Netflix Will Be Coming to Linux In The Next 12 Months

What the crap!  Why does it take Netflix a flippin' year to do anything?  As if the Netflix/Android situation isn't bad enough.  Why has it take them this long to recognize not only other operating systems, but deploying on those systems.  You'd think that would be a no-brainer.  An idea like: "let's cover as many platforms as possible, to get as many subscribers as possible, to make money" just sounds absurd to me.

If Netflix is really planning for streaming to be the future of their company.  They need to understand the concept of change.  As that is the way many businesses are having to start operating.  As time moves on technologies grow and change.  Computing is the same way.  With Linux gaining steam over the last several years, I understand why we haven't had a native client before now.  But with one of the major operating systems in use being Ubuntu, now is the time Netflix!

Anyways, enough of my rant.  Read the entire story at: http://benjaminkerensa.com/2011/07/30/netflix-instant-is-coming-to-the-entire-linux-community/

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I would use open source software if...

"If there were an open source program that I could use to replace ****  with, I'd give it a try; but there isn't."

This is one of the most popular arguments I hear when it comes to discussing open source software with people.  And I fully agree, I mean; why would you ever decide to stop using a program you know so well but costs an arm and a leg and start using a half designed free program that will only be extremely different than what you already use.  I understand, trust me.

Now, my respomse is usually something along the lines of "Do you know for sure there isn't something free to use out there that is potentially better in any way than your current solution"?  And most of the time, people have no clue.  Another common misconception is Open Source must mean Linux right?  Nope, just because it's an open source program doesn't mean you have to become a Linux user.  Linux is considered open source, and many open source packages or applications do have Linux versions.  But there are numerous projects out there that support at least Linux and Windows (if not Mac in some cases).

If in doubt, I like to visit: http://www.osalt.com

which mean 'Open Source as an Alternative'. It is a great reference if you are tired of forking over cash for software, you can search their site for open source alternatives to commercial software packages. Looking for an alternative to Microsoft's Office check their site and find links to great applications like Libre Office or OpenOffice.Org.

So before shrugging off open source, give it a chance.

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Software of the Week: MalwareBytes

Continuing on our Anti-Malware/Anti-Virus recommendations this week I have picked MalwareBytes to be our software of the week.  So what is it?  Why would you need it?  How much does it cost?  Does it work?  Read on for more information.

The word Malware is becoming more wide known with each passing week.  In my day to day dealings with people from both my work and personal friends, I am quickly understanding that this is a word being used almost more than 'virus' nowdays.  So to begin, what is malware?

To define (per Wikipedia): "Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming (code, scripts, active content, and other software) designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behavior.^[1] The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code."

So by definition we know malware basically sucks...Ok, to move on.  If you get bit by Malware how do you get rid of it?  A malware infection isn't necessarily the easiest thing to get rid off.  Since part of what makes malware what it is, is that it is malicious.  It's a trouble maker.  Everything from a piece of code that can highjack your web browser to spamming pop-ups and slowing down your computer.  This type of bug is a trouble maker.  To get rid of it, you'll often have to use 3rd party software or even a rescue cd (not the same a restore or recovery cd).

The common ways to avoid picking up malware is to never open URL's in your email, visit only sites you trust, and exercise a little computing common sense.  Even if you are a stickler for protecting yourself, you could still get infected.  But it won't be because you didn't try.  Malware happens to good people.  That's were tools like ComboFix from last week and Malware Bytes come into play.

A great place for any virus/malware removal research to start should be: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/

The forums over there are filled with a great and helpful community of people with a lot of knowledge documented.  I almost always start by reading up on my issues over there.  You'll probably even find some stuff on MalwareBytes over there too.

MalwareBytes is a free program that handles detection/removal of virus, worms, rootkits, and spyware (and everything bad in between).  I have been using MalwareBytes for some time and have been thoroughly pleased with it's results.  It's interface works just like your Anti-Virus software.  And it's extremely user friendly.  

There are essentially three types of scans available via MalwareBytes:

-Full Scan-scans all files on the computer.

-Quick Scan-scans everything, but quicker than a "Full Scan"

-Flash Scan-only scans memory and autorun objects (must be a licensed user for this feature).

The software itself is free for the home user.  It doesn't cost a penny and it works like a charm.  There is a 'Pro' version that you can access for a one time fee of $24.95 that unlocks some extra stuff.  Personally, everything the average user absolutely needs is free in the software.  When in doubt I usually start off with a full scan in MalwareBytes.  A lot of issues I have encountered can easily be resolved with a dose of MalwareBytes and a good Anti-Virus scan using a trusted scanning software.  This app is not a 'cure-all' for all malware and virus' floating around out there, but it certainly makes life a little easier for the computer tech and home user alike.

This program has found it's way into my rescue toolkit and has been an essential help to some of the repairs I have done.  It's friendly with other software, so you'll not experience it trying to fight against your anti-virus software.  Updates are pretty regular, and the scanning module is pretty sensitive meaning, if it's there, chances are good the scan will find it.

Compatibility is also great for Windows machines.  Especially since support for MalwareBytes ranges from:

-Windows 2000

-Windows XP

-Windows Vista (32 & 64bit)

-and Windows 7 (32 & 64bit)

Do you have to have an infection to run it?  Nope.  I run a regular scan with my anti-virus software and a MalwareBytes scan to be on the safe side. And it hasn't let me down yet.

To check it our for yourself or download it, visit for more information:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

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Software of the Week: Combofix

Ok, I have to give props to the guys at Bleeping Computer and sUBS for Combofix.  I have had to use it twice this week and both times it has come to my rescue.  If you have never heard of Combofix, check it out.  It's pretty sweet (and free, so that makes it all the more awesome).  Combofix is a tool that will scan and help remove malware for Windows. It supports the modern Windows Operating Systems back to Windows XP.  And uses the Windows Recovery Console for part of the repair.

If you don't have the Windows Recovery Console installed, no problem Combofix will download and install it for you.  If you have an outdated version of the Windows Recovery Console then it will be updated by Combofix too.  Both computers I used it on were running XP (one was XP Home and one was XP Pro).  The scan took close to 10 minutes on each computer and so far has resolved both malware issues those computers were encountering.

Combofix is a powerful tool and shouldn't be used just for testing.  If you are having malware issues always be sure to do your homework for your situation and remember no two malware removal processes are the same.  Combofix can help, but ultimately you are accountable.  If malware removal is beyond your comfort zone, do then safe thing and take your computer to a professional (or your local computer geeks house).  And if you need more info on Combofixmornthe folks at Bleeping Computer, start here:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

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