Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Lost Windows Password?

No problem, I'll give you my secrets if you promise to only use these tools with permission of the computer owner. To do otherwise is morally wrong, not to mention a crime.

Stick an Ophtcrack CD in the drive and turn the computer on. Once it's done crunching, the passwords for all local accounts will probably be on the screen.

For more technical folks, there's my favorite called Offline NT Password & Registry Editor. This one is far more powerful but with that power comes the possibility of accidentally trashing the computer you are trying to access.

I used both of these over the last two days to legally break in to two computers with lost/unknown passwords.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Phone Security

Some people have Android based phones and get applications from the Google Market, other folks have iPhones and install their add-on programs from the Apple Store. Turns out some of those cool apps are sending texts or digging through your personal information. Just like on your computer, only install programs from sources you trust.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Life and Money

Someone was reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover in the lunchroom today at work. The book is a very simple, clear read but the plan it lays out is empowering. I think I'm going to read it again.

I don't think Dave's radio show in on Green Bay. But the show archives are online. I love it when a person calls in and yells, "I'm debt free!" and then Dave asks them how they did it.

http://danslotd.blogspot.com

Friday, June 18, 2010

Space Weather Matters

Between the meteors in the short term forecast and the coming increased solar activity which will cause satellite, power and electronic equipment disruptions the space forecast could be better.

Remember folks, never totally depend on electronics. We need to always have backups for important transactions. That includes paper money. That includes paper maps. That includes pretty much paper backups for everything we now track electronically. I'm not even aware of a gas station with the old style pumps and a bank that will let me withdraw funds without using a computer...

http://danslotd.blogspot.com