Computer Virus: How to Remove It

If your PC has ever been infected - or worse, if it's infected right now - you're probably groaning. Yes it's a pain, but the good news is you can remove viruses yourself, for free.

STEP 1:  Back Up Documents, Photos and Videos.
Save your important data to an external drive. Be sure to scan this drive and its contents after you remove the virus; you don't want to re-infect your computer after the clean-up.

STEP 2: Reboot in Safe Mode
You have to prevent the virus from running when you try to remove it. To do this, reboot in safe mode.  Safe mode runs only the Windows operating system and a few key programs. It's a way to limit any malware from launching. 

Restart your computer and hit the F8 key on the keyboard repeatedly until you get to a black screen with the option of restarting in Safe Mode.  Choose "Safe Mode with Networking" so that you can still get on the Internet.

STEP 3: Download Virus Scanner/Removal Tools
I recommend downloading two to three different programs to find and remove the malware. One may do the job, but three will almost certainly do the job. These three have worked for me and come highly recommended by PC Magazine and CNET:

Malwarebytes
SuperAntispyware
PC Tools

STEP 4: Run Virus Scanners
Download, double-click to install, accept all the defaults they recommend, and then run each. This will take a while. When the programs locate a virus or any suspicious items, allow the programs to delete the files.

STEP 5: Reboot Normally
Reboot your computer normally; no need for safe mode. You should be back to normal now. If you have files backed up on an external drive, plug it in and use the security programs you downloaded to scan that drive before you open or transfer any files.  If the virus is gone, go to step 6.

**IF YOU STILL HAVE THE VIRUS**

Many people will recommend you reinstall Windows or try system restore or download a registry cleaner. I say that at this point, most people should take the computer to a local PC repair shop. Where I live, it costs about £75 to get the virus removed and a clean version of Windows installed. It is a personal decision how you proceed from here, but take into account the value of your time.

STEP 6: Add Security 
How did you get that virus in the first place? Even if you don't know, it's clear you need more protection.  PC Tools is a real-time virus scanner that you can use as your ongoing protection, or install something like Avast or AVG.  All three are very good, free, anti-virus programs. Also Microsoft's Security Essentials comes well recommended.

You should also go to the Control Panel of your computer, and in the security section click Windows Update. Make sure that it's set up to regularly update.  And if you think someone else accidentally installed malware on your computer, it's a good idea to give other members of the family their own sign-on accounts that don't have admin privileges.

This way, if the kids try to download software that could harbour viruses, they won't be allowed to. And yes, this means you should keep your admin password private.  (Also, if they've installed any file-sharing programs, now would be a good time to remove them. Peer-to-Peer music and movie sites do expose you to a lot of junk.

STEP 7- Damage Control
Viruses are a gateway to identity theft and spam. So after you disinfect your computer it's a good idea to check your credit [Experian allows you to get a credit score free of charge].

You should also change all your passwords, especially your email password and any passwords for your financial institutions.

Einstein proved right over universe

• View Photo
  Professor Albert Einstein's theory of how the universe is expanding has been proved right by scientists

Albert Einstein has been proved correct in his view of how the universe is expanding, according to a new scientific study.

The new test of Einstein's view of the universe has proved him right with "incredible accuracy" and is helping scientists to understand the mysterious acceleration of the universe.

A team of cosmologists have announced at the National Astronomy Meeting being held at the University of Manchester, the most accurate measurement ever made from when the expansion of the universe began to accelerate.

It means that the phenomenon can be explained using just Einstein's general theory of relativity and the cosmological constant - the simplest theoretical explanation for the acceleration of the universe.

The results will be used to understand what is causing the acceleration and why, and will shed new light on dark energy - the name adopted for the fundamental agent driving the acceleration about which little is known.

The cosmologists from the University of Portsmouth and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics have examined the period between five and six billion years ago when the universe was almost half its present age and made measurements of extraordinary accuracy - within 1.7%.

The findings support Einstein's general theory of relativity which predicts how fast galaxies, separated by large distances, should be moving toward one another and at what rate the structure of the universe should be growing. The conclusions are consistent with the concordance model of a universe that bloomed from the big bang 13.7 million years ago.

Team member Dr Rita Tojeiro said: "The results are the best measurement of an intergalactic distance ever made, which means cosmologists are closer than ever to understanding why the universe's expansion is accelerating.

"One of the great things about Einstein's general theory of relativity is that it is testable. Our results support the theory and are fully consistent with the notion that constant vacuum energy - empty space creating a repulsive force - is driving the acceleration of the universe. These are profound statements that describe the physics of our universe at the most fundamental level.

"Critically, the results find no evidence that dark energy is simply an illusion stemming from our poor understanding of the laws of gravity - Einstein's theory has passed its most stringent test yet at extra-galactic scales."

The most unusual way to cook eggs

We've all heard of boiling, scrambling and poaching — but have you ever roasted an egg? From coddling to scrambling it inside its shell, we try out some of the less common ways of cooking an egg.

Scrambling inside its shell

Scrambling an egg still in its shell is thought to have originated in Japan. And, according to an article on the Instructables website, you'll need a pair of tights to make one. Push a raw egg down one of the 'legs' of a pair of fairly thick tights, holding the foot end firmly. Twist both ends so the egg can't escape and then spin the egg by twirling it in front of you in a circular motion. Be careful not to hit the egg with anything as you spin it, and continue spinning in both directions for about 2 minutes. The egg will sound gloopy. Carefully remove the egg from the tights and boil for 8-10 minutes. For some reason these eggs are more likely to crack on boiling and so they often don't come out as perfectly formed as a boiled egg. But we think they're kind of cool.

[Related feature: The most unusual rare breed eggs]

[Related feature: How to perfectly boil an egg]

[Related feature:  How to make bacon wrapped eggs]

Coddling

This method cooks the egg very gently so that the yolk is runny and the white is just set. You can use an egg coddler — a small device that resembles a tall egg cup with a lid, which is then immersed in simmering water. But you can also coddle eggs in the oven. Just butter a small ramekin and crack in the egg. Drizzle in a teaspoon of cream and sprinkle over some salt and pepper. Place in a roasting tray and pour boiling water into the tray so that it comes just over half way up the side of the ramekin. Bake at 180°C for about 8-10 minutes or until the egg is cooked to your liking. Some people like to add a trickle of white wine, some herbs and chopped ham into the ramekin before cracking in the egg, for a truly indulgent snack.

Grilling

Obviously you can't crack an egg onto the bars of a grilling tray, so you need to find an edible container to grill it in. A scooped out tomato, large flat mushroom, a halved red pepper or a halved, toasted bread roll will all work. If you're using bread, just push down on it slightly in the centre to make a little hollow and place under the grill for a minute, to firm it up. Crack the egg into the bread roll and slide back under the grill for a few more minutes until it's cooked. It's a bit of a gamble whether the egg will set before the outside of the toast burns, and while it doesn't set the white as firmly as a fried egg it does give the yolk an unusual toasted flavour.

Baking

This method is a bit like coddling, but you don't use any water. Butter a ramekin, and scatter in some chopped ham, chorizo, chopped tomato, mushrooms or whatever else you fancy. If you're using raw chopped bacon, cook it first. Crack in an egg, season and sprinkle over a tiny grating of cheese. Place the ramekin on a baking tray and cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 180°C or until cooked to your liking.

Roasting

Roasted eggs are important during Jewish Passover, where they represent birth, mourning and sacrifice. Although these symbolic eggs aren't normally eaten during Passover, in some countries they are. For example, in one African recipe eggs are slow-roasted for around 5 hours, giving them a smoky, caramelised flavour. Raw eggs placed in the oven can have a tendency to explode however, so for safety and to save time, boil the egg for 6-7 minutes first and then transfer to a 180°C oven for another 10 minutes. It's very easy to overcook the eggs to a rubber-like consistency when roasting, but ours had started to develop a sweet, slightly nutty flavoured yolk and a yellowish white after a hard-boil and a quick spell in the oven. If the egg is bound for the Seder plate however, many people just hold the boiled egg in a pair of flameproof tongs over a flame, to burnish the shell slightly.

Top 10 sports stars who blew fortunes

>

Basketball legend Dennis Rodman has burned through a £20 million fortune, and is now facing a potential spell in jail over unpaid child maintenance grants.

He's not the first sporting household name to end up bankrupt, however: we run down the top 10 sports stars who squandered their fortunes, starting with the basketball star himself.

- -  -

Basketball: Dennis Rodman

In the 1980s and 1990s, Dennis Rodman became a basketball legend, playing in the same all-conquering Chicago Bulls team as the likes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

It wasn't just his on-court success that made him famous - not that he was short on that score, with five NBA championships and a place in the NBA Hall of Fame.

With his aggressive style and habit of dying his hair bizarre colours, he became one of the most recognisable faces in the sport - if not all of sport. His fame earned him an estimated $30 million fortune, and he enjoyed a lifestyle that saw him rub shoulders with showzbiz pals, make several movie appearances and marry Carmen Electra.

All that cost money, however, as did his 47ft speedboat (tastefully named 'Sexual Chocolate'), the illegal helicopters at his 40th birthday, a pick-up truck with his portrait painted on the bonnet and the endless parties at his beachside home.

Rodman, now 50, is said by his lawyer to be broke and alcoholic, and owes £500,000 in child maintenance payments to his third wife, Michelle, as well as nearly £70,000 in unpaid tax. The commissioner overseeing his case will issue his sentence on May 29, and has said that the fallen idol will be given community service rather than jail.

How he will catch up with his back payments on his current estimated salary of £30,000-a-year is another matter entirely. Rodman doesn't even have a pension, having cashed in his NBA plan to pay off debts a few years ago.

Football: Peter Shilton

The former England goalkeeper was once the highest-earning footballer in the country, but blew his fortune on gambling and disastrous business ventures. He recovered and emerged to become a motivational speaker, but sadly he recently split from his wife, Sue, who had stood by him through everything since 1970.

Golf: John Daly

The 'Wild Thing' burst onto the scene when he arrived at the 1991 US PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, having driven all night to get to the course, and blew away the field with his unprecedented huge drives and an often miraculous short game touch. He instantly became one of the biggest draws in the game, and his 1995 Open Championship victory only added to the legend. His penchant for alcohol and gambling cost him everything, however: he reportedly once lost $1.65 million on Las Vegas slot machines in just five hours. He claims to have lost a total of $50 or $60 million, and was saved from bankruptcy several times by the generosity of his sponsors. He still has enough skill and public affection to be making a decent living.

Boxing: Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson

The once undisputed heavyweight champions of the world both earned vast fortunes in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Holyfield picked up over $250m in his career, but had the bank foreclose on his $10m house in 2008 (his house, incidentally, had 109 rooms). Holyfield cites poor business decisions and his two failed marriages (which have left him with huge child support bills) as the reasons for his financial woes.

Tyson, meanwhile, burnt through even more cash: some $300m and more went down the toilet - literally, at one point. Among his many extravagances was an exotic bathroom suite whose bathtub alone cost $2m! He was declared bankrupt in 2003 with a reported $34m debt. He returned to the ring to pay off his bills, but hit the rocks again and was convicted of cocaine possession in 2007. Today, he makes ends meet by appearing as himself in movies and tends his pigeons at home in New York.

Darts: Jocky Wilson

The recently-deceased darts legend was a double world champion who became an icon, earning millions and even having his image appear on Top of The Pops. But his excessive drinking began to take its toll - he once lost a game he'd been well in charge of as he got drunker and drunker, and fell off the stage at the end of the match. Two years after retiring to his hometown of Kirkcaldy, Fife, he was declared bankrupt and ended up living in a one-bedroom flat ravaged by diabetes and arthritis.

Football: Paul Gascoigne

The likeable Geordie became the talisman of English football following his outstanding performances at the 1990 World Cup, and the nation's darling when he was pictured blubbing his eyes out after getting a yellow card in the semi-final. Injuries and heavy drinking meant that he rarely exhibited his talent to its full again, but it was after his retirement that things started to go seriously wrong. Bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and gambling problems sent him spiralling downwards. In 2008 he reportedly told paramedics to let him die while they pumped his stomach following a drink and drugs binge. He has blown £14m, and has narrowly avoided bankruptcy several times over the last few years after agreeing voluntary repayment schemes instead.

Football: Peter Marinello

The Scottish football star became Arsenal's most expensive signing when he joined the Gunners for £100,000 in 1970, and his career started in fine fashion with a goal against Manchester United. Hailed as the new George Best, he took that label too literally with a lavish livestyle and heavy drinking that undermined his talent. A string of injuries didn't help, and within three years he was scratching around for contracts wherever he could get them. His luck didn't change in retirement, and a failed business dealing in 1994 saw him declared bankrupt.

Snooker: Alex Higgins

The Northern Irishman's flamboyant style earned him legions of fans, but even in his heyday his excessive drinking meant he only won two World Championshipa - despite being the most naturally-talented player of his generation. He earned millions, but drank it all away - often with the help of Jimmy White and Oliver Reed. By 2009 he was living in a caravan, and the year after needed friends to raise money for teeth implants to help him put on weight and avoid death. The money was raised but Higgins was never well enough to have the implants, and he died in July 2010.

Basketball: Latrell Sprewell

The NBA superstar's career came to a premature end in 2005 when he rejected a three-year, $21m deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves, claiming that he couldn't afford to feed his family on such a paltry sum. Despite having earned $96m in his career to that date, he found it even harder to keep those mouths fed after retirement. His financial woes included having his 70ft yacht and two $5m mansions repossessed, and getting sued for $200m by a former girlfriend.

Men’s diet: The must eats

Healthy eating can sometimes be different depending on your gender. Here’s a list of foods that men must include in their diet.

Here's what you should be eating

While there are some foods that we must all eat, men and women have different dietary requirements — met by different foods.

Blueberries

Blueberries have been linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer, owing to high levels of proanthocyanidins (a subtype of flavonoids). The benefits of blueberries does not end there, research also suggests that this fruit can reduce risk of heart disease, age-related memory loss and type-2 diabetes  — all of which – typically effect more men than women.

Brazil nuts

Snacking on nuts in general is good for the heart and skin. Brazil nuts, however, are particularly good for men as they have a high selenium content, which is known to enhance sperm health and mortality.

Selenium also helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and acts as mood enhancer.

Cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprout

Cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprout are some important veggies that every man must include in his diet. These veggies are known to contain cancer-fighting chemicals, which are known to cut risk of prostate and colorectal cancer in men.

So add them in plenty in your daily diet.

Tomatoes

This popular fruit has many benefits for men. Lycopene (a phytochemical) is known to lower cholesterol, cut risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease.

Studies show that men who regularly eat food rich in lycopene have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer.

Eggs

If you’re prone to hair loss, then look no further. Eggs, an excellent source of protein and biotin (vitamin B7) boosts hair growth. Additionally, egg yolks are a good source of iron, which research suggests helps alleviate hair loss caused by anaemia.

Pomegranate

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and studies show that eating pomegranate regularly can help lower cholesterol, a problem common to many men.

Many studies also suggest that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice daily ca slow down the progress of prostate cancer.

Garlic

Garlic’s heart health boosting properties are well known, it helps lower cholesterol, reducing chances of blockage. Further, research findings published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute suggests that regularly eating garlic and onions cuts risk ofprostate cancer. So include them in your diet today.

Salmon

Salomon, a sea fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help treat the cause of many common health ailments in men. It not only helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, it also helps alleviate depression and cuts risk of prostate and colorectal cancer.

Whole grains

Whole grains pack in a host of vitamins, minerals and fibre – good for both men and women. However, it’s the B vitamins that particularly benefit men.

Vitamin B9 (folate) helps keep sperm healthy, vitamin B7 (biotin) helps reduce hair loss. Silica, also found in whole grains aids healthy hair growth.

Natural wonders: Dark Chocolate

It’s probably the best news you’d hear… medical studies have shown that dark chocolate can be mighty good for you! 

Chocolate comes from cocoa beans, that grow on cocoa trees. Research shows that a high percentage of cocoa, as found in dark chocolate, packs in a variety of plant nutrients that can be good for your cardiovascular health, your skin and lots more.

Loaded with flavonoids, essential minerals and antioxidants, some experts equate dark chocolate and cocoa with the goodness of green tea and blueberries.  But, remember to not go on a binging spree, but to eat in moderation.

Health benefits of dark chocolate

Bite into it, it’s good for you!A healthy dose of antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants found aplenty in nuts, berries, green tea and the likes, which helps fight free radicals that can damage your health. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in this delicacy can help protect you against cancer, premature ageing, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Sweet news for your blood sugar: Dark chocolate, a healthy dessert option, can fulfill your cravings for sweets and also keep your blood sugar in check. Dark chocolate has a low glycaemic index, which means it won’t raise your blood sugar levels, of course, when eaten in moderation. Like us on Facebook

Minerals your body needs: Dark chocolate packs in many essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron that do your body good in many ways.

The feel good factor: There is no denying that chocolate is a mood enhancer. Chocolate contains chemical compounds like theobromine, caffeine and phenylethylamine, which release endorphins that create a pleasurable feeling. So if you’re feeling blue, bite into a piece of dark chocolate to feel better. Sans any guilt!

Toast to a healthy heart: Polyphenols found in dark chocolate inhibit oxidation of LDL known as bad cholesterol (Read more about cholesterol reducing foods here), thereby preventing heart disease. When this waxy substance (LDL) sticks to your artery walls (through the process of oxidation), it can put you at risk of heart disease.

Keeps blood pressure in check: Another means by which dark chocolate benefits cardiovascular health  is by keeping your blood pressure under check (Watch cardiologist Dr Devi Shetty speak about symptoms of heart attack). Studies show that eating dark chocolate in moderation can help lower blood pressure, so eat a small piece everyday and reap its benefits.

Crazy yet amazing photos

Model present outfits made out of artificial hairs by German fashion designer Luisa Verfuerth on March 13, 2012 in Dortmund, western Germany, at the Creativa fair for creative design and leisure. The fair takes place from March 14 to 18, 2012. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ

A ferry passes a rental car stranded in the ocean at Oyster Point, about 25kms (16 miles) east of Brisbane March 16, 2012. Local newspaper The Redland Times reported on Friday that three Japanese tourists were fooled by a low tide and their GPS into believing they could drive to nearby North Stradbroke Island across about 15 km (9 miles) of mud and water. The trio, students from Tokyo, became stuck and had to abandon the vehicle. REUTERS/The Redland Times/Chris McCormack/Handout    

                                          

Tonia Couch of Britain competes in the women's 10m springboard semi-final in the FINA Diving World Series 2012 at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum sports complex in Dubai on March 16, 2012. AFP PHOTO/KARIM SAHIB

Xu Tiancheng, 56, uses "Qi Gong" or "Internal Energy" to practice a headstand on a flat nail at a pedestrian street in Wuhan, Hubei province March 16, 2012. According to Xu, he has been practising "Qi Gong" for more than 5 years. REUTERS/Stringer

A Don Sphynx cat is seen during a cat exhibition in Bishkek March 18, 2012. About 100 animals from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan took part in the event, according to organizers. REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogov

   

Effigies burn during the finale of the Fallas festival, which welcomes spring and honours Saint Joseph's Day, in Valencia in the early hours of March 20, 2012. Fallas are giant elaborate sculptures and effigies made of wood and plastic that are burned at the end of a week-long spectacle of processions, fireworks, music and dancing. REUTERS/Heino Kalis                                                                                                                                                       

Modern Etiquette: Sharing the joys of pregnancy

From unsolicited baby bump touches to having your big news scooped on Facebook, modern pregnancy has an etiquette all its own. To keep the pregnant glow, consider the following:

Sharing the News

There are few pieces of news as exciting to share as pregnancy. Whether it is a first or fifth, a surprise or long hoped for, it is joyful news.

The choice about who to tell and when will vary from family to family. Though some couples share the news as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed, it's smart to wait until the first trimester is well in hand. Most people tell immediate family first, followed by close friends.

If you're one of the first to know, this conversation may be accompanied by a request to hold the information close until the couple has the chance to tell others personally.

Some women will make an announcement at a family event to make sure their closest loved ones hear about it directly from them.

Facebook has added an extra twist: Until the couple is ready for anyone to know about a pregnancy, they might restrict their Facebook wall to prevent an over-eager well wisher from spilling the beans. Even if a Facebook wall is active, be sure the news is truly public knowledge before posting congratulations.

If you deduce someone is expecting, either from an extra glow or a declined glass of wine, show respect by allowing her to tell you in her own time. When she breaks the news, it's okay to share the insight you had then.         

                                  

    The Bump

  Some women enjoy the occasional belly rub or pat from close friends and family and see it as part of sharing the joy of expecting a baby. Others don't. Never pat a pregnant woman's belly without first asking or being invited to do so.

If someone asks to pat your bump and you would rather they didn't, simply say so-it's not rude to tell them no.

"Thanks for asking, but I'd rather you not." If they reach out without asking, say, "I know it's tempting, but please don't touch." You can add action to words and step back, fold your hands over your belly, or reach out to gently stop their touch.find out more

And almost all pregnant women agree that a belly pat from a complete stranger is entirely inappropriate. It's not okay to walk up to a non-pregnant stranger and touch their belly, and the same goes for a woman who is pregnant.

If you have this impulse, curb it, and instead smile and offer congratulations and ask when she is due-this is the right way to show your excitement over a stranger's pregnancy.

Not Pregnant?

Sometimes excitement is misplaced rather than mis-expressed. Be quite sure a woman is pregnant before assuming and asking when she is due. If she says, "I'm not pregnant," there is no graceful exit beyond, "I beg your pardon." Then drop the subject-there is nothing else that can be said to make it better.

Successful Seat Giving

It's a lovely gesture (and sometimes the law) to offer your seat on the bus or subway to someone in need. Yet this is a gesture that too often fails to happen for pregnant women.

Granted, some might be just fine standing. But others would appreciate the seat, and offering yours-whether you are a man or a woman-is the right thing to do.

Though many people will say yes when offered that chance, others want to say yes but don't want to inconvenience someone who was there first. No matter who you might be offering your seat to or why, the best way to get them to accept is to first stand up, then offer. It's much easier to accept an empty seat than a filled one.

And if no one offers but you need a seat, simply ask. "Pardon me, but would you mind letting me sit? I'd really appreciate it."

All but the lousiest of people will hop right up for a pregnant woman; and if they don't, you can be sure the person next to them will.find more

Apple ipad 32GB at just Rs 399. Total MRP: Rs 32900 Offer Price: Rs 399