Log files track the activity on a computer so administrators can see who has used the computer, what they did, how long they stayed connected, and where they came from. Since a log file can also record the activity of an unauthorized intruder, much like a surveillance camera can record a burglar breaking into a store, hackers look for the log file as soon as they get access into the computer. Script kiddies often delete the log files to prevent the administrator from seeing ex....

Nearly all new computers come with a CD-ROM drive, a sound card, and speakers, which can turn any computer into a simple CD audio player. You can play your own audio CDs on your computer, but you may have more fun scouring the Internet for free music to play from your hard disk or a CD-R (CD recordable) drive.One reason there are so many free music files on the Internet is the restrictive nature of the recording industry. In the old d....

Sometimes stealing an entire computer may be too obvious or difficult, but stealing the components inside may be a lot easier. After all, anyone can tell when a computer suddenly disappears from a desk, but who will notice when a computer suddenly loses a hard drive, a video card, an external Zip drive, a trackball, or a memory chip? To stop someone from walking off with an external device, such as an external hard drive or computer speakers, you can glue a ....

One of the more recent crazes on the Internet is online auctions, where people can offer junk, antiques, or collector’s items for sale to anyone who wants to bid on them. But be careful! Besides having to deal with fraudulent bids from people who have no money or intention of buying an item up for auction, consumers have to watch out for con artists selling their own fraudulent items. The simplest con game is to offer an item for auction that does....

TWO OF THE GREATEST THREATS TO EVERY COMPUTER ARE VIRUSES AND WORMS, WHICH ARE NOTHING MORE THAN COMPUTER PROGRAMS THAT SOMEONE EITHER WROTE FOR "FUN," OUT OF CURIOSITY, OR AS A CHALLENGE TO CREATE THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE VIRUS OR WORM POSSIBLE. Although some viruses and worms are completely harmless, the majority of viruses and worms cause a wide range of trouble, from displaying nonsensical messages on the screen, to making the keyboard work erratically, ....