Beep Codes

When an IBM compatible computer is first turned on, the hardware runs a Power-On Self Test (POST). If errors are encountered during this POST test, they are usually displayed via an audio beep or in the form of a code number flashed across the screen. With this audio code in hand, you can determine what part of the system is having problems and find a solution.

>> For details on the beeps and what it mean, go to pchell 

Automatic Updates your Host file

According to mvps.org

The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.

You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems.

Example – the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Why? … because in certain cases “Ad Servers” like Doubleclick (and many others) will try to open a separate connection on the webpage you are viewing.

So how does, malware authors use the Host file to their benefit. According to About.com, “The HOSTS file is the virtual equivalent of the phone company’s directory assistance. Where directory assistance matches a person’s name to a phone number, the HOSTS file maps domain names to IP addresses. Entries in the HOSTS file override DNS entries maintained by the ISP. By default ‘localhost’ (i.e. the local computer) is mapped to 127.0.0.1, known as the loopback address. Any other entries pointing to this 127.0.0.1 loopback address will result in a ‘page not found’ error. Conversely, entries can cause a domain address to be redirected to a completely different site, by pointing to an IP address that belongs to a different domain. For example, if an entry for google.com pointed to an IP address belonging to yahoo.com, any attempt to access http://www.google.com would result in a redirect to http://www.yahoo.com.

Malware authors are increasingly using the HOSTS file to block access to antivirus and security websites. Adware may also impact the HOSTS file, redirecting access to gain affiliate page view credit or to point to a booby-trapped website that downloads further hostile code.”

So you may download Hosts secure to automatically update your Hosts file. You will need to install .NET Framework 1.1 first to be able to use it.

‘Dilbert’ posted the download link on ComputerHope forum.

FYI, Spybot S&D also have utilities to protect your Hosts file too.

NOTE: You may not be able to access any/most ads on the websites you visited