is set to display messages during start-up, it will briefly display the correct key to press in order to access the BIOS. If this message does not appear, try repeatedly pressing the "Esc" key or the "F1" key during the boot sequence. Once you have accessed the BIOS, follow the onscreen menu to set the password. Write down the password or use something very easy to remember because it is difficult to reset this password if you forget it. BIOS passwords are not a 100% fool-proof method for keeping out snoops. Someone who knows what they are doing can bypass a BIOS password if they have enough time to remove the case and gain access to the motherboard. If this happens, you would know it the next time you used the computer because it would no longer require the password or your password would no longer work if they changed it.

Give would-be snoopers one more obstacle by setting an operating system password for every user account that accesses the computer, especially the administrator account. The administrator account is often overlooked and left unprotected by Windows users as it is hidden by default. None of these passwords are effective if the computer is left logged-on all the time. Log off the computer when it is not in use and power it down while you're away.

Other tools that snoops use against you are various spyware programs with capabilities that include, capturing images of your screen, recording your keystrokes (key loggers), tracking your internet browsing history, intercepting email and instant messages or even recording through the computer's attached web cam and microphone. It's difficult enough to prevent intrusion on your computer by unknown attackers accessing your computer through the Internet. It's even more devastating when you are blindsided by friends, family, or guests in your home who snoop into your privacy.

To combat this, begin by uninstalling any programs that you do not regularly use. If possible, do a complete reformat of the hard drive and reinstall only the operating system and the programs you use the most. For Windows users, identify all of the programs that are required to operate the computer using the Windows Task Manager, which may be found by pressing the "CTL", "ALT", and "Delete" buttons quickly in sync. Write down a list of all of the entries under the "Applications" tab and then do the same for the "Processes" tab. Update this list each time you install something new. Grant your primary user account administrative rights to the computer and disable the ability to install programs from all other accounts. Each time you use the computer to access personal information, check your list against the Windows Task Manager and if you find any suspicious entries, identify them by searching for their exact name on Google.

Periodically check the connection from your keyboard to your computer to verify that no add-on devices have been installed without your knowledge. There are hardware devices that function just like software key loggers, which are capable of recording your keystrokes. They may be installed by disconnecting the keyboard and then connecting it through the device into the computer. They are small and almost undetectable unless you are looking for them. Also look for any unidentified USB devices that may be connected to the computer, most likely in the back. A USB wireless access point could be left attached and allow someone to compromise the computer at their leisure without having physical access to it.

If you use a wireless network, log into the router and be sure the wireless connection is secured. Try accessing the network from an unauthorized device and see if you are able to get in. Keep up-to-date antivirus and internet security software running on the computer to thwart malicious attacks from viruses, Trojans, and other forms of malware. If you are still not satisfied with these measures of security, purchase an external or removable hard drive and take it with you wherever you go. Store your private information on this drive and not on the shared computer.


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How to Build a Trojan Horse

Don’t let your enemies get the best of you. Build a Trojan Horse and take care of the problem from within!

Develop your plan. When things get out of hand and your worst adversaries have gained an advantage over you, do not despair. All is not lost. If you carefully observe your enemy and discover their biggest weakness, you can use it against them. The premise of the Trojan Horse is simple, yet very clever. As the story goes, the Greeks, after many years of trying to siege the city of Troy, built a large wooden horse, hid warriors inside and then retreated. When the Trojans thought they had claimed victory, the horse was pulled through the gates of the city. This allowed the intruders to sneak out during the night and open the gates from within for the rest of the army to attack.

Analyze your opponent. You do not need to build anything as elaborate as a large wooden horse in order to get the best of someone. All you need to do is determine what they want the most. For the Trojans, it was defending what was theirs and claiming victory. For a co-worker, maybe it is to be the center of attention. For a bully or abusive spouse, it may be power or acceptance. For an opposing school, it may be a shut-out victory over your football team. These are the things that you can use to your advantage if you just learn how.

Put your plan into action. Find out what is most dear to your adversary. Secretly attain this thing for yourself, whether it is tangible or otherwise. Then, let them believe that they too can have or share what you have acquired. If you are really trying to interest them in something, the best way is to plant the idea subtly into their mind and let them believe it is their own. Ambition has a way of distracting people and exposing their vulnerable side. This will work in your favor.

Do not allow yourself to be vulnerable to attacks. This applies to every aspect of your life. Be sure your business and your home are secure. Protect your computer so that people cannot infect it with malicious code and take it over. Watch your personal information, your money, and your belongings and keep them safe. Do not let someone use your weaknesses against you. Protect your identity at all costs.

Go for victory! When the time is right, attack your adversary! Strip them of their undeserved credit, or expose them for who or what they are. Take back what is not rightfully theirs. Use what you've learned to gain the upper hand. Victory is yours!


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How to Connect a Microsoft XBOX to a PC

Would you like to play video games in your computer room without using a stand-alone television? Play your Microsoft XBOX game system on the same monitor that your computer uses. It’s not that hard to set up.

Buy an inexpensive TV tuner card or video capture device. Find one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card has a PCI connection, check inside your computer for an available PCI slot. Also verify that the tuner card has the correct input jacks so that it will be compatible with your Microsoft XBOX adaptor. You may have to buy a different adaptor for the XBOX. Install the tuner card in your PC and install the necessary software and drivers.

Connect your XBOX to the tuner card's input jack using a coaxial connection or A/V. The software included with the card will provide you a full-screen window to view the tuner card's input source.  Insert a game and power ON the XBOX. A splash screen should appear for the Microsoft XBOX on your computer monitor. Now play till your heart's content.


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How to Connect a Nintendo Wii to a PC

In some rooms, it is not practical to have multiple television sets. If you spend a lot of time at your computer and you would like to play your Nintendo Wii game system on the same monitor that your computer uses, it’s not that difficult to set up.

Purchase a cheap TV tuner card or video capture device from either your local electronics store or online. Be sure to choose one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card is a PCI card, check inside your computer for an available PCI slot. Also verify that the tuner card has the correct input jacks that will be compatible with your Nintendo Wii adaptor. You may have to purchase a different adaptor for the Nintendo Wii, but that should be easy to find. Install the tuner card in your computer and install the necessary software and drivers.

Connect your Nintendo Wii to the tuner card's input jack via coaxial connection or A/V. The software included with the card should allow you to view the tuner card's input source in a full-screen window. Be sure to set the Nintendo Wii's light bar on top of your computer monitor so that the controls will function properly.  Insert a game and turn the power to the Nintendo Wii on. You should see the splash screen for the Nintendo Wii appear on your computer monitor and you should hear sounds from the game playing from your computer's speakers.


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How to Connect a Playstation to a PC

Connect your Playstation game system to the same monitor that your computer uses, it’s easy and inexpensive set up.

Buy a cheap TV tuner card or video capture device from an electronics store or from the Internet. Locate one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card uses a PCI connection, look for an available PCI slot inside your computer. Does the tuner card have the correct input jacks that will be compatible with your Playstation adaptor? You may need a different adaptor for the Playstation, but that should be easy to locate. Install the tuner card into your computer and load the drivers.

Connect the Playstation to the input jack on the tuner card via the coaxial connection or A/V. View the tuner card's input source in a full-screen window using the software included with the card.  Power the Playstation on. The splash screen for the Playstation will appear on your computer monitor. You should hear the game's music from your computer's speakers. Don't stay up too late playing.


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How to Break a PC Password

So you forgot the password to your computer and you need to regain access? This article will show you a few useful methods for gaining access to your password-protected PC.

Some of these methods may or may not work, depending on the age and the type of computer or laptop you are using. Please only try this on your own computer or on a computer for which someone has specifically asked for your assistance. The first few steps refer to the BIOS password and the last refers to the operating system password.

To reset a BIOS password, the password prompt that you must pass in order for the PC to boot, you could try clearing the CMOS settings by jumping the corresponding pins on the motherboard. Open the PC case and carefully try to locate the pins labeled "Clear" or "PWD" assuming those pins exist on your particular motherboard. If you are able to locate them, place a jumper on the two pins, connecting them together. When the PC is powered on with the pins jumped, it will bypass the password in many cases.

Another way to reset the BIOS password is to remove the CMOS battery backup. When you open the case and look at the motherboard, this battery resembles a large, flat watch battery and on most motherboards, it may be removed temporarily. Remove the battery for 15 minutes, replace it, and try turning the PC back on. If the CMOS settings have been cleared, you will gain access to the computer.

An additional method is to overload the keyboard buffer by holding down a key on the keyboard from the moment the PC is powered on. This seldom works, but in some cases, it will prompt an error message and take the user through to the BIOS setup.

There is also a trick for bypassing the BIOS password on many Toshiba laptops. Acquire a DB25 printer cable. Remove the sheath from around the cable connector and note that the pins are labeled 1 through 25. Connect and solder the following wires together: (1+5+10), (2+11), (3+17), (4+12), (6+16), (7+13), (8+14), and (9+15). Protect each connection by wrapping it in electric tape. Connect the cable connector to the printer port on the back of the laptop and power it on. If done correctly, the laptop will boot directly to the operating system, bypassing the BIOS password.

If the BIOS password is not your problem or if you made it through that password and you are confronted by the operating system password on a Windows machine, don't panic, there are many ways to bypass this password as well. When the computer is booting and has just finished the power-on self test, begin tapping the F8 key. Windows should redirect to a screen prompting several different ways to boot. Choose "Safe Mode." Too many people neglect to set a password for the administrator account on Windows computers. If this is the case, you can access the administrator account and change the password for the account that you were originally trying to access.

If the administrator password has been set and you cannot gain access to it, don't worry, there are different types of software available that will allow you access to any Windows PC or laptop. Some do cost money. I do not want to endorse any of them specifically, but do a search on the internet and you will surely find them.


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