Author: Dustin Patterson

  • Have a Virus? Let Malwarebytes Help

    It can happen to anyone:  You turn on your computer and log in, only to find pop-up advertisements, search bars, a changed desktop background, and many screens warning that you may be infected with a virus. One sign that you have been infected with a virus (or what can be referred to as malware) is…

  • How to Setup Folder Sharing with VirutalBox Guests

    Having a virtual machine installed on a personal computer offers many uses.  One use is the ability to try a new operating system before it is released, such as Windows 7. Once you’ve installed a virtual operating system, you might want to access files that are stored on the host operating system.  VirtualBox offers a…

  • Can’t Find a Device Driver? Let Unknown Devices Help

    The scenario: You just reinstalled Windows on your computer and are having a difficult time finding a driver for an obscurely named device.  You have checked the manufacturer’s website and have tried several different drivers, all with no luck finding the correct the device driver.  Unknown Devices is a program that will assist with searching…

  • How to Install Linux from a USB Flash Drive

    Since many ultra-portable laptops (commonly known as netbooks) do not come equipped with optical drives, users are typically forced to purchase an external optical drive to install an operating system such as Linux.  In this guide, I’ll show you how to easily install a Linux operating system with a USB flash drive and a piece…

  • How to Keep WordPress Secure with WP Security Scan

    If you’re running a WordPress self-hosted website, you are probably aware that WordPress’s popularity has caused it to become a frequent target for hackers.  Aside from keeping your WordPress software up-to-date (which is the most important step you can take to secure your website), it is critical to make sure your site’s folder permissions are…

  • Decrease Fedora Update Time With yum-presto

    Installing updates on any operating system can be a time consuming process.  Part of the philosophy of a free and open source operating system is the commitment to keeping your system updated with the latest security patches and feature updates.  With Fedora systems, I often see 50-100 MB worth of updates per week.  Even on…

  • How to Connect to a Windows Remote Desktop

    Previously, I covered the steps for setting up your computer to receive Remote Desktop connections, enabling you to control your computer from any other computer on the internet.   In this guide, I will cover the procedure for connecting to your Remote Desktop enabled computer  from another computer via the internet. Connecting from Windows XP/Vista/7 Click…

  • How to Enable Windows Remote Desktop

    Remote Desktop is Microsoft’s built-in software that allows you to access a computer from any other computer via the internet.  Remotely accessing your computer can be a valuable resource if you need access to files and other information if you do not have physical access to the computer. Note: Remote Desktop access is only available…

  • Launchy: Never Use Your Start Menu Again

    As your computer becomes loaded with software, your desktop may become cluttered with shortcuts and also difficult to navigate through the Start Menu.  Here is an example of what an out-of-control Start Menu may look like: Launchy is an open source keystroke launcher for Windows and Linux that allows you to open documents, folders, bookmarks,…

  • How to Use A Router as a Wireless Adapter

    There may come a time where you have an extra wireless router on your hands (such as the Linksys WRT54GL) that you’re not sure what to do with.  One thing that I have recently found useful is to use the router as a wireless adapter to connect to a wireless network. Using a router as…