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Have you ever wondered how the standard login process works? Single Sign-On Login systems are a common form of authenticated security for people entering into a user account. We commonly use a SSO Login when accessing a computer user account or for password protected online services.

Definition

Hitachi ID Systems defines a Single Sign-On system as a set of software components, sometimes spread out over a network, that allow a user access into a workstation after entering in the correct password information for a specific user account.

Structure

Once the corresponding password authenticates with the specific user name, the person gains full access to all the contents of the workstation. They will not need to re-authenticate themselves until logging out and logging back in. Traditionally, a password authenticates a user but other authenticators such as a Smart Card or Public Key Infrastructure can work. A computer's central database stores the user credentials (password and user name). A script pulls up saved user credentials if a person would rather not enter them manually---seen when a SSO Login or browser gives the option to save user name and password for future returns.

Password Support

If a user forgets their password there may be an option for hints or to answer pre-set questions, such as "What city were you born?" to gain access into an account. SSO Login uses a single password, which also makes it easier for people to remember as opposed to encrypted security structures.

Security Issues

SSO Login systems use decyrptable Plaintext credentials, which allow potential breaks in security in the event of hacking. The password server can also be damaged, resulting in lost passwords and unavailable applications. Hitachi ID Systems calls the SSO Login scripts "fragile" as well.

Computer scanning software is used to detect viruses, spyware and other malicious programs. Some software programs are also designed to scan computers for bugs and system problems.

Function

Anti-virus and anti-spyware software programs detect malicious programs and files and remove them safely. Software programs designed to fix errors will scan computer systems for invalid files, incorrectly installed software and links to broken applications. They fix problems and, therefore, help the computer to run more quickly and smoothly.

Features

Computer scanning software can be programmed by the user to conduct scans when it is convenient. Most offer free updates for the lifetime of the program. Anti-virus software also scans web pages for malicious programs when the computer is connected to the Internet.

Benefits

Computer scanning software is designed to detect and remove problems safely and easily. Without security software, computer users would be at risk of viruses and spyware that could damage their computer and compromise their privacy.

Unlike other drafting software tools associated with architecture and planning, such as AutoCAD or SketchUp, ArcGIS isn't designed for drafting. However, the suite of ArcGIS software options do provide some computer drafting tools for creating and editing objects. The most common drafting tools are found in the ArcEditor program, which contains ArcMap, the most common program for displaying and working with mapping products. These tools are commonly known as the Sketch Construction Tools, and they can help you create objects in many different ways.

Simple Tools

The Sketch tool allows you to draw straight lines, much like the "Line" tool in MS Word. After selecting the tool from the sketch drop-down on the editor toolbar, right-click anywhere on the map to place a vertex. As you move your mouse away, a line is drawn. To create curves, use the Arc tool. This tool is best for creating large, flowing curves and where accuracy isn't a big concern. The Endpoint tool allows you to set the radius of the line numerically. Place two points and then press the "R" button to open the radius dialog box. Type in the appropriate radius, and the curve appears.

Geometric Tools

The Intersection tool creates a vertex, or the point where two lines would intersect if they stretched far enough. You can use this tool to make accurate corners without judging the distance manually. The Midpoint tool can place a vertex at the exact center of two points on a map. You can use this tool when you are placing roads or other objects between two other features. The Distance to Distance tool creates circles of set length around two points and the points where those circles cross are where you can place your point.

Special Tools

The Trace tool allows you to trace a selected line or polygon and then offset the object to create a parallel object. This tool can be useful when trying to create a curved road or parallel features on complex objects. It can also be useful for copying larger lines or polygon objects. The Tangent tool creates a curve that is tangential to the original line, which is useful for creating curving railroad tracks.

Work often requires computers for each employee to access specific software or to communicate with others. While some businesses offer employees a computer for use on the job, other jobs allow you to choose your own machine. While most work computers don't need the newest processors or graphics technology, there are important factors to keep in mind when choosing a system.

Operating System

Perhaps the most basic computer decision is which operating system it will run. The two most popular options, Windows and Mac OS, can both fully support most work endeavors, but if other employees use primarily one or the other, consider matching their choice. Computers running similar operating systems are easier to communicate with and share files and documents without complex setup procedures.

Performance

Unless you are purchasing a computer for video editing or 3D animation, your work computer doesn't need to be a powerhouse, but performance should still be a consideration. If your job requires using a specific set of programs, check the system requirements to ensure the system you purchase can work with the software. Note that new versions of the software may require slightly increased specifications. Many programs also require a specific operating system.

Longevity

All computers wear out over time, but your work computer may be in constant use during the day, exposing it to greater strains than a home computer. You may want to choose a manufacturer with a good record for system reliability, or one with a customer service platform you trust. A SquareTrade firm study found Asus, Toshiba and Sony computers to be among the most reliable.

Battery

Battery life becomes critical if your work takes you out of the office on a daily basis. You may need a laptop that can operate an entire workday on a charge, in places that may not have access to power outlets. Most laptop computer manufacturers include battery life estimates in their product descriptions.

Laptop GPS software provides turn-by-turn directions, utilizing an external GPS receiver, or internal, if one is present in your laptop. Like car-mounted GPS units, laptop GPS software offers routing features and settings to plan short- and-long-distance trips.

Common Features

The features within laptop GPS software can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer; however, some of the most common features include voice-guided directions, automatic rerouting, trip planning, points-of-interest and detailed maps. Review the feature list of laptop GPS software packages to determine what software is ideal for your specific use.

GPS Receiver

Laptop GPS software utilizes an external GPS receiver to obtain real-time location information. GPS receivers are normally included within the software bundle and connect to the laptop through a USB 2.0 port or through wireless Bluetooth technologies. Laptop GPS software applications can also connect to a GPS chip located in your laptop, if available.

Cost

The cost for laptop GPS software varies according to features, and if a GPS receiver is included within the software bundle. As of 2010, GPS laptop software ranged from $50 for software like DeLorme Street Atlas, and up to $300 for a software/GPS receiver bundle like Microsoft MapPoint 2010.

Every computer with a Microsoft Windows operating system installed on it contains a "lsass.exe" file. The first letter in that file name is a lowercase "L." However, there are a number of viruses and Trojan programs in circulation with what appears to be the identical file name.

Local Security Authentication Server

The legitimate Windows process lsass.exe is always located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. This process is responsible for verifying that user logins to your computer are valid. It is a required component of Microsoft Windows and will require a system reboot if disabled.

Other Instances of lsass.exe

There are several variations of malicious software that use the file name lsass.exe in order to avoid casual detection. Some of these allow remote access to your computer while others will download additional malicious content without your knowledge or permission. In other cases, the file may disguise itself by using a capital "i" in place of the lower case "L."

Is the lsass.exe File on My Computer Legitimate?

Generally speaking, legitimate copies of lsass.exe are run from and found only in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. Copies of lsass.exe stored elsewhere on your computer are usually malicious and should be removed. The most effective means of determining if you have a virus or Trojan, however, is to have currently updated and reliable antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your computer. There are several good antivirus/anti-malware programs available on the Internet free of charge (see Resources).

Software tools exist to help you calibrate the colors, and other factors, of your LCD computer monitor. Most, if not all, of these options are free of charge and only require that you download them before you gain the ability to use them. Among the many adjustable features, there are gamma adjustments and sharpness regulation.

QuickGamma

QuickGamma is a free-to-download program which conveniently allows you to individually adjust your Gamma settings on the fly. It allows you to adjust all three red, green and blue settings, ultimately getting the best out of your monitor. Change your monitor's brightness and contrast options to your desire and this program should change the Gamma automatically to account for the new settings.

DisplayMate Demo

Though the full version has many more features, the demo version of this software can be extremely useful. After downloading, this software can be used to adjust six different features: color, brightness, contrast, pixel timing, resolution and extreme grayscales. These features can be individually adjusted to reach a very accurate, realistic tone to colors, or they can be tweaked for more unconventional needs for different colors.

UDpixel

UDpixel is a rare program that offers the ability to fix broken pixels. Dead pixels can not illuminate, so there's little fixing to do with them; however, stuck and hot pixels are very capable of being fixed. Download and run this program, select the pixel(s) you wish to cure and run the program and its specified flash speed. This will run certain tests and attempt to fix the pixel(s).

Generally, there are two types of computer software: application software and system software. Each type of software pertains to a set of instructions and computer data that makes the entire system functional. System software is linked to basic operations, whereas application software provides user access.

Basics

Computer software technology refers to the set of computer data and instructions in a computer system. The software technology accomplishes particular tasks as well as creates applications. Programming languages are used to create computer software. The types of software, system software and application software distinguish the capabilities of the computer and the utilities accessible to users.

System Software

System software pertains to the component of the computer software in charge of controlling, integrating and organizing the different components of the hardware system. The system software ensures that other software and the user can distinguish the hardware components as a functional unit that is capable of organizing memory and displaying text when needed. Components comprising the system software include the operating system, display managers, disk formatters, file managers, management tools, user authentication and text editors. Device and networking control are also part of system software.

Application Software

Application software is responsible for completing tasks besides controlling and managing the computer system. For instance, application software may pertain to a single program like an image editor or viewer. Basically, application software may refer to a single or group of programs helping the user to accomplish something in the computer. Another example of application software is Microsoft Office. The spreadsheets, word processors and database accomplish integrated or separate tasks. The collection of programs may also function to support independent applications.

Importance

Because of the functionality of computer software technology, it has become extremely important in many industries such as in the manufacturing business. Computer software is now used to help build and develop products which may have been difficult to produce before. For instance, the automobile industry uses computer-aided design (CAD) to develop new types of vehicles. Further, software technology is also used to speed up and easily assemble products. Today, there's hardly any business or industry using computer technology to improve production. Likewise, the technology has also been crucial in effectively marketing products through the Internet.

Developments

Real-time-based applications have revolutionized user experience. The scope of computer software technology has expanded to include telephone and television services. Information sharing has become dynamic, allowing people can stream audio, video and share files easily. Wireless technology has also made it possible for people to simply access computer software in virtually any part of the globe.

LogMeIn Rescue is a software tool that allows people to share and control other desktops remotely. Many companies use the software for customer support; if a customer is having a problem using a website, the customer support team can log into the customer's computer via the software and control their computer for the customer while the customer watches. IT technicians also use the software to assist co-workers with their computers.

Remote Desktop Control

Technicians are able to use LogMeIn Rescue software to remotely view and control other people's desktops. When a user is in the LogMeIn queue, a technician accepts the remote session. The user's computer screen is seen on the technician's screen, and when the technician moves his mouse into the user's screen area, the user's mouse moves along with the technician. It is as if the technician is standing next to the user and the user lets the technician sit down to control the computer. The technician can help the user install programs or fix any other computer issue.

Instant Chat

LogMeIn Rescue features a built-in instant message/chat program that allows the technician and user on the other end of a remote session to chat back and forth via instant message. This allows technicians to communicate without needing to get on the phone, which is especially advantageous when long-distance calls are expensive or when a technician is helping several people simultaneously. Users can ask technicians questions or discuss the issues in greater detail using the instant chat feature.

Drag and Drop Files

Technicians can transfer various files to users using the drag and drop feature in LogMeIn Rescue. The technician simply needs to drag folders or files into the transfer area and the files are automatically transferred to the other person's computer. This saves time by eliminating the need for users to upload or download files or folders. Technicians may send program files for users to save for future reference or any other file or folder appropriate for fixing an issue.

Transport routing software is a mapping and commercial routing software tool. This software can help transportation companies create the best commercial routes so drivers or operators can get to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible.

Function

Transport routing software allows you to create commercial routes in real time throughout the United States and Canada. This software provides digital maps and road restriction data to help you plan these routes.

Features

Transport routing software can automate tasks such as computing the miles and driving time. It can also determine the shortest routes for operators to drive from one city to another. Transport routing software can integrate with other applications such as fuel tax reporting, accounting and dispatch.

Benefits

Transport routing software not only can produce effective routes for multiple trips, but it also can provide specific driving instructions. Transport routing software can supply comprehensive and clear color maps of the routes.

Documentation can be cumbersome, and is and often an afterthought. However, it is very important for computer users and technicians alike for a number of reasons. Without it, little can be accomplished.

The Unknown

Computer software is rarely so intuitive that you can figure out how to do everything on your own. Inevitably you will need to do something that you don't know how to do, which will require consulting the documentation.

Details

Even when something does make intuitive sense, it often becomes necessary to know details that can only be arbitrary. For example, the names and arguments for string manipulating functions, or the meaning of error codes. This information can only be found in documentation.

The Future

Other technicians will wish to utilize, continue or improve upon your work in the future. If you don't provide good documentation, they may be forced to start from scratch, and everything you have done will be for naught.

Starting out as a new computer technician can be a daunting task. Schooling and other training definitely help as it's recommended to have a solid foundation of knowledge with which to base your computing diagnoses on. It's also useful to carry with you a solid collection of powerful software to perform your various duties.

Know Computer Networking

In the year 2000, a rookie computer technician didn't need to know too much about networking because the Internet had not yet proliferated into the average household. Today, nearly every household has at least one computer, and quite a few now have multiple computers that are networked. Having a good understanding of basic computer networking is absolutely essential for today's computer technician. Learn the OSI model inside and out, as it helps for basic network troubleshooting.

Understand Windows Troubleshooting

Microsoft Windows is by far the most dominant operating system on the market. It's important to know the basics of how Windows works, such as what tasks are performed during the boot process and how to update and maintain device drivers. Basic configuration knowledge is also useful since many people want their computers configured a particular way. Being able to set up their Windows platform to their liking is important. Learn what causes various errors, such as the Windows blue screen, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.

Learn Linux for Troubleshooting

Linux runs on all of the same computers that Windows runs on. Learning Linux can go a long way toward making you a better computer technician. When something stops working under Windows, booting into a Linux Live CD can help verify whether the problem is hardware-related, or if the malfunction is with Windows itself. Additionally, Linux is able to view files on a hard drive that are hidden under Windows, which is useful for data recovery and removing viruses that Windows fails to identify.