Computing and Networks - home
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The Apps in Column one are recommended downloads for new computers
<< Only updated once a year, so go to source for most current Files>>

General Internet tools - 
and Utilities links
Thunderbird is an excellent email client.  A good alternative to Outlook.
Ninite can be used to create an install package of many standard applications all in one action.

Computer Repair
Recycle (Used) computers for sale

Infotech Systems in Federal Way Builds and repairs computers and laptops.  Only local place to get "stuff" like hard drives/ SSD, Memory etc.
Will build you a computer to your specification.  (home, office, business, gaming)
Inexpensive recycled computers, laptops, desktops and other stuff.  Huge inventory.
Also offers computer dropoff for recycle Free.
Computers and laptops seem to come from business, schools, etc that are upgrading.
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Test and Scan tools

These Farbar Tools will each create a .txt file with the computers current status, all software on the computer, and crashes and errors. A good starting point for troubleshooting.
Minitoolbox gives a good .txt file of what is on your computer and what might be a problem.
Scan the .txt file generated by FRST for the word "attention" and see if it highlights something. 
Note: at times this is identified as malware, so exclude from search if that is a problem.  It is standalone so not installed
​Minitoolbox gives lots of tech info.
Farbar service scanner will check various network related features if you are having communications problems.
Malwarebytes suport tool is used for trouble tickets to malwarebytes for stubborn problems.  However, if run without a trouble ticket it gives a zip file of very useful info for troubleshooting.  Note: read before download and use.  "output to your desktop is mbst-grab-results.zip" 
Caution Note: Some of the tools on this page  will give a false positive as malware because they can be used for hacking.  Be mindful of what you are doing.

Note:   Generally Windows Defender and Malwarebytes seem to be all that is needed, with an occasional scan for spybots and adware. 

Create a restore point on your computer before using any removal tools just to be safe.

<win key>+R then type MRT enter.
This will run a windows defender scan, disconnect internet and use the offline mode for complete check.
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See above youtube video
1.windows media creation tool flash drive
  create a bootable installation media
  USB flash drive (need drive letter for flash)
2. download Hirens boot CD
  plug in second drive, note drive letter
  Download ISO
​ISO to USB
3. Also "create recovery drive" in search, and create the recover drive on a 3rd USB

Fix your own computer video on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hWwY8Lo4ag
​Download TRON script
​Run RKILL first

Virus adware spybot removal tools

These tools are recommended for troubleshooting slow or infected computers after using Windows Defender and Malwarebytes.
Free - made by Malwarebytes good!

Anti Beacon software to prevent tracking
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​Anti-beacon software is a type of computer program that is specifically designed to block or prevent telemetry and data tracking in software applications and operating systems. It does this by disabling or blocking certain services and features that are responsible for collecting and transmitting data.

Many software applications and operating systems, particularly those developed by large tech companies, include telemetry and data tracking features to collect usage statistics and other data. While this can be helpful for developers to improve their products, it can also raise privacy concerns for users who do not want their data to be trackedAnti-beacon software provides a solution to this concern by giving users control over their own data. By disabling or blocking telemetry and data tracking features, users can protect their privacy and prevent their personal information from being collected and transmitted without their consent.

Overall, anti-beacon software is a useful tool for those who value their privacy and want to have more control over their. It serves as a protective barrier between users and the data tracking features of software applications and operating

Use of internal solid state (SSD) sata drives for external storage!
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Internal SSD sata drives  plus a case make a nice cheap 1tb backup drive.  Links to amazon as of July 1 2023
Purchased 6 times over the last 3 years, no failures {yet :}

Solid State Drives

To Upgrade a laptop HDD to a SSD (Solid State Drive) the links below will provide pointers to the tools and procedures.  Search on YouTube for a video for your particular laptop to see the internal views and any particulars about disassembly.  Don't forget to initialize the new SSD which should be an option under disk management.  Amazon has good tools for opening laptops and cellphones for repair.   
​  How to upgrade your laptop's hard drive to an SSD (Laptopmag.com)
I have used 4 (so far) Silicon Power Ace A55 very low cost 1 TB drives with no problems (yet).  Check user comments on the drive you select to see what cautions you should be aware of.  Your SSD should have more capacity than the drive you are cloning.  Look up "shrink" to shrink a partition to fit. 
I have had good experience with the inateck box shown here, this can also use the partition wizard via USB to clone the drive via computer.
                                 How to RESET browsers to default:
Chrome
​Reset Google Chrome – Windows
  1. Click the menu icon ( ) next to the address bar.
  2. Select Settings toward the bottom of the drop-down menu.
  3. Choose Reset and clean up on the left side of the Settings page.
  4. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Click the Reset settings button in the pop-up window
Edge
  1. Open Microsoft Edge, click the More icon (three dots) in the upper right corner, and select Settings.
  2. Export any settings and bookmarks you may want to keep.
  3. Turn off sync, log out of your profile
  4. Click Reset settings.
  5. Click the > icon next to Restore settings to their default values, and then click Reset when prompted.
Firefox
​Refresh Firefox
  1. Click the menu button. ...
  2. Click Refresh Firefox… then Refresh Firefox in the confirmation window that opens. ...
  3. When finished, a window will list your imported information. ...
  4. Select whether you want Firefox to restore all or some windows and tabs and click the Let's go!



Benchmark software and online
  • ​Online
  • Userbenmch
  • Lansweeper
  • 21 benchmarks

Cyber Attacks - real time


Most Frequently Used

Does my computer have a virus checker?  -  Important first step.

Caution! Many of the tools can give a false positive as malware because they can be used as hacking tools.  Be mindful of what you are doing and why.

nirsoft tools:  https://www.nirsoft.net/

​Here's some examples of what you can find in NirSoft Web site:
<< These are almost always identified as Hacker tools since they can be misused, Know what you are doing!>>

>>Digital Footprint

Windows and Windows Tutorials
  • Lesson 1 - Windows 10 tutorial and basic troubleshooting

Sites to test for specific virus and Malware

​Is the site up?
Samples set up for weebly.com (where this page is hosted)
Internet Status
Troubleshoot with CMD window
In search bar on computer type CMD to get the cmd prompt, run as administrator
  • Netstat  netstat [-m] [-n] [-s] [-i | -r] [-f address_family]
  • ​Netstat is designed to identify all connections to your system.
  • Ipconfig -a
  • Open command with admin privileges:
  • 1. Click on Start button. 
    2. Type Cmd in the Start Search text box. 
    3. Press Ctrl-Shift-Enter keyboard shortcut to run Command Prompt as Administrator. Allow elevation request. 
  •    netsh winsock reset    netsh int ip reset tcpip.log
Determine if you are being compromised

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System File Check for corrupt or missing files
How do I run Scannow command?
How to Run SFC from within Windows as an Administrator:
  1. Click the Start button and in the search bar, type: CMD.
  2. Right-click CMD.exe and select Run as Administrator.
  3. Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt that appears.
  4. Once the blinking cursor appears, type: SFC /scannow.
  5. Press the Enter key.
When running SFC command can't help resolve the issues or you can't run a SFC scan, then you should try DISM command at first. DISM command can fix core computer file corruption and make SFC command run properly

Look at results.  If needed consider DISM.   Search on Google for current microsoft instructions for using DISM
  • DISM scanhealth
  • DISM checkhealth
  • DISM restorehealth
The above should be reviewed on the microsoft site for their function 
and results of useing them to restore corrupt or missing files.
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Open an elevated Command Prompt and type DISM /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth . This is a quick scan and will determine if the image is repairable. 
Check Health: Open an elevated Command Prompt and type DISM /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth . This is a quick scan and will determine if the image is repairable.
Scan Health: Open an elevated Command Prompt and type DISM /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth . This will check if there are any corruptions detected.


Google safe browsing site to check URL's
http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=

DNS Virus
Go to this site to test your computer Click Here

Computer Commands
Speed - Packet loss/tracerout tests DNS Propogation Check after changing A records
Blacklist IP address check:
Shields Up:
 Good link to check your firewall

Internet Performance Monitors
Network Tools:


Other Good Sites to check things.....
DNS Virus
Go to this site to test your computer Click Here

Computer Tools
Troubleshooting Windows Computers:

If you have computer problems start here: Check out Files to see if they are safe using this tool:  Click Here

Google Safe Browsing Diagnostics:

To use the tool, just append a URL to the end of http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=. For example, to test this site, you would

enter http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=http://searchengineland.com/.

Google will then return four sets of security information about that page.

http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=

Instructions:  Click on the above link, your browser will return an error, however, it leaves the link in the URL window.  Just type the site in question after the = sign and it will check the site for you.

 General Internet Links - Interesting
Trend Micro


Webmaster Tools from Google


Web Page Link Checkers
  • Firefox addons - go to addons in firefox
    • Check Page Links
    • Pinger
Whois Ping
  • Sitemaps

TraceRoute DNS Links

Best DNS tools March 2012 DNS Tools DNS Propogation Check
Wi-Fi Tools:
Great Network Tools
Security Tools
Test Download Speeds:
Maps, GIS,and GPS Internet Tools


  Anti-Virus Links
Free Virus Checkers and tools:
Anti-Virus Links
Windows and Network Information
nslookup in a cmd line
>server 8.8.8.8
>set debug
>set d2
>set query

 Tools for Wireless and wired networks
Internet Service Providers - Seattle Area
Tools for recovery and Virus Detection/elimination
Different Links
Wireless IP cameras:
Access links Questions 
Solutions Pro Email setup:
  • Online address:  http://www.cityemail.com

  • Online SPAM filter:
    • View click the spam folder lower case spam
    • Can whitelist domains at: click on antispam settings lower left
  • Outgoing server:  mail.spro.net
    • Port:587
  • Incoming Server:  mail.spro.net
    • Port:110
  • Special Setup Instructions
    • Outgoing mail server requires authentication.
    • Account name is full email address.


Web Page Development Links
DHTML Links
Web Test Pages


Web Page Related:

Useful Technology ​​ Link Checkers:
Space Test Page

Network Viewer

Network View - version 1.20

The syntax of this command is:

NetView.exe [/NTW] [/NTS] [/PDC] [/BDC] [/PRINT] [/RAS] [/SQL] [/TIME] [/TS]
   [/9x] [/HEX:0xXXXXXXXX] [/DOMAIN:domain] [/T] [/B] [/TABS]

 Multiple switches can be specified, separate each with a space.

 /NTW will include NT/2000/XP workstations.
 /NTS will include NT/2000/.NET servers.
 /PDC will include NT/2000/.NET primary domain controllers.
 /BDC will include NT backup domain controllers.
 /PRINT will include Print queue servers.
 /RAS will include Remote Access Servers.
 /SQL will include Microsoft SQL Servers.
 /TIME will include all Time sources.
 /TS will include all Terminal Servers.
 /9x will include Windows 95/98/ME systems. (Only if sharing has been enabled.)
 /HEX: allows you to specify your own bit mask.  Use /HEX: /? for more details.

 /DOMAIN: allows you to specify a different domain or workgroup.
 /T also displays the primary machine type (Server, Workstation, PDC, etc.)
 /B displays the output in bare format (useful when scripting)
 /TABS separates columns with tabs instead of spaces (useful when importing)

 An argument of /? or -? displays this syntax and always returns 1.
 A successful completion will return 0.

Web Hosting at Office 365

Domain text record: ms=ms32535436

Name Servers:
ns1.bdm.microsoftonline.com
ns2.bdm.microsoftonline.com


Routers:​
  • Asus
  • Netgear
  • AmpedWireless