Ultra Slacker

January 11, 2013

Ransomware, Part 1

I’ve gotten a call earlier today from a friend because his computer has been locked by “The United States Department of Justice”. In addition to that “The United States Department of Justice” demands computer owner to pay $300 to unlock the computer “avoid other legal consequences”.

First and foremost, The United States Department of Justice does not run such operation.

This is a ransomware. It replaces Windows 7 shell with its own executable file. Booting the computer to plain “Safe Mode” or” Safe Mode with Networking” will load the malicious executable. Instead, boot to “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and manually remove the malicious software.

I’ll describe what I did in the next post.

January 11, 2013

Angry Birds Space: Pig Dipper

Angry Birds Space gets an update on Thursday January 10th, 2013.

SPLASH! The Angry Birds have landed in the weirdest galaxy yet! All the planets are filled with water, strange aquatic life and worst of all — Bad Piggies in boats! Use the unique physics of these water planets to set up some fun trick shots! Also, check out the brand-new power-ups: Flock of Birds, Space Egg, and Pig Puffer! HINT: Make sure to check how Ice Bird and Pig Puffer react to water!

Make a splash in 30 NEW LEVELS!

Get ready for the ultimate underwater boss level!

Three-star levels for 3 new bonus levels!

Use Flock of Birds for a pack of destruction!

Create black holes with Space Egg!

Expand the pigs with Pig Puffer!

Check back daily for a free power-up!

Power-up specific leaderboards in addition to regular leaderboards!

iPhone / iPod touch | iPad | Android | Mac | Windows

January 10, 2013

Amazon introduces AutoRip CD

From Amazon.com:

Introducing AutoRip
Buy a CD, instantly get the MP3 version for FREE.

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The idea has been floating around for years. Artists and fans can really benefit from this especially in combatting leaks. Often times, records were leaked without permissions months before the release date. Artists (and record labels) can send the digital version to pre-order customers early.

The best part about Amazon AutoRip:

Past Amazon CD Purchases
MP3 versions of tracks from CDs purchased from Amazon since 1998 and that are eligible for AutoRip will be delivered to your Cloud Player library. For some albums you purchased in the past, we may have added MP3 versions of some but not all of the tracks on the album, depending on track eligibility for AutoRip. The first time you sign in to Cloud Player for Web after the launch of the AutoRip program you will see a message indicating that the MP3 versions of eligible tracks from your past Amazon CD purchases are being placed into your Cloud Player library.

I have been buying CD’s from Amazon.com since 1998. This is going to be exciting.

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January 10, 2013

Intel Core i7-2600 at 6 GHz

The last time I checked Intel Core i7-2600 clock speed doesn’t go near 6 GHz. Apparently Windows 8 thinks so.

No over-clocking done on this processor. It’s Windows 8 that’s confused.

January 9, 2013

Agree computer information analyzing

It must have been written by a non-English speaking person.

Just finished reinstalling Windows 8 on a PC. While installing the programs that came with the motherboard, someone noticed this:

January 8, 2013

An Imprint

A television remote control does leave an impression.

January 7, 2013

Amazon Locker

I decided to have one of my orders delivered to Amazon Locker. As soon as the delivery was confirmed, I headed out to the Amazon Locker location that I had chosen when I placed my order. I arrived at Staples and proceeded tot he Amazon Locker area behind the check-stands. Then I realized that I needed the unique pick-up code which I never received. I called Amazon.com and have the customer service representative to re-send the code. Soon after, I entered the code and one of the locker opened with my order inside. I certainly would use Amazon Locker again whenever necessary. Using Amazon Locker definitely reduce the anxiety of waiting for the package on the delivery day. There’s no need to make sure anyone home to sign for delivery. I can have the package delivered to Amazon Locker nearest to the office.