A few days ago we celebrated fixing of months-long PrintNightmare vulnerability by Microsoft, sadly a new bug and issue have been found.
Firstly discovered Microsoft stated:
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Print Spooler service improperly performs privileged file operations. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
A few days ago, Microsoft officially released a patch that was supposed to finally fix it. As you might recall this vulnerability was present for quite some time, Microsoft's solution after a long struggle was to elevate certain privileges to administrator account only and remove user accounts from managing printers. It complicated things a little bit but it was stated payoff was worth it.
The new issue now is that on a system that already had accounts created and set, old accounts still can hijack the system, patch issues address only accounts that are created after the fix is administrated, old ones can still do whatever they want.
Once again of course Microsoft has stated that until it is again resolved you should again disable the Print Spooler service as a temporary workaround.
Open Source Software is developed, tested, or improved through public collaboration and distributed with the idea that the must be shared with others, ensuring an open future collaboration. In other words, it is free software developed and maintained by public contribution. Many open-source projects have reached performance and usability like their paid alternatives, some have even surpassed them. Here we will explore open source alternatives to paid applications, you will find alternatives to paid ones that aim to do the same task.
LINUX - alternative to Windows or macOS
When it comes to the operating system, Windows and macOS mostly dominate the home market, but if you go a little deeper into the OS world you will hear this talk about LINUX and its distributions. LINUX is an open-source operating system, it has many various distributions aimed at different types of users and they are also open source as well. Its security and account privileges, as well as complete control over it, make it one of the best-operating systems in the world, many servers that run websites today use LINUX as their choice of operating system mostly due to its superior security features. If LINUX is good enough for big web companies, I am sure it will be at least satisfactory to you as well. Get your LINUX distribution here.
Thunderbird - alternative to outlook
A great alternative to any mail client actually, connect all of your emails into thunderbird and use it as the centralized email client for all of your email needs. Thunderbird does not lack any features that its paid counterparts have and overall it is a great application worth installing. Grab it from here.
VLC media player - media player able to play almost anything
Are you looking for a great media player alternative to Windows media player or iTunes? Look no further, VLC is a lightweight media player that can play almost any file type, it is customizable and packed with features even its paid counterparts would envy. Its playback features are unmatched by other applications and once you try it, I am sure you will hardly go back from it. Give it a go and grab it from here.
KeePass - password manager
Keepass is a simple, user-friendly lightweight password generator and manager, it uses industry-standard AES encryption and two-factor authentication to keep the details of your accounts safe and secure. you can store him and the database on a USB stick for safekeeping making it a great one to use on a go, wherever you need it. Get it from this link.
FileZilla - FTP client
A lightweight and future-rich FTP solution. It supports remote file editing and resuming of lost transfers, overall great application which anyone who needs this type of software should not overlook. Download it from its official website.
Audacity - alternative to Audition, Fl, apple logic pro,...
Digital audio editor and recording computer software with some great features like recording audio from multiple sources, post-processing of all types of audio, including podcasts by adding effects such as normalization, trimming, and fading in and out. Audacity has a great following and it is well documented, easy to learn and use. Grab it from here.
Shortcut - alternative to adobe premiere, avid media composer, DaVinci resolve
The shortcut is a video editor application that demonstrates how long an open-source project can go if enough dedication and work are put into it, started as not so great and not so feature-packed in beginning, today it can easily contend with its paid counterparts with its non-destructive editing, color gradation, keyframing, etc. It is running and using FFmpeg, an open-source video framework that lets it open and works with virtually any video or audio format. Download it from here.
Gimp - alternative to adobe photoshop
This one has been around since 1996 and it is one of the best maintained open source applications. With its features like built-in support for layers, filters, and automatic photo enhancement. It also makes it easy to create new graphic design elements and you can really take things to the next level by downloading plug-ins created by the broader GIMP open source community. Gimp is the best pixel manipulation-free tool on the market and with the right skills, it can go side by side with adobe's flagship product. Check it out here.
Inkscape - alternative to adobe illustrator, Corel draw
What is Gimp for photoshop that is Inkscape for illustrator. This free open-source vector graphic tool does not fall behind with its tools in comparison to its paid counterparts and I would highly recommend it for anyone. Features like alpha blending, cloning on-point path manipulations can assure that you can create anything you want inside it. get your copy from here.
Libre office - alternative to MS office
Libre office is one of the most quality office suite there, it has spreadsheets, word processor, presentation app, calculation applications, database application, and diagrams. All these applications create and make one great suite that can open Microsoft Office files and even work with them naturally. Completely free and active in development there is no reason, not t use it in your daily routine. Go to its official website and download it for a test run.
Amarok - alternative to iTunes
Amarok is an audio player with a broad range of features like integration with multiple Web audio services, dynamic playlists, bookmarks, scripting, context view, and more. get it from here.
PDF Creator - alternative to adobe acrobat
As its paid counterpart PDF Creator lets you make PDF files from any application that could print. It works the same way as adobe acrobat and supports encryption and digital signature, it lacks in PDF forms a little but if that is not something that you need, it is a great alternative to acrobat and completely free. Download it from here.
Blender - Alternative to Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3dmax, foundry Modo, cinema4d,...
3D modeling and animation software is very expensive. From the point of home user long it has been lost dream to have industry quality 3D modeling, animation, and rendering application for an affordable price. Blender has made that dream a possibility, completely free and open-source this package offers everything that its paid counterparts offer, some could even argue that since its open-source nature and availability of full code it offers even more. Why you are still here? Go get it here.
Bluefish - alternative to Adobe Dreamweaver
When it comes to web editing and code editing applications, notepad ++ seems like a person go-to application, but if you prefer a more professional suited IDE for web development check out Bluefish, auto-filling, code syntax, and constant development make sure that this application will not go away soon and it is worth investing your time in it. Get it from here.
ClamWin - alternative to Kaspersky, BItdefender, Norton
This antivirus has over 600000 users and active database updates also feature a full email scanner, scanning scheduler, and File Explorer integration. It is far better than other freeware alternatives and if you are looking for a free antivirus option look no further, ClamWin is here to stay. Grab it from here.
Natron - alternative to adobe aftereffects, foundry nuke
Full-featured node-based composition and effects suite. Natron is a powerful Digital Compositor that can handle all of your 2D/2.5D needs. Its robust OIIO file formats and OpenFX architecture is what makes Natron the most flexible open-source compositor for the visual effects community. Its interface and functionally are the same across all platforms such as macOS, Linux, and Windows. Natron has a powerful keying, roto/roto paint, 2D tracking tools that are staple for all current film production project that requires visual effects. Get natron from here.
Clonezilla - alternative to Norton Ghost
When it comes to cloning hard drives usually there is only one application, Norton ghost. Clonezilla tends to change that by offering the same usability as the ghost. Grab your copy from here.
FreeCAD - alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD has years of development and dedication of its team behind it to keep it as the best CAD application on the market and it shows. However, if you are not really a hardcore professional who needs all of AutoCAD features and can live without some automation inside it FreeCAD is one of the best free open source options, it will certainly get the job done and with its dynamic simulation and analysis, it is guaranteed that you can achieve same results as in AutoCAD with little more time investment. Get if here.
Octave - alternative to MATLAB
Octave is the best open-source educational tool used for numerical computation with an interactive environment. The tool features powerful mathematics-oriented syntax with built-in plotting and visualization tools and also Octave syntax is largely compatible with Matlab. Get your copy from here.
Godot - alternative to Unity3D, Unreal
Godot is a lightweight feature-packed node-based game development engine, completely open-source and free to use for commercial projects. The engine has reached 3.2 version and it is more and more adopted by various independent game makers across the globe, recently there are to of video tutorials and documentation to get you up and running and its open-source nature lets you modify the engine itself in any way that suits and benefits you. Also, any project made with Godot is completely yours, there are no hidden fees or anything similar. Download it from here.
Conclusion
That's it, my pick for 20 open source alternatives which I believe you should at least try and if you end up with at least one, you have saved some hard-earned money.
And always remember:
Open-source programs give you complete freedom without any shady terms and conditions.
Open-source software code is readily available for anyone who wants it, so anyone can use it, share it, modify it for their own needs, and study it.
No spying eyes, no tracking, and no telemetry
In some cases, open-source tools offer features or performance benefits that surpass their commercial counterparts.
No hidden charges, completely free.
If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
Error 2200 is an error code that you are likely to experience if you have Dell Photo All in One Printer 926. Dell Photo Printer 926 is an inkjet multifunction device. It offers features like print, copy, scan, and fax.
Error 2200 may stop you from scanning and printing documents on your Dell Photo All in One Printer 926.
Solution
Error Causes
Error 2200 may occur due to several reasons. However, the most common causes include:
Registry issues
Broken or missing system files
Corrupted driver
Malware
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve error 2200 on your system try the methods listed below. These DIY methods are easy and effective and can repair this error in no time. These solutions require zero technical expertise and knowledge.
This means if you are not technically sound or you are not a computer programmer, you can try these solutions and repair error 2200 on your system easily.
Method 1
When the underlying cause of error 2200 is related to a corrupted driver then follow these steps to resolve the issue. Go to the Start menu, click Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance tab, System and Device Manager.
Navigate the device, click properties, driver, and then uninstall. Now reboot your PC to activate changes. Now download the latest version of the Dell Photo All in One Printer 926 drivers from a reliable website and save install it on your PC.
Method 2
Malware can also damage and corrupt drivers and system files. If the reason for error 2200 on your PC is malware then download a powerful antivirus and scan your entire PC. Remove all malware and viruses infecting your system to resolve the error.
Method 3
The Windows registry is that part of the computer that stores much of the information and settings for software programs, operating system configurations, and hardware devices.
It also saves unnecessary and obsolete files like junk files, cookies, internet history, bad registry entries, and invalid files. If these files are not removed from the registry frequently, they accumulate in the registry and corrupt it thereby triggering different error codes.
These files damage the registry and other important system files.
To repair the registry and error codes triggered due to registry issues, it is suggested you download Restoro. This is a cutting-edge and user-friendly PC Fixer deployed with a powerful and intuitive registry cleaner.
The registry cleaner scans your entire PC, removes all the bad entries and obsolete files. It cleans the registry, repairs the damaged and corrupt system files thereby resolving registry issues instantly.
Click here to download Restoro and repair error 2200.
Method 4: Locate and Install the Driver
As was pointed out, you might need to reinstall the printer driver again. Using DriverFIX, you’ll be able to automatically update your computer system and install the drivers your computer needs to operate smoothly.
This is a type of Google Chrome update error code. It indicates a failure to communicate with Google update. The error code is displayed in the following format:
‘Update server not available (error: 3)’
Solution
Error Causes
Error 3 may be triggered by several reasons. These include:
You are running Vista/ 7 and you have configured Google Chrome to run as an administrator
Google Update is not registered properly
Registry issues
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some of the best and effective DIY methods to resolve error 3 on your PC without any professional help. You don’t need to be a technical whiz to try these methods.
Method 1
If the reason for the error cause is related to Google Chrome configured as administrator on your PC, then simply run it as a normal user. This is a common issue with Google Chrome auto-updating mechanism.
Method 2
If the problem still persists, then it is advisable to try re-installing Google Chrome.
To do this, first, uninstall Google Chrome. Go to the start menu, control panel, and then program and features. Choose Add and Remove Programs and uninstall Google Chrome.
To activate changes, reboot your system. Now reinstall Google Chrome by downloading it from Google Chrome’s official website.
Method 3
If error 3 is triggered because Google Chrome is not registered properly, then try this method to fix the issue.
First, verify that GoogleUpdate.exe exists in the location specified in the Windows Registry Editor. For this, go to the Start Menu and then type Regedit in the search bar.
Now click OK. The registry editor will appear. Now in the tree view on the left, navigate to the following directory:
Make sure the default value corresponds to the location of your GoogleUpdate.exe or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe file. Also, verify that these files are located in the given path.
For instance, if they are located in different locations, then right-click the default value and select Modify.
Enter the correct file path and use double quotation marks for example "C:\Documents and Settings%USERNAME%Local SettingsApplication DataGoogleUpdateGoogleUpdate.exe(or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe)"
Method 4
Error 3 may also pop up because of registry issues.
These issues occur when the registry gets overloaded with obsolete and unnecessary files like cookies, internet history, bad entries, and junk files. In such an event, it is advisable to download Restoro
This is a user-friendly and cutting-edge PC Fixer embedded with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner removes all the obsolete files instantly and repairs the damaged registry thereby resolving all errors including error 3.
Click here to download Restoro and resolve error 3.
If your Microsoft Edge browser encountered a Stop Error that says, “INVALID_POINTER_READ_c0000005 (atidxx64.dll)” in your Windows 10 computer, then this indicates that your Graphics card driver is outdated. According to security experts, Microsoft has already acknowledged the problem and stated that this issue exists with Windows 10 v1809, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server version 1809.
Although there is no direct way to resolve the problem, there are still some workarounds you can try. If you are using a RadeonHD2000 or HD4000 series video card, the update will be blocked for you. Some users also claim to experience performance issues with the lock screen or the ShellExperienceHost. However, if you are using AMD, the problem is that it no longer supports Radeon HD2000 and HD4000 series graphics processing units or GPUs. Even though Microsoft is already working for a way to resolve the problem, here are some alternative solutions you can check out:
Option 1 – Update your Graphics card drivers
First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
Now restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.
Although this is not exactly a perfect solution, removing AMD drivers will make the operating system fall back to the default GPU available on your motherboard. You also have the option to completely disable the hardware.
Tap the Win + X + M keys to open the Device Manager.
Next, look for your Graphics card drive, and under Display Adapters, right click on them and click Uninstall device or Disable device.
After that, restart your computer. This will disable the AMD drivers so you won’t be able to find them. It will also release the Windows 10 v1809 update on your computer and in case your operating system tries to prompt you with the “New Device found” message, simply ignore it.
Option 3 – Try to use another browser
You might want to use another browser especially when you already updated your computer and Microsoft Edge still keeps on crashing. You can use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and other browsers as alternatives until you sort out the problem.
Option 4 – Try to remove the Graphics card physically
You might also want to try removing both AMD Radeon HD2000 and HD4000 as they are very old graphics cards. And since AMD is not going to roll out anything, at least on its own if your motherboard has an onboard GPU, it would be best to get rid of the cards. After that, install the Windows v1809 update and then put them back in. You also have the option to install the driver but just don’t use Microsoft Edge.
When you connect your TV via HDMI cable Windows will recognize it as another monitor and will control the display settings for your HDMI connection. In most cases using it as the extended desktop will work fine, issues will arise when you play video on it. Video playing applications can override Windows settings which can lead to strange results on the screen. Here in this guide, we will tackle with reasons and solutions to this particular issue. Solutions provided are not meant to be followed in the way they are presented but as a silent rule, they go from most common one to most rare so it is advisable to try them in the order presented.
FIXING RESOLUTION ISSUES
The first thing when experiencing resolution issues on your TV connected to a PC is to check TV settings. There is very likely a chance that you will need to manually adjust picture settings on the TV itself using TV controls.
On older models of TV, there is an overscan option which can lead to different resolutions and screen sizes. Overscan is a technology that was used in order to help content creators to deliver consistent pictures on different screen sizes and aspect ratios but how technology has advanced and everything including aspect ratio was standardized overscan itself has become a relic of the past. If you are unable to access or see edges of your desktop on the TV screen it is very likely that overscan is the issue. In order to fix this be sure to select HDTV's aspect ratio to fit the screen setting in the picture setting.
Sadly finding this option on your TV will be different from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model of the same manufacturer so we can not cover all models but in most cases option is located under picture settings or advanced options. Sometimes you will face even different overscan settings instead of classic ft to screen options, in this case, experiment with the setting until you find one which will work. If you have it, find settings in the user manual of your TV.
Luckily you have managed to find the proper option on your TV set and have chosen the right aspect ratio for display. If everything works ok there is no need for the next step but if you experience a different resolution than desired on your TV follow this next guide on how to change the resolution of the TV on your PC.
Press the ⊞ Windows and type Change Display Settings. Click on the top result.
Once the Display Settings App opens, you’ll see two screens (or more if you’ve got multiple HDMI outputs connected). Make sure you select the right display for the HDMI TV before making any changes. You can do this by clicking on Identify.
You’ll see the number from the screenshot above displayed on the monitors for a brief period. Depending on which screen is set to your primary display, make sure you change the settings for the HDMI monitor.
Select the HDMI monitor from the available displays.
Scroll down until you see the current resolution settings for your HDMI monitor.
You can change the resolution settings and test different values that match your HDMI TV’s configuration.
Once you change the setting, Windows will apply the new resolution for a limited time and revert if you don’t accept the new setting.
Once you’ve found the best resolution for your TV, select Keep Changes to keep the new resolution.
You are all set now, make sure that you have the latest drivers on your system and enjoy using your TV as a second monitor.
Error code C1900107 is associated with an issue with upgrading to Windows 10. If you are trying to upgrade your Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, you might have trouble doing it and you might come across this error C1900107. The error prevents you from upgrading to Windows 10 no matter what you do.
Common symptoms of this error:
The update process continues for a long time and never ends.
The update process ends suddenly and a message says “Failed: 1 update. Errors found: Code C1900107. Windows Update encountered an unknown error.”
The update process fails after trying multiple times.
Solution
Error Causes
Following reasons may be responsible for this error:
There is not enough space for Windows 10 files in the primary drive
There is not enough space in System Reserved Partition
Windows 10 files are faulty or corrupt
More Information and Manual Repair
Method 1:
Clean boot Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:
Whenever you get some unexpected behavior on your Windows 8, the first thing you should do is try to resolve the issue by taking a diagnostic approach. Plenty of factors can be the cause for issues like slowdowns, BSODs, computer freezes, sudden reboots, etc. The best way to detect the problem is to perform a clean boot. Using a clean boot, you can find out if the Operating System is damaged by some third-party app or bad driver. You can exclude the influence of these factors and prevent them from loading.
You should do 2 things before you proceed with the clean boot.
First, check if any third-party application is causing the problem. If you disable all third-party apps from startup, it will help eliminate software conflicts.
Press the Windows + R on the keyboard. The Run dialog box will pop up.
Type MSConfig in the dialog box and click "OK".
The System Configuration utility will appear on the screen.
On the services tab of the System Configuration dialog box, tap or click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then tap or click Disable all.
On the startup tab of the System Configuration dialog box, tap or click Open Task Manager.
On the startup tab in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then click Disable.
On the startup tab of the System Configuration dialog box, tap or click OK, and then restart the computer.
Now, close MSConfig.
Method 2:
The second step is a Safe boot. Follow the steps below for a safe boot:
Press Win + R shortcut keys on your keyboard. The Run dialog will appear on the screen. Type MSConfig and press Enter.
The 'System Configuration' application will appear on the screen.
Switch to the 'Boot' tab, select your Windows 8.1 entry and tick the 'Safe mode' checkbox.
Reboot your PC to enter the Safe mode of Windows 8.1.
After you finish troubleshooting in Safe Mode, run MSConfig again from Safe Mode and uncheck the checkbox from step 2.
Method 3:
For this method, you will need to find the $Windows.~BT Folder in your primary drive which is C:. This folder might contain corrupt files which are preventing you from installing Windows 10. The folder is hidden and we need to unhide it. Follow the steps below:
Open File Explorer or alternatively double click on This PC or My Computer.
Now from the top option click on View, The Check the Box that says Hidden items.
Now you will be able to see hidden files and folders. Navigate to C:$Windows.~BT and Rename the folder to something like $Windows.~BT1.
Now, try downloading Windows 10 again. The installation process should go through this time without any errors like code C1900107.
Method 4:
If the above methods fail, try this method:
Go to C:\Windows\Software Distribution\Download. Now delete all the files from this download folder. Remember, do not delete the folder itself, and just delete the files.
Now, delete the $Windows.~BT Folder. This might ask you for administrator permission. Simply click yes.
Now try to install or upgrade to Windows 10. This method should work fine and there should be no error code C1900107.
If you do not possess the technical expertise required to accomplish this yourself or do not feel comfortable doing so, download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.
Error code 0x8007007e occurs in Windows 8 or 8.1 when users attempt to, but fail to successfully use Windows Update. When this occurs, Windows 8 or 8.1 users will not be able to access updates or certain web pages. This error manifests itself via the following common symptoms:
Error code 0x8007007e is usually caused by a malfunction within your system. This malfunction may be due to several issues such as malware on your device, or the accidental removal of a registry entry or system file.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To correct issues related to error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8.1, users may need to employ one or several manual repair methods. Users will not necessarily need technical skills to accomplish this task. However, if you are uncertain of your skills or you are unable to resolve the issue after completing the tasks below, consult a Windows repair technician or use an automated tool.
Method one: System File Checker
System File Checker (SFC) enables users to check their system for corrupt or missing system files. You will need to use Command Prompt. To access System File Checker on Windows 8 or 8.1, follow the instructions below.
Step one: Tap or use the mouse to click Search
Step two: Type Command Prompt in the Search box
Step three: Select Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator
Step four: Type password if prompted by Command Prompt to do so or simply click Allow
Whether you run Windows 8 or 8.1 operating system on your computer, System File Checker will begin to find and repair missing or corrupted system files. If, however, you are unable to successfully complete the task via Command Prompt, repeat the steps above. You may also consider help from a professional or simply move to the next manual repair method listed below.
Method two: Perform a Clean Boot
A Clean Boot will help users determine if error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8.1 is caused by a problem associated with startup programs. Problems may arise when there is conflict among programs that run in the background when users turn on their device. To run a clean boot, follow the steps below:
Step one: Click the Start button and type msconfig in the search box
Step two: Click Services tab
Step three: Click Hide all Microsoft Services box then select Disable All
Step four: Click Startup tab
Step five: Select Disable All, then OK
Step six: Restart the computer then check if you can now update the system
If the Clean Boot is successful, you will be able to successfully update your system without receiving error code 0x8007007e. However, if the error code reappears while you attempt to access updates or web pages, proceed to the next manual repair method below.
Method three: Scan for Malware
Since error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8 or 8.1 can be caused by issues related to malware, it’s important for users to check their system using a powerful antivirus or anti-malware software. If you do not have one on your system, you will need to download such software as soon as possible.
Once you have the software on your PC, run a scan to check if your computer has been infected. If malware is indeed on your device, remove it using the anti-malware tool.
Method four: Run System Restore Tool
Another effective manual repair method relates to System Restore. This tool enables Windows users to restore their computer to an earlier period of time in which the error code was not present. When done properly, it can effectively resolve error code 0x8007007e. Before running this tool, however, be sure you select a time in which all important files and programs are present so as not to lose them.
Method Five: Use an Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
Many Windows 10 users often change the IP addresses of their computers’ network adapter in order to connect to the internet or network they belong to in times when there is no automatic connection for their computers. In most cases, access to modifying this setting is restricted for some odd reason even if you are an administrator. So if you are one of the users whose Windows 10 VPN IPv4 Properties are not working, this post can help you remedy that so that you can open and edit the IPv4 Properties on your Windows 10 PC.
The common way to change IP settings is by going to Settings > Network and then to Internet > Change adapter options > Select Network adapter > right click and open Properties. From there, you can select TCP/IP 4 and modify it. If you aren’t able to do this, refer to the instructions laid out below to troubleshoot the problem in accessing the IPv4 Properties.
Option 1 – Try using PowerShell to manually set the IPv4 properties
As you are not able to set it using the interface, you can do so using PowerShell instead. Note that this option will only work for you if you run PowerShell with administrator privileges.
After opening PowerShell, according to many users, you have to run the this command – set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias “Ethernet” -ServerAddresses xxx.xx.xxx.xxx,x.x.x.x,xxx.xx.xxx.xxx,x.x.x.x
Usually, Ethernet is the name of your network adapter which is set by default. If you want to see the actual name of your network adapter, you can just type this command and tap Enter after doing so – Get-NetAdapter -physical | where status -eq 'up'
After entering the given command, you will see a list of active Ethernet adapter in your computer as you can see on the image above. Note that the 4 sets of X like the one on the image below should match with the sequence:
Option 2 – Try editing the rasphone.pbk files
The rasphone.pbk files stores property for the connections and since you are not able to access the IPv4 properties, it is most likely that it has been disabled here. The good thing is that you can open these files and edit them using Notepad. Refer to the steps below to do so.
Open the Windows Explorer and then enable the show hidden files option.
After that, look for the files at this location – C:Users <username>AppDataRoamingMicrosoftNetworkConnectionsPbk_hiddenPbkrasphone.pbk
Then right-click on it and select the “Open with” option and choose the Notepad app.
After opening the file, look for “IpPrioritizeRemote” from the long list.
Once you found it, set its value from “1” to “0”.
After that, look for “IPInterfaceMetric” and set its value to “1” and tap Ctrl + S to save the changes you’ve made, and then exit and try accessing the IPv4 properties again. It should work, but if you’re still unable to access it, try the next option below.
Option 3 – Enable the Split Tunneling if you use VPN
All data goes back and forth when you are using a VPN service on your computer. And since you are using VPN, it could be that it disables the IPv4 interface. If that’s the case, you need to stay connected with both the local network and VPN and to do so, you have to enable Split Tunneling. How? Follow these steps:
Open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
Next, type in “Get-VpnConnection” and tap Enter. After doing so, it will give you the exact name of your VPN.
After that, type in “Set-VpnConnection -Name “yourVPNName” -SplitTunneling $True” and tap Enter. Once you enter the command, it will free your IPv5 settings so that you can change it to connect with your local network if you prefer it to.
Google's Pixel smartphone is one if not the best Android smartphone on the market. It regularly gets updates and Google is really trying to keep it as a top choice for Android smartphone users. One of the new things that Google has released for its smartphone series is a new emergency dialer.
With an emergency dialer, you will be able to quickly access local contact information for police, fire, and medical services. This dialer is able to contact before mentioned services even when the phone is locked and when you are traveling.
The idea is to quickly access the default emergency number no matter in which country you are currently in, service will find the appropriate number and set it as default so if you need it there is no delay in searching for the appropriate number and dialing it.
Once the service is enabled on the device you can swipe up and tap Emergency call without unlocking your phone or you can press and hold the power button for five seconds and tap Emergency.
If you have a Pixel smartphone go to the Google support page and follow instructions on how to enable this service. It costs nothing and it could potentially even save your life.
Ever gotten an e-mail offer that seemed just a little bit too good to be true? Might’ve been a phishing attempt! These are everywhere and can come in many different forms.
So what’s phishing exactly, how can you detect it and how can you keep safe?
What is phishing?
Phishing (pronounced like fishing) is a type of cyberattack that tricks the user into trusting the source and revealing sensitive information. Fishing being the perfect analogy, the bait is a legitimate-looking site, e-mail or file and when you take a bite, your identity, banking information and much more can be revealed and stolen.
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Some phishing attempts are incredibly obvious, others are super elaborate. Like with most types of malware, cybercriminals have become extremely well-versed in phishing and anyone can fall for it. To help you recognize and avoid it, we’ll take you through a couple of phishing types and give you tips on what to do if faced with them.
Phishing techniques
E-mail phishing
This is actually the most common type of phishing. A cybercriminal creates an e-mail containing stuff like attractive offers, legitimate-looking attachments or links and makes it appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source.
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For example, it looks like it’s coming from your bank or your favorite retailer. The logo looks legit and the structure of the e-mail seems familiar, so you might get tricked into clicking on whatever clickable content is in it.
Unfortunately this exposes your device to malware that hands your data off to the hacker, who can decide what to do with it further.
SMS and social media phishing
Like the above example, you could be approached with lucrative offers or links via text messages or social media messages. Typically, the messages seem relevant to the user as they will be made to look like they’re related to apps or services you’re using.
Voice phishing
Voice phishing attacks are schemes that appear as though they’re coming from a credible number. Normally, you’ll get a call about something related to credit cards or taxes to get you into a state of worry, leading you to disclose personal information on the phone.
Spear phishing, whaling and BEC
Spear phishing normally targets specific individuals within a company who are likely to have access to sensitive data. Spear phishers spend time collecting information they can use to reach out to the individual looking as trustworthy as possible. They’ll typically lead with something relevant, for example mentioning an upcoming company event, and make a seemingly legitimate request.
Whaling is a more elaborate form of spear phishing, which targets people in even stronger positions such as executives or high-value individuals. The ultimate goal is to get them to transfer financial or other sensitive information that can be used to compromise the entire business.
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BEC, or Business e-mail compromise, is a specific spear phishing technique carried out via e-mail. While there are many ways this is done, most commonly you’ll see instances where the phisher poses as a CEO or similar executive, or as a lower-level employee in specific positions (e.g. sales managers or financial controllers).
In the first situation, the impersonator reaches out to employees requesting them to transfer certain files or pay invoices. In the second situation, the phisher takes control of the employee’s e-mail account and sends false instructions to other employees in order to obtain data and information from them.
What can you do?
There are many ways you can be aware and spot a phishing attempt. Here are some tips:
Always check the sender’s address in your e-mails, even when they seem to come from a familiar source.
In any instance where payment information is requested, be very, very careful.
If you are receiving attachments you never asked for and definitely didn’t expect, better not click on them.
Beware of content that transmits a sense of urgency (sales deals, urgent updates to login credentials, etc.).
Bad spelling and grammar are usually a telltale sign of phishing.
Links that look shortened (e.g. Bit.ly) or just suspicious in general - if you have a bad feeling, do not click on them.
If you are receiving threats, you probably shouldn’t be clicking on anything in that message.
Always examine first-time senders in detail.
Block suspicious e-mail addresses, numbers and social media accounts.
If you are receiving a coupon for free stuff… You aren’t.
If you’re being asked to update your payment details by a service you use, such as Netflix, chances are it’s an impersonator.
Those are some of the ways to identify and prevent phishing attacks. However, sometimes phishers disguise themselves a little too well or a misclick happens and there you go - you’ve been exposed to malware.
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This won’t happen if you invest in powerful protection software from the get-go, though. A good antivirus program like Bitdefender will keep you safe from becoming a victim of phishing scams. In fact, it will protect you from malicious attacks overall.
Be it your household or your business you’re concerned about, there are a bunch of different packages and options available, providing different kinds of cybersecurity services. That’s the only way you can ever really be sure you aren’t at risk of a digital attack.
Summary
Have you ever been targeted by phishers and didn’t know that’s what it was until you read this article? Many can relate. Protect yourself before it’s too late!
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