This week we learned how to choose a partition scheme for a Linux PC, create an index table like a pro with Microsoft Word, do a complete makeover of PowerPoint Slides with Pptplex, use a Wii remote as a gyroscopic mouse, know the difference between desktop and professional printers, and more.

Photo by ORRANGE.

Weekly Feature

With the release of part 1 of the final Harry Potter movie, here is something to add a bit of magic to your desktop. This theme comes with 30 Hi-Res wallpapers, custom Harry Potter icons, and sounds from the movie.

Photo by Asian Angel.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Theme For Windows 7

Random Geek Links

Photo by Jonty Wareing.

• Indie developers combat Android ‘crapware’
  Android handset manufacturers and carriers are facing competition from indie developers who are producing streamlined versions of the operating system which omit the “crapware” pre-installed on most devices.
• Cybersecurity bill gives DHS power to punish tech firms
  Democratic politicians are proposing a novel approach to cybersecurity: fine technology companies $100,000 a day unless they comply with directives imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Symantec to Congress: Stuxnet is ‘wake-up call’
  The Stuxnet worm is a “wake-up call” because of its complexity and its aim at critical infrastructure systems, a Symantec director told a U.S. congressional committee.
• Stuxnet has a double payload
  According to the latest analysis, Stuxnet is aimed not at disrupting a single system, but at two different systems.
• South Korea attacks force DDoS bunker creation
  South Korea has installed digital “bunkers” to prevent a repeat of the massive distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that crippled parts of the country last year.
• McAfee: Malware still on the rise
  According to security services provider McAfee, malware levels are at an all time high.
• Rootkit able to bypass kernel protection and driver signing in 64-bit Windows
  The 64-bit version of the Alureon rootkit / bot is able to bypass the special security features included in the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Vista and insert itself into the system.
• Forcing browsers to use encryption
  A Web security mechanism called HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) is making its way through the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) standards process, and two of the major browsers are supporting it.
• Free ClamWin virus scanner moves most of Windows into quarantine
  A “very unfortunate coincidence” when updating virus signatures and scanner software caused the free ClamWin (ClamAV for Windows) virus scanner to run amok and move large numbers of files into quarantine on Windows systems.
• The Apple-Oracle plot against open source
  It’s really quite clever. Tie Google up in court, sign a deal with Apple to coordinate development of Java, and ignore the open source community.

Geek Video of the Week

How would the movie The Social Network have turned out if other directors such as Quentin Tarantino had made it? Watch to find out!

Photo by CollegeHumor.

If Other Directors Made The Social Network

Sysadmin Geek Tips

• How to Setup a VPN Server Using a DD-WRT Router
  If you are already utilizing a DD-WRT firmware based router in your network, then you can easily configure your router to act as the PPTP VPN Server.
• How to Use Global System Environment Variables in Windows
  System administrators who spends a good bit of time in the command prompt or batch scripts are probably well aware of built in environment variables Windows offers. If you find yourself using a particular value over and over, wouldn’t it be great if you had your own variable which you can use the same way as the built in values?

Random TinyHacker Links

• Integrate Windows Live Messenger With Your Facebook Account
  The latest version of Windows Live Messenger, allows you to integrate your Facebook account into it and access both your messenger contacts and Facebook contacts from one place.
• So You Think You’re A Geek?
  The Wall Street Journal interviews the C.E.O. of Evernote, a gentleman who lugs around 26 pounds of gadgets.
• World’s Smallest Political Quiz
  10 questions to answer, where do you stand?

Super User Questions

See the great answers for these hot topics from Super User.

• What do I have to take care of when hibernating both Ubuntu and Windows (dual-boot environment)?
• What does the ~ mean in a file path?
• Why does my computer run fast after a clean install?
• How can I send super large files directly to another computer in the internet for free?
• Will a Mac help me learn Linux?

How-To Geek Weekly Article Recap

Get caught up on your HTG reading with our hottest articles from this past week.

• Antivirus Slowing Your PC Down? Maybe You Should Use Exclusions
• Ask the Readers: How Often Do You Reinstall Your Operating System?
• How to Maximize Battery Life on Your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch
• How to Get Nero’s Best Features with Free Alternatives
• How to Use FileMenu to Manage Your Files More Efficiently

One Year Ago on How-To Geek

Here is our latest batch of retro geeky goodness presented for your reading enjoyment.

• Backup Your Ubuntu Machine Easily with SBackup
• Getting Started with TrueCrypt (to Secure Your Data)
• How To Use BitLocker on Drives without TPM
• Device Doctor is a Completely Free Driver Update Scanner
• Use Advanced Tools to Troubleshoot Performance Problems in Windows 7

The Geek Note

That is all we have for you this week and for those of you celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we wish you and your families all the best. Got a great tip to share? Then send it in to us at tips@howtogeek.com!

Photo by Arkansas ShutterBug.