Fox Page: February 2007

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Change your router's default password!!

Tonight Sam and Chase talked about how routers who were still using their default passwords were vulnerable to being taken over and used to redirect you to dangerous sites that could compromise your security.

Don't be intimidated, and don't immediately call your favorite computer person - you can probably do this yourself!

In the instructions and links below you will find all of the information you need to change your default password - believe it or not, it's not very difficult, and ninety percent of you will be able to do it with just a little reading and work! Don't be intimidated, and don't immediately call your favorite computer person - you can probably do this yourself!!

Cnet has the best coverage of this exploit that I've read thus far. CLICK HERE to read it.

Here are a couple of links with more information about this potentially dangerous exploit:
PcWorld (CLICK HERE)
Link 2 (CLICK HERE)

Here's how to change the settings on the four most popular routers:

• D-Link

• Linksys

• NETGEAR

To make the change on a Belkin router, type 192.168.2.1 into your browser address window (where you see the current web address - i.e. www.chaseandsam.com) and then press enter to get into the Belkin web admin utility. Type the user name 'admin' and the password 'password' to log in. Sometimes the Belkin password is blank (enter nothing in the password box) and sometimes it is admin. Check out www.Belkin.com for help if this doesn't work.

If you don't have a router manufactured by one of those four above (check the name on the router itself), then don't fret! All you need to do is go to www.google.com, and do a search for your router name and "change default password", like this: CLICK HERE (and replace the text that says "enter router name here" with the name of your router!)

Symantec has a lot more information in this blog posting: CLICK HERE

posted by Chase Thompson @ 2:54 PM 0 comments

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Troubleshooting your internet connection.

Thanks for watching Tech Check with Sam and Chase! This week we talked about what to do in the event that your internet connections is down. You might want to print this guide out, since it won't be available the next time you go offline, right? If you haven't watched the segment yet, do so by clicking here.

First: don't panic!!

Second: check your connections - all of the plugs coming into and out of your router, modem and computer. Make sure the modem and router (if you have one) are turned on and plugged in. You might also want to familiarize yourself with what your modem lights look like when your connection is up and running, so you can note differences when your connection is down. There have been several times we have gone offline because our kids pulled the plug on our modem, or something was bumped, or a cable came loose.

Third - Power cycle. Power cycle is a geeky way of saying turn everything off and then turn it on again. Start with your computer - shut it down. Then unplug your modem, then your router. Wait for 2-5 minutes, and then plug your modem back in. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in. Finally, restart your computer, and see if the problem is fixed. If the problem is not fixed, go ahead and begin the call to your internet service provider - you can typically complete the steps below while you are on hold!

Fourth - Try repairing your network connection. You can do this by right clicking on the networked computers icon in your system tray (bottom right), but not all computers have that icon in their tray. If you don't, (and you are running Windows XP), just click the start button, then My Network Places, then View My Network Connection, then click on the Network Troubleshooter link (left side of the screen) Don't waste too much time here - if the above steps haven't got you back online yet, chances are the problem is with your Internet Service Provider.
If you'd like to learn how to use advanced networking tools like Ipconfig, Here are a couple of articles that will help you. CLICK HERE 1 and CLICK HERE 2 - pay attention to the part of this guide where it talks about "pinging". You might also print these pages for reference as well.

Finally, if none of this works, and you haven't done so yet, then it's time to call your ISP and tell them you are down. Be prepared for a long wait, and people that aren't particularly helpful, but don't be rude to them - they have to deal with rude people all day, it won't help your cause. After you give them the information they request, be sure and note that you have completed the steps listed above - this should save you some time!!

If anybody has any more tips, please leave them in the comments section below.

posted by Chase Thompson @ 11:52 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Maximize Your Thumb Drive!!!

Here are some links to wonderful useful tools to use with your thumb drive. From quickly backing up important files to securing your passwords and website login info, you will definitely benefit from several of these programs... and best of all..... most are free!!!

The two we mentioned on TechCheck are:

Password Vault: is a top-rated Password Manager which automates website logins and helps you organize and secure your passwords.

Synctoy: The easy to use, customizable application helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.

The links below will take you lists of other helpful programs:

CLICK HERE 1

CLICK HERE 2 (PcWorld)

Be sure you check with the I.T. Director at your workplace before you bring in files to your workplace computer.

Labels: chaseandsam, check, fox6, tech, wbrc

posted by The Knowles Family @ 2:19 PM 0 comments

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