[How To] Remove Watermark on Windows 8

Use this tool to help you remove the build watermark on Windows 8 desktop and you can edit on your own custom watermark.

My_WCP_Watermark_Editor.rar

Create Alternative Shutdown for Windows 8

If you found difficult how to shutting down Windows 8 quickly. There is a way to help you shutdown in few single clicks. By default, hold " Windows-Key + C " to open Charm Bar > Settings > Power Options > Shutdown

Tools: nircmd.zip

Download and unzip the nircmd.zip, copy the whole folder "nircmd" and paste into "C:\Program Files"
Go inside "C:\Program Files\nircmd\" folder, and right-click "nircmd.exe" > Send To > Desktop (create shortcut)

From your desktop, again right-click the "nircmd.exe - Shortcut" properties > set parameter in the end:

Target: "F:\New Apps [5]\nircmd\nircmd.exe"  -exitwin poweroff force

You can set by "Change Icon.." as you want >  Apply
You will be asking whether to shutting down the system or cancel to abort.

If you want to shutdown without asking either to save your documents, use additional parameter:

Target: "F:\New Apps [5]\nircmd\nircmd.exe"  -exitwin poweroff force initshutdown "" 0 force


// TESTED CLIENT: LYusRI and euphoria

Customize Windows 8 User Account Picture / Lock Screen

I installed Windows 8 Release Preview early to setup everything up, and it was not fully activated and only permanent trial. Then I got tired of not being able to customize anything so I found where Windows stores various images and here they are.

Tools: Download TakeOwnership.zip

User Account Picture:

1. Go to Drive C:

2. In the ribbon, go to "View" tab and choose "Options" > In the new windows go to "View" > choose to Show Hidden files

3. Back in the explorer, go to "C:\ProgramData" since it is not hidden anymore

4. Then go to folder Microsoft > User Account Pictures

5. The images you want to change are user.bmp, user.png, user-40.png, user-200.png (You may not see the .png or .bmp)

If you want to see each file extensions, go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options > View > Untick "Hide extensions for known file types"

Now in Photoshop ( or any other image editing software ) make 4 images of the image

you want using these settings:

user.bmp= .bmp, 480 x 480 pixel

user.png = .png , 480 x 480 pixel

user-40.png = .png , 40 x 40 pixel

user-200.png = .png , 200 x 200 pixel

Lock Screen :

This took me a while as it was harder then I thought.

1. Download and install the takeownership.reg script to registry (This will save you a lot of time and trouble)

2. Go to "C:\Windows\Web\Screen" and replace img 100 . jpg with the image you want (make sure you have the same name)

3. Go to "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\" and right click the "SystemData" folder and choose "Take Ownership" now you can enter the folder by pressing continue.

4. Now go to S - 1 - 5 - 18 > ReadOnly > LockScreen _Z and replace the image with the same image you replaced in step 2 , but remember to change your images file name to the one of the image your replacing .

For example in step 2 it was called " img100 "

and this one the same image is now called "LockScreen ___1920 _1080 " for me .

5. Now for the last one is in "C:\Windows\WinSxS\"

6. You will see tons of folders just use the search and search for 'img 100 " and when you find the correct image open the folder ( right click > open file location) and replace img100 with your lockscreen image ( once again make sure you keep the same file name so make sure your new lock screen says img 100 )

It seems like a lot to change the lock screen , but I had to change all of them to change that one setting.

Start Screen :

addictivetips.com/windows-tips/how-to-change-windows-8-metro-start-menu-background-colors/

Look at the bottom of this post under, "Programs to do these process for you" , if you want a easier way.

Change Colors:

1 ) Hold windows key and press R ( Win + R )

2 ) Paste " C:\Windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe " - without quotes

3 ) Wait a second for it to popup and select your color

4 ) Alt + Tab out or just press Ctrl+ Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager

5 ) Kill msoobe.exe ( it may be under Background Processes )

6 ) Restart explorer ( cmd ( or Win + R ) > taskill /im explorer.exe )

Programs to do these process for you :

I personally prefer to do manual edits, but I know some people do not or have a harder time so here are two programs I found that will help you change account picture and start screen. Then as a bonus it will also remove the activate watermarks.

forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1837246

Mirror: OnThreeSeas.rar

Note: It did change the color ( a simple registry edit) , but it failed to change the start screen for me.

Credits: tay777

ISSUE: Increases PC Performance

Use this tools which helps your computer run faster

1. Advanced SystemCare 4
Download from http://download.iobit.com/asc-setup.exe
Unzip & Install asc-setup.exe

Step1:
Open Advanced SystemCare 4 > Click Turbo Boost > Configure Turbo Boost > Next (Untick Programs you don't use which are unnessary to run) > Next > Next > Yes (Enable Turbo Boost at startup) > Finish

Step2:
Click Toolbox > Optimize > Smart RAM > Go! Smart Clean > Settings > Run at Windows Startup > Ok > Minimize

Step3:
On Advanced SystemCare > More > Settings > Performance Monitor > Click Enable Performance Monitor

2. Startup Manager
Download from http://dl.dropbox.com/u/53854375/StM_setup242-re.zip
Unzip & Install StM_setup242-re.exe

Step1:
Run Startup Manager > Add
--
Sections: Registry\Current User\Run
Name: SmartRAM
Path: C:\Program Files\IObit\Advanced SystemCare 4\Suo10_SmartRAM.exe
Flags: /m

OK
--
Close [X]

3. Control Panel > System and Maintenance > System >  Advanced system settings (left pane)
On the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings.
Click the Advanced tab, and then, under Virtual memory, click Change.
Tick the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box.
4. Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > High performance 

ESET.KEY

ESET.Smart.Security.5.0.93.0.32bit

Username: EAV-48894407
Password: 36pcuuvnjs
Expiry date: 17/12/2016

Username: EAV-51063901
Password: dej5r4tkcb
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51063960
Password: 3vs7tcnxxa
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51065654
Password: jnemxjv6fs
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51065664
Password: ev5p8a6jre
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51065675
Password: 5mhfc3pedh
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51067297
Password: uemdcdtdux
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51070230
Password: 65buvr4juc
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51070237
Password: 4bhpd42tpb
Expiry date: 18/12/2011

Username: EAV-51103133
Password: 6dbfs4mpbf
Expiry date: 19/12/2011

Username: EAV-51103203
Password: jk2c2522fh
Expiry date: 19/12/2011

Username: EAV-51108882
Password: uxdjbbdn5e
Expiry date: 19/12/2011

--
STATUS: OK
DATE GENERATED: 22-03-2012 1:11 AM
// ENABLED PROTECTION..

AUTORUN.INF

STEPS:
1. Open notepad, copy lines below [autorun]
2. Save as 'autorun.inf' (w/ extension .INF, del .TXT)
3. Place the file into your pendrive drive
4. Eject and plug back pendrive into COMP

::SAMPLE::
------------------------------------------
[autorun]
OPEN=FOLDER1\APP1.exe
ICON=\FOLDER1\FILENAME.ico
ACTION=YOUR LABEL HERE

SECURITY ISSUE 13: Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying usually happens in social networks, websites or even email. What recently happens in Brunei is people start to bully others by creating a Fan page such as in Facebook to bully certain people for personal satisfaction.

Why Cyber Bully?
Most cyber bullies are motivated by anger, revenge or frustration. But sometimes people do it for entertainment or for laughs or to get a reaction.

How to Prevent Cyber Bullying:
- Avoid exposing your pictures and personal information on the internet.
- Don't give a reaction to the Bully/Harasser (that will only add fuel to the fire)
- Don't reply to any emails/instant messenges or chatroom conversations from bully/harasser.
- Don't assume a picture of someone is real (lies happen on the Internet)
- Don't delete the messages. Because if this continues, you will need proof that you are being cyber bullied. If they keep sending your messages, check whether they are using same internet company. Phone the company up asking if they could give them a warning.
- Report it to your Parents or the Website or even to the Police.
- If all that fails, change your email address and/or cell phone number.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 12: Phishing

Phishing is a type of email or instant message scam edsigned to steal your identity and fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as username, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication.

- Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information.
- Don't click on links in email or intant messages.
- Don't cut and paste links from questionable messages into your web browser.
- Use up-to-date Antivirus and Firewalls. Upgrade them regularly.
- Don't email personal or financial information.

Moral: Don't just go click everything

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 11: Safe Email Practice

One of the most popular modes of virus distribution is the through emails. Practicing a few ground rules can help to keep your computer healthy and prevent viruses from spreading:-

- Don't open email attachments unless you know what they are.
- Don't open, forward or reply to spam or suspicious emails. Delete them immediately.
- Be aware of sure signs of scam email:-
• Not addressed to you by name.
• Asking for personal of financial information.
• Asking you for password.
• Asking you to forward it to other people.
- Watch out for viruses in attached files. Scan all attachments with up-to-date Antivirus software.

Moral: Sometimes, curiousity kills.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 10: Spyware

Spyware is a computer software that is used to collect user's personal information without their informed consent. Spyware have the capabilities to invade your privacy such as bombard you with advertisements, collect and transmit personal information. Additionally, spyware can change computer settings, slow down or crash computers, cause unexplainable reduction in computer performance, excessive or unexplained modem or network traffic, and the appearance of new toolbars that can't be permanently deleted.

Prevent spyware from overtaking your computer by doing these best practices:
- Avoid installing free toolbars for your browser as they often contain spyware.
- Regularly use spam cleaners to remove spyware.
- Ensure your browser's security setting is set to medium or higher.
- Only download from websites you trust (Shareware and Freeware)
- Read privacy statements and license agreements.
- Read before you click.
- Only close windows with the red "x" icon or button.
- Protect your system by installing spyware blockers.
- Scan your computer system with anti-virus software.

Moral: Sometimes, another unwanted software will be installed on your computer if you are unaware.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 09: Social Networking

Social networking websites (including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Friendster and Hi5) are increasing in popularity and used regularly by millions of people worldwide. These websites allow users to keep in touch with family and friends; to express themselves by creating a personal profile and share their photos; and to communicate with others from different cultures who share common interests or hobbies.

Unfortunately, these social networking websites are also being misused by child molesters, sexual predators and scam artists to find victims in various ways which includes grooming and identity fraud, and gathering sensitive information from personal profile (such as date of birth, address and contact number).

Some precautions when using social networking website:
- Keep personal information to yourself such as addresses, contact number, credit card numbers, school or workplace.
- Restrict access to your profile to people you know.
- Create a username which does not reveal anything about you.
- Be careful with people you know online.
- Avoid meeting people that you know online.
- Verify identity of the person you are talking to.
- Never believe everything you read.
- Don't respond to flaming, if it situation becomes hostile, log off or surf elsewhere.
- Posting makes your email public.
- Anything you type can be read by anyone.
- If someone makes a threat, report to a moderator or website operator. Never confront stalkers/harassers.
- Google yourself to find out how much information about you is on the Internet.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 08: Backup

Backup should be at the top of your computer maintenance checklist. Backup allows you to keep a copy of your important files in a separate location to avoid unintentional loss of information on your computer. You should regularly make backup copies of any important files that you cannot replace easily.

- Backup your important filesin a separate place such as External Hard Disk drive, USB drive, CDs or DVDs.
- Backup your data REGULARLY.
- Ensure backup of sensitive files are secured properly. E.g. Backup files are password protected or encrypted.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 07: Wireless

Secure Wireless Access Point:
A Wireless Access Point is a device designed to allow wireless communication devices to connect to the wireless network. It uses Wi-Fi technology which can realy data between other wireless devices such as laptops, printers, and even desktop computer.

- Enforce the use of encryption other than WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
- Position the Wireless Access Point at a strategic point, for example NOT too to the window.
- Turn- off DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and use static IP if possible for (Internet Protocol) other WLAN clients.
- Enable MAC-filtering. (Media Access Control)
At the command prompt, type ipconfig/all, and then press Enter.
If your computer has more than one network adapter, the physical address of each adapter is listed separately.
-  Change the default SSID and switch off the function to broadcast SSID. It makes it easier for you to identify which wireless network is yours, if there is more than one nearby, because the SSID is typically shown in the list of available networks.
- Change the default administrator user ID and password at regular interval, for example every 6 months. Choose a strong password.

P/S: Your Privacy is nothing when it comes to Unsecure Wireless Network.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 06: Firewall

A Firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. It can either be a software or hardware or a combination of both.  Firewalls are frequently used to block hackers from accessing private networks connected to the internet. Firewall can also block programs on in your comouter from trying to connect to the internet without your approval.

- Always install a personal firewall for your computer at home and in the office.
- Configure the firewall to block unauthorized users from accessing your computer and allow only authorized users.
- Never allow unauthorized programs in the computer from connecting to the internet.

On Win XP: Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Firewall
On Win Vista/7: Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Windows Firewall


--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 05: Social Engineering

In the field of computer security, social engineering is a hacker-speak to trick people into revealing sensitive information that they won't normally reveal. It is generally a hacker's clever manipulation of the natural human tendency to trust, to be curious or even to be greedy.

- Never give out sensitive information (password, credit card number, bank acoount etc) to someone you don't know.
- Social engineers who will say anything to get induce you to give out private information. Do not fall for their lines.
- The primary defense against social engineering is to train users about security policies and ensure that they are followed.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 04: Software Not Patched

Software patches (updates) are used to fix any vulnerability (informally called "holes") discovered on software. When holes are discovered, computer software vendors will usually develop patches to fix the flaw(s).

- Make sure your Operating System (Computer OS) is up-to-date, for example OS X, Microsoft Windows, Linux, BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution), etc.
- Always obtain patches from legitimate (trusted) sources, for example software vendors.

REMEMBER! Patching your computer is like maintaining your car, if you do not do it, it may fail.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 03: Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus is a software specifically designed to detect and remove know Viruses, Trojans and Worms on a computer system. New Viruses, Trojans and Worms are created almost everyday.

It is very important to:
- Ensure that you use Virus Detection software to protect your computer from Trojans and Viruses.
- Once installed, enable your anti-virus protection at all times.
- Regularly update your virus scanner.
- Scan your computer files and any removable media such as USB drives, CD-ROMs, etc.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 02: Computer Logged On, And Unattended

Using A Shared Computer:

When using a computer that you share or use at work or in a public place:
- Never leave your computer unattended while logged on, not even for a moment.
- Always Log Off: Always ensure that you "Log Out" when you have finished using the computer.

Moral: It's always good to lock your computer before leaving.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

SECURITY ISSUE 01: Password Management

Passwords are commonly used to access computer systems but without proper password management it is useless. Passwords are like house keys. Most people probably would not leave the house key hanging on a hook at the front door.

Tips for creating good passwords:
- Must be at least 8 characters long.
- Do not use personal information in your password that someone else can easily guess.
- Must have at least 1 upper case (capital letter), 1 lower case letter, and 1 number or special characters (punctuation), but no spaces.
- Cannot be based on your name or words found in a standard dictionary.
- Do not write down your password. If you must write it down, DO NOT keep it out in the open (e.g. on a sticky note attached to your computer monitor)
- Do not share it with others.

Moral: Protect your password from everyone.

--
This message brought to you by BRUCERT
(Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team)
http://www.brucert.org.bn
email: cert@brucert.org.bn

[Hack] ScreenShield (Remove Timer) on Cyber Cafe PC

Beware! Cyber technician might see or notify from his monitor if your screenshield goes off. It means your time is completely off at while your pc not have blue screen.

1. Click on "Start" button > Program > Accessories > click Run (Press Windows Key + R)
2. Type in "taskkill /IM screenshield.exe /F"
3. Hit Enter, wait for seconds.

You can't use Task Manager from taskbar which already disabled by ScreenShield, so that's why you can't force kill the process 'screenshield.exe' from there.

Another method, such as using portable task manager or process explorer can kill the process. But this one is fast and shortcut.