Author: Rick

Posted on

WiFi Finder Software for Windows

inSSIDer: Wi-Fi network scanner is free open source software for finding WiFi networks from a Windows XP or Vista computer. It is great for testing wireless network signal strengths, doing WiFi security checks for open access points, and determining what might be a good free channel to choose for your WiFi to have less interference.

Typically people have used software called NetStumbler. Unfortunately NetStumbler hasn’t been updated lately. Thankfully the folks at MetaGeek decided to make and give us inSSIDer for free.

The term inSSIDer is a play on words, with “SSID” being the term for the name of a WiFi network. If you need to find or analyze WiFi signals, inSIDDer is a great free tool.

Posted on

Small Multifunction Printers

At Tech DC, we regularly set up printers for individuals and businesses. One of our favorite workhorse printers is the multi-function laser printer by Brother called the MFC-7440N, available for $230.

Laser Printers versus Ink Jet

Most customers purchase ink jet printers because their initial cost is low. Manufacturers make their money on the back-end, through inflated prices on the ink. Therefore any volume of printing quickly makes ink jets more expensive. Ink jets typically break more easily and have problems with printer heads drying out. They also do not have as fine of print as laser printers.

The one advantage of ink jets is in printing photos. But it is usually far cheaper to print photos at a Target, Sams, Costco, or drug store.

Brother MFC-7440N

The MFC-7440N is a recent update by Brother from the MFC-7820N. Yes, it’s an upgrade even though the model number went down.

As a multi-function printer, the MFC-7440N prints, faxes, scans, and makes copies. It is very small (15.6 D x 16.9 W x 12 H inches) and can be sufficient for small offices with occasional printing needs. The 250 sheet paper tray makes it less practical for larger volumes.

Networking

The printer includes an ethernet jack and works easily over a network. If you need wireless, consider the Brother MFC-7840W which adds wireless connectivity.

These network printers work with PCs and Macs.

Other Options

Brother also makes larger multifunction printers that add duplex print (double sided printing) options.

Brother laser printers have usually proven to be the most cost effective for our computer support clients. Samsung also makes good printers, but we have found their small mutifunction printers to be somewhat cheaper, both in price and quality. Our experience is that HP’s small multifunction printers are more expensive and provide no greater quality.

Posted on

Antivirus XP 2008 Is Bogus

A recent Sterling, Virginia customer got hit by a fake warning that her computer had been infected by a virus. But it was just a pop-up browser window that, when clicked, actually installed malware on her computer. To add insult to injury, the malware installed is called Antivirus XP 2008. So you think it’s there to help you when in fact it IS the infection.

Antivirus XP 2008 shows a list of files that it claims are infected on your computer. See that the icons used are the same as those used by Windows. If you register the “anti-virus” software in an attempt to fix your computer, the bad guys will have your credit card information.

On other computers, I have seen Antivirus XP 2008 installed on the Windows Desktop background so that your wallpaper background always gave you a warning.

This has become a common computer problem. It is an easy scam to fall for because it looks very close to a real Windows warning.

This is an effective social engineering scam because people are scared of viruses and have grown accustomed to following any computer-generated prompts to remove them.

For this particular computer, I booted into Windows Safe mode and ran Malwarebyte’s Anti-malware program which is free for a couple of weeks use. Luckily the infection could be removed. In some cases, the malware can actually take over all administrator rights to the computer and rewrite the operating system to the extent that the only real alternative is to save your personal files and reinstall Windows.