Cool Guy

I'm not an IT pro, but you could use a centralized storage, or perhaps use a SAN, and run high speed data from the SAN to the PCs, perhaps even having diskless computers, which might be best for the security (provided you had a network that could support the speed requirements). In additional you could also virtualise using GPU passthrough, Linus did this I believe when he setup one computer to provide gaming to several people. This would actually give you the best control, because you could refresh the image every time a new user logged on, meaning the users have privacy, you would also have centralized control over the installed games and software installed on the images, it would give you and the users the most flexbility, because you have less worry about malware, about having to reinstall ALL the systems after a Windows release, stuff along those lines. And you could also still use the SAN, and you'd have the ability to make regular backups, and still have a centralized game cache. I also hope you plan on running a domain, or having some other system so you can control resources and assign logins to regular or one-off users of the cyber cafe.

This is subject has a lot of grey, not a lot of black and white. Unfortunately, that means marketing can be very loose with what they define as "gaming" products. In my opinion, a gaming PC is just a PC that is designed, or targeted toward gamers who will be primarily using the system to play demanding PC games. I don't necessarily believe that calling a PC a "gaming" PC is strictly limited to high-end hardware but I believe AT THE LEAST to label a PC as gaming it must meet some basic criteria: It must have a dedicated GPU, capable of handling basic computer games. It should have 500GB+ storage for games PC cooling should be adequate to handle high computer load for extended durations. I don't believe there is a law, but I do believe that most "gaming" PCs on the market meet this criteria, and that's why I listed them. Because we can define something by the majority (the majority of PCs labelled as gaming PCs meet this criteria and so you can use that to actually define what a gaming PC is).

I understand many view Windows 10 as a privacy concern, that's why I was on Windows 7 until just last year. But the problem is that Windows 7 is already significantly aged and will probably go through the same process Windows XP goes through. If you're concerned about privacy that much you need to switch to a fully free linux distribution, the truth is at some point you become even more vulnerable by using outdated software, and outdated security technologies like ransomware prevention and with the discontinuation of EMET Windows 10 is your only other solid choice for OS exploit mitigation. I'd also like to add that as one of my hobbys I run several large servers for private people, and one of these is used for high-availability private-use virtual machines, one of the clients wanted a custom virtual machine setup with Windows 7, it was declined because of the security concerns and because the whole domain is using new technologies, and so he was stuck with Windows 10. I must've spent at least a few days of calls from this person asking about how to certain things. I think this is how many people feel, they find new technology intimidating. I don't necessarily think this is always the case with general application software, but with operating systems I'm sure it's much more prevalent. Anyway, I hope everyone understands that Windows 7 is going to slowly be sucked into oblivion until only the edge of that ugly aero is visible. I'm not criticizing anyone, I would've stayed with Windows 7 for an extended period but when I tried to upgrade my local install of SQLServer to 2017 it wouldn't allow it on Windows 7. So...

Before I start I'd just like to clarify that I'm not an expert but this is my opinion. I personally think the drive might've died, hard drives spin even with just power, but the sata port or the sata connector could be faulty, or perhaps the actual controller software is broken. Either way, the drive spinning doesn't indicate that is fully function and it's just a Windows issue. My only suggestion would be to try a new sata connector and also try a new sata port (again), and boot from an Ubuntu bootable flash drive and see if you can see the disk, and hopefully mount it. If you can mount the disk and read/write to it, then that means it's a Windows issue. If you want any help involving this process make sure to quote my comment or you can PM me, but if you quote there will surely be people more educated than myself willing to assist you with the process.

I actually suggest using Spigot instead of the vanilla server but whatever. You make the script so you can pass flags to the java runtime, this allows you to specify how much RAM the server is allowed to utilise, whether to run it as a command-line application or a full gui application etc. If you ever get more into Minecraft you'll find that using flags to control the server are very useful.

More often than not the best security experts have done something pretty naughty, most times it's just not documented. This accusation could just be an excuse to detain him, I'm sure he's now wishing he never found the killswitch. If it was me and I found the killswitch I would tell someone else about it but I wouldn't necessarily consider it my responsibility to activate it, even if the NHS was hijacked. I'm just someone who prefers to work behind the scenes. Although I guess him going to black hat could've raised suspicions, it's pretty common for good security workers to attend these conferences. I think the FBI hates anyone with knowledge who isn't on their side, because it's a risk to them. If he did actually spread the malware though, then he got what was coming. This is why I didn't apply to the security job I was offered to apply for because not only is there huge screening process but you are seen as a risk by your own government. especially if you work at a private firm like was the case. I genuinely hope the best for the guy, because despite all odds he did a good thing and definitely saved a lot of networks from the dreaded ransomware that could've been stopped had they patched their systems.

Are you using a fully-activated and updated version of Windows 7? I can remember when I was on Windows 7 having similar issues but it was showing more disk space than it was actually using. Either way I wouldn't be worried. As @SageOfSpice stated, WinDirStat might be a good option to find the biggest files and/or folders on the system to see what's actually going on.

In my personal opinion this layout idea is bad, and I will list the reasons: tenants will not have privacy, as you will be controlling their connection. It will be your responsibility to make sure they aren't hacking the network and to fix every problem they have. If a tenant want's faster speeds what are you going to do? Pay for faster internet and they don't pay the cost? What? What happens if a client is responsible for DDoSing a website and they track him down and attempt to arrest him, but wait... the internet is in your name. My personal advice is to setup 3 separate ISP lines so each tenant can pay for internet as they please, otherwise another possible option Is this: You write an agreement with the tenants about network policies and how the network works (you must do this). Put 3 separate routers in each apartment, all with their own NATs. Use a Windows or Linux server or Firewall solution to act as a DNS Server, Proxy, and IDS system. Do NOT block incoming connections through it as it could hinder the tenant's accessibility, NATs could still muck up the routing of an application. Limit each port running to an apartment to 35mb/s bandwidth. And if you choose to, log traffic (you must specify it and make it clear, most tenants probably won't like or agree with it. It might even be breaking a law in your area.) If a tenant breaks a network policy like hacking into another apartment or compromising the firewall solution you need to be firm and stand your ground. You must purchase a business connection for reliability, every issue for them is your responsibility and you must have a REDUNDANT firewall/server and routers. Meaning at least $3,000 will have to be spent on networking equipment. You must be ON CALL AT ALL TIMES so you can fix any technical problem they have, they won't call the ISP and they won't send out a technician. You're the technician. Is it worth it? I don't know.

I'm not really sure what you mean, I personally wouldn't use CCleaner as it's a registry cleaner. I believe CCleaner has been bashed by Microsoft before. I think it's fine for only file cleaning. My advice is to restart your computer and then check. If that doesn't work then I'm not sure what could be causing it, no doubt it is something In the registry, which is like the /etc folder in Linux. So all the configs and stuff is in the registry, hope you didn't clean it, if you did try and run a system restore. Good luck.

Depends on what field you want to get into and/or what education you have or will get. If you're going to get an associates degree in IT then probably you won't need the CompTIA+ but if you want to become a computer technician without much other experience then having a CompTIA+ can be a good option to show employers that you know how computer hardware works and you know the basics of being a computer technician. I advise getting MTA, Network+ as well because they are quite relevant skills to being a computer technician. My advice on learning them is to get books online, read through them and use them as study guides. For CompTIA+ my advice is to go to computer stores and say you are trying to get it and ask if you could work there for free and get a feel for it. Many will deny it but push it, and keep persisting. For Network+ just get a network+ book and that's sufficient, if you have a router at home or a PC that can support virtualisation you can actually make a virtual network for free using PFsense and Windows (PM if you want help with that). And MTA Developer or IT infrastructure will help you understand software and the cloud and servers. So a book is sufficient or even just watching Microsoft Virtual Academy which is free and offers heaps of great courses. I'm getting a high level associates degree in Network Engineering, and it's pretty lame and basic, so it's a good thing you're not doing it. Because it's overpriced for what it is. If you want to get a education, get a Bachalor Degree and if you want to go higher, get a masters. My goal is to get a masters in Information System and Business. Good luck.

Did you disable Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, User Account Control or Smart Screen filter? If you didn't and didn't see a popup asking you to run anything, then you are most likely safe. Microsoft Edge is literally the safest browser in the world right now that you can use on a consumer device, the in-the-wild exploits for Edge are not many (if not any at all!). If you were on Firefox or god forbid Internet Explorer things might've been different. Follow what someone else here suggested and run a malwarebytes scan. If that comes clean I'd take it that you're fine.

Yup, the NSA no doubt wouldn't let LTT into anything. If LTT can have a forum breach and not know about it for a period of time (No offense to any LTT staff), they can't be trusted with NSA tools and data. I'm not saying that because I totally don't work for the government communications security bureau. I do not assist in the unethical surveillance of citizens.

Hi, So, I wouldn't consider myself a fluid programmer. I know a bit about data structures & algorithms, a bit about computer science. But while many of my mates are programming applications and such. I can help debug software but never actually create anything from scratch because I just don't know where to start. For me it's less of developing algorithms but actually using system APIs and stuff, like how would I detect the amount of cores on an OS using Java? Do I just have to keep Googling all the time until I find out and remember that? Or is there some documentation I can use? I'm enrolled in a software development course which includes c# and Java. I know a bit about both, enough to write some basic software and yet I don't know where to start. So while I might sound like a total noob, I want to start making projects and I would like a little direction about where to actually start. Any advice would be appreciated, even if it's hard and bones. If it's honest, then I'll take it. Thanks.

Well... If you have a good work ethic, and don't give up then I don't see why you couldn't eventually manage to build something. My advice would be to take a course on computer science, there are a couple good free ones around. Then you've got the task of learning algorithms and general computer science theory. You can use Khan Academy to learn mathematics and algorithms and computer science too actually. I'm not trying to put you down, but trying to help you to build a foundation you can work with. My friends who are super good software engineers started out with Python and Linux, and grew from there and are able to develop Linux Distributions and such. So while I don't think OS plays a huge role in programming, Linux is very open and accessible and a lot of Distrobutions are 'free' as in free fries. And you can dig into it. Just don't rush into it either, finish the courses on Khan Academy, don't start coding until you can program solutions to problems using algorithms. This is a good subreddit to get challenges from: https://www.reddit.com/r/dailyprogrammer Only ONCE you are a competent problem solver should you actually dive into trying to write AI. Remember, never compare yourself to others. Never strive after intelligence (be yourself), Always maintain a good work ethic, and remember that to be successful you don't gain sufficient knowledge from a course and move on, you COMPLETE the course. So make sure to do that. I'm not a smart person by any means, if you need help with anything feel free to PM me though or post it on the programming topic in LTT I'm sure someone who is actually smart can answer your question lol. Good luck! Don't give up!

i know you might want to head start, but seriously, stop and think and process. You want to work on yourself and on some of your own projects before hand. You will have time to develop a business but not now. 16 year olds can get their CCNA certification, so at least study for that first of all. That will give you the foundations of computer networking. Then you want to learn different operating systems, Linux, Windows. There are some great Windows Server videos over at Microsoft Virtual Academy, and some great SQL, C# tutorials too. For Linux, search up Linux tutorial and I'm sure you will find tons! My suggestion once you've done that would be to some things: Build a server, or rent a server but ideally build one and document the process with pictures and text. Install a Linux Distrobution or Windows Server onto the machine, ideally Linux. And configure it, install a web server, database management system etc, Design and Write a website, primarily focus on the front-end and making it look nice. If you can, write a fully functional web app. Although all this might seem easy or difficult depending on your skill level, you'll get there. If you do that, you will have not only learn't about the basics of everything but you will also have an excellent project to put on your personal portfolio. Maybe even start a blog and write about your awesome IT experience. Although you want to jump in, it takes time, it takes effort and most of all it takes experience, life experience. That's why people don't want to hire a 16 year old. They think you don't have a good work ethic, that you're not very mature. They think of you as an average 16 year old. So instead, use this time to learn, explore and grow your skills.