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Digital Grog is Australia’s go‑to tech blog for sharp reviews, digital trends, AI tools, gadgets, cybersecurity updates, and practical how‑tos covering the latest in Aussie technology

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3 tricks to reset your forgotten windows password

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It happens to everybody at some part of the time. You lose your laptop or a computer password, and now you are locked out of it. This can become quite frustrating as you are unable to gain access back into your windows computer which has important files on it.

Fortunately, there are many options to get back into your desktop computer or laptop with custom paid software and also some free options available. Most of the available software normally works on all versions of windows from windows 10 to windows XP.

Majority of the operating systems on PCs in the world run some form of Windows, and we’re assuming you’ve got a Microsoft-based computer.  Unfortunately, Microsoft won’t help you if you have lost your password – it’s their security policy. There are tricks and methods to unlock your pc.

Below we list some of the options available to you if you find yourself in such a situation and need to unlock your computer again

[ninja_tables id="6390"]

3 NEW UNLOCKING SOFTWARE  BELOW (UPDATED 2020)

  1.  

the zapper australia

Get  the zapper software >> here on Amazon

2.

 

CD disk for recovery of password

Get the recovery disk >> here on Amazon

3.

 

win recovery USB

Get The WIN recovery USB >> over here on Amazon

Use Your Windows 10 Password Reset Disk

USB stickUnfortunately for this to work, you should have done this before losing your password, and if you were proactive and done it before, then you can easily use this Windows 10 password reset disk that you created to unlock your PC.

The Windows 7 or 10 password reset disk is a disk you can create for free using your existing Windows computer. This acts as a backup forgotten password disk for password recovery when you lose your password on your computer either.

If you don’t already have it, I suggest once you get back access using one of our other methods below – make one immediately. Instructions here.

Reset Your Win 10 With This Free Trick

reset itEverybody likes free. And there is a way to reset your Windows 7 or 10 passwords with nothing but the tools and some skills you will need to learn as we go. This is an easy trick that anyone can pull off with a little bit of understanding and perseverance for the not, so tech minded.

It involves having to boot from a windows disc or flash drive and use your PC’s Command Prompt a few times.

See our – How to Reset a Windows 10 Password for a complete tutorial.

Given the fact that you have forgotten to make a password reset disk or an administrator account without password on your computer, this free option will be the best solution if you are on a budget and need a solution.

There are some other similar free options which need some technical skills as well like using the Emergency Boot CD – The EBCD (Emergency Boot CD) (fix unbootable computers and recover data from them) or the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (a utility that enables users to overwrite their Windows SAM file). These two utilities will also require using some command line codes.

Our picks of top 3 recommended password recovery software

"Go

Reset Password Pro

(Recommended)5 stars

We recommend this software because it supports all password recovery for windows versions up to windows 10 and..

  • Its easy to use
  • Supports Windows 32 bit as well as 64 bit
  • Accepts credit card and paypal payments
  • Covered by Clickbank Guarantee
"Go
"Ophcrack"

Ophcrack supports Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Not so much with with Windows 10 passwords.

Offline NT Password & Registry Editor

Offline NT Password & Registry Editor works on 64-bit & 32-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP PCs, and it reset the passwords immediately without a problem.

Reset Windows 10 Password -FREE

Guide – to reset administrator password of Windows 10 without any software.( <– Video + tutorial)

  1. Boot from the Windows 10 DVD. Make sure that your PC setup is configured to boot from a DVD and that UEFI and Secure Boot are disabled.
  2. Press SHIFT + F10 to open a command prompt.
  3. Check in which drive your windows is installed as in the  video (diskpart command)
  4. Replace the file utilman.exe with cmd.exe as shown in video. Before you do this, you should make a copy of utilman.exe so that you can restore it later.
  5. After you have replaced utilman.exe successfully, you can remove the DVD and restart your Windows 10 install.
  6. On the Windows 10 sign-in page, click the Utility Manager icon
  7. As we replaced the Utility Manager with the cmd.exe, a command prompt should open now. Don’t worry about the error message.
  8. Used command line as in video to reset administrator password and close command prompt, now you can login
"Go

Password Resetter

The website is not as up-to date as the software, but the software does the password recovery for windows  computers.

Quick features

  • It supports Windows Vista, XP, NT, 2000, 7 and also the latest version, Windows 8.
  • Rated as safe to download by both Norton and McAfee
  • Two versions available corporate and personal edition

Why do you forget your password? ( +Solutions)

We forget passwords because we are human. While most people tend to remember their passwords, there are occasion’s when you can forget them.  You can forget your password for many reasons – some of the reasons are listed below

  • You keep changing their passwords on a regular basis for security and forgot the last one
  • You have not used their laptop for a while and lost the password
  • You did not write down your password (not recommended anyway)
  • You made a complicated long-winded password and now can’t remember it

If you forgot your Microsoft account password, follow these steps.

Solutions:

Write it down

Write it down only if you have to, and if you do make sure it’s kept in a safe place – that you can remember.

Codeword your password

Save your password somewhere, but write it down in code that you can decipher easily looking at the word you have written down Eg if your password  is hpotter32#  and you like harry potter –  you could write down wizard32# in your diary  if that would jog your memory to the actual password hpotter32. While these are risky and not recommended methods as solutions, it is for people with not so good memory and who tend to lose it much more than others.

Lock it in your bank

If you have paid for a sake locker in your bank, write it down on a piece of paper and keep it there with your family jewels J

* The Windows® logo, Windows NT, the Windows NT logo, Windows 2000, the Windows 2000 logo, Windows XP, the Windows XP logo, Windows Vista, the Windows Vista Logo, Windows 7, the Windows® 7 logo, Windows 8 and the Windows 8 logo are all registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. This site and the products and services offered on this site are not associated, affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation., nor have they been reviewed, tested or certified by Microsoft Corporation.

Not an endorsement

Please note, by listing the above methods and software tools we’re certainly not advocating hacking in any sense. These tools are recommended to be used only if you lost your password to your own laptop or pc and at your own risk.

In fact, we strongly suggest if you don’t have the required skills you should rather take your computer to the local IT guy or hire someone to come do it for you.

Hope one of the methods above help you get back access into your computer. If you did run into any problems trying the recovery methods  do send the software provider an email  via contact page or then leave a comment here and I can help  you if i can.  Hope you don’t  fall into this situation again,  but just in case I would bookmark this page 🙂

Daymm !! Domains Cheap as chips

by | Oct 30, 2018 | , , , , , , , , , ,

The World’s #1 Domain Registrar. Get Your Australian Domain Today with discounts and our special coupon codes. Snag a discount while watching how I used some coupon codes to get some great discounts on domain names when I planned to start a new website. These promo codes will have to be used at the end of your purchase process in your cart.

How to secure your desktop and laptop with antivirus software

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Looking to buy an antivirus software for your computer ?

There are lots of options available online and in Australia brick and mortar shops as well. But you can save yourself a walk to the shop if you want, by buying online at cheaper prices.

picture of bit defender software

The main settings panel for the software (might be updated)

The 2017 edition has been released now!

With most digital products for computer security now available online too, you can manage to score yourself good deal buying online. Read our review below.

Security update : WannaCRy  Ransomware

A type of virus that infect computers, and then prevent the user from accessing the operating system, or encrypts all the data stored on the computer,
The user asks the ransom to pay a fixed amount of money, as opposed to decrypting files or allowing access again to the operating system.

On Sunday, Europol revealed that the Wanna Cry ransomware had claimed 200,000 victims in 150 countries and described the cyber attack as “unprecedented”.

Wanna Cry Ransomware Guidelines to stay safe :

  • Be careful to click on harmful links in your emails.
  • Be wary of visiting unsafe or unreliable sites.
  • Never click on a link that you do not trust on a web page or access to Facebook or messaging applications such as Whatsapp and other applications.
  • If you receive a message from your friend with a link, ask him before opening the link to confirm, (infected machines send random messages with links).
  • Keep your files backed up regularly and periodically.
  • Be aware of fraudulent e-mail messages that use names similar to popular services such as PayPal instead of PayPal or use popular service names without commas or excessive characters.
  • Use anti virus and Always make have the last update.
  • Make sure your windows have the last update close the gap.

I have already covered a detailed price comparison for  top antivirus software in my previous (blog post last year in 2016 – updated for 2019).

Today we are going to look at Bitdefender Internet Security 2019  for your computer.

Bitdefender Antivirus has always had good reviews in most local Australian technology magazines and I could not miss the chance to review this product.

Product  features definitely  play an important part in whatever we buy so we will cover that here, but first the most important bit PRICE and this software is just priced right.

PRICE FOR BITDEFENDER ANTIVIRUS

$49 for bitdefender antivirus plus  2017
$69 for bitdefender internet security 2017

The prices for this software is  quite competitive and affordable  compared to other software’s in this niche. Prices vary according to  number of devices covered and software plan  for eg.1/2/or 3 years plan.

About Bit-defender

In January 2015, Bitdefender won AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year, taking Gold awards in Proactive Malware Detection. It has also won two Editor’s Choice awards from PCMAG.

The software is quite popular with it already being used by 500+ million home and corporate devices across the globe.

bitdefender screen pic 2016

Snapshot of inner screen from the software for the 2017 edition

 

How does it compare to Norton antivirus and AVG antivirus software ?

Norton antivirus used to have the problem of using to many resources, which they have fixed now. Bitdefender has always been light on using your system resources and wont slow your computer down to do its job.

With AVG Antivirus  their software  settings interface has been improved a lot recently , with bitdefender they have always kept the software interface simple and easy to use.

What features do i need in my antivirus software ?

If you haven’t heard of ransom ware virus then you better read this.

What is ransom ware ?

In simple terms it’s just like taking a hostage and asking for ransom, therefore the name ransom ware.  Criminals spreads viruses/malware via dodgy means onto your computer and laptop and you get infected and they get full control of your PC/Laptop and take it hostage. If you don’t pay an amount to them they just destroy your whole data on the computer, they are solutions for removal of some ransom ware once infected, but not for newer ones.

So to protect your computer today, ransom ware protection feature is essential today.

Other features

  • Regular antivirus updates to keep you secure from new viruses.
  • Real time virus and malware blocking
  • It does Not delete files but block them
  • Compatibility with other devices
  • For mac and smart devices
  • Bonus password manager

When I initially installed Bitdefender on my desktop PC, I was not sure how well this would work with windows. Bitdefender just sits there on your computer silently like a invisible bodyguard or bouncer doing its job with a minimum of fuss ( which means it does not use much of your computer resources) , so i am quite happy with this antivirus solution.

best sfotware australia

If you are ready to get your computer or laptop secure, you can try out this current deal from Bitdefender security.

Bitdefender pc security and antivirus 2016

Bitdefender Antivirus ( website link )

In January 2015, Bitdefender won AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year, taking Gold awards in Proactive Malware Detection. It has also won two Editor’s Choice awards from PCMAG. The software is quite popular with it already being used by 500+ million home and corporate devices across the globe.

Ransomware protection in Bitdefender 2017

Ransomware Protection for your computer/laptop  – This is one of the new features included in all Bitdefender 2017 software (Antivirus Plus, Internet Security and Total Security).This new feature protects certain folders from ransom ware malware.

Safely do online banking

safepay feature onlinebanking securely from bit defender

Online banking is always a worry when using your computer and Bitdefender has got you covered with their new safepay feature.

 

Bitdefender Safepay™ is a FREE desktop app within your software that features a secure hacker-proof browser. It keeps all your online banking and e-shopping transactions secure, by opening a special browser area to do your online banking transactions. You can also add all online transactions sites (banks, Credit card payment sites) that you use regularly to favourites in this screen.

Another awesome feature is the Bitdefender Wallet , which is a password manager built into this security solution. It helps you keep track of your passwords, protects your privacy and provides a more secure experience.

By using a single master password to access your credentials, this Wallet makes it easy for you to keep your passwords safe.

How to install Bitdefender software 2017 on my computer

Installing your PC security software has been made easy by this company. Here is what you need to  do to install this software

Below are the steps to install Bitdefender 2017 on your system:

1. Remove any other security solutions/antivirus software  from your computer.

a) Remove any other security antivirus software that you have installed on your pc /laptop, by using the manufacturer uninstall steps or then going to control panel in windows and uninstalling your old software.

c) Now restart the system and proceed with the installation of Bitdefender 2017.

2. Install Bitdefender 2017 on your system.

a)  Go to your Bitdefender Central account

NOTE: If you don’t have an account already, please sign up for one at this stage .

b)  INSTALL Bitdefender.

List of products
Home/Home Office Packs Business Solutions Free Tools
Bitdefender Total Security 2017 Bitdefender Total Security Multi-Device 2017 Bitdefender GravityZone Enterprise Security Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender Internet Security 2017 Bitdefender Family Pack 2017 Bitdefender GravityZone Advanced Business Security Bitdefender QuickScan
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2017 Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool for PC
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Bitdefender Security for Virtualized Environments Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool for Mac
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android Bitdefender Security for Mobile Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Android

Bitdefender competes in the antivirus industry against Avira, BullGuard, F-Secure, FRISK, Kaspersky, McAfee, Panda Security, Sophos, Symantec and Trend Micro among others.

Feel free to leave a comment or note below on your experience with security software you have used on your device.

Ultrabooks Vs Laptops: What’s the Difference between them

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There is not much different from a new laptop and a ultrabook with the basic Concepts, but when you look much deeper into the technology and features  you can clearly see the difference.

Difference between ultrabooks and Laptops

An Ultrabook is a higher-end type of sub notebook defined by Intel. Ultrabooks are designed to feature reduced size and weight without compromising performance and battery life. They use low-power Intel processors with integrated graphics, and unibody chassis to fit larger batteries into smaller cases. Some models have limited external ports (e.g. USB) due to their extremely thin profile.

clip_image001

Image courtesy of Intel Free Press on WikiMedia

At a presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show, an Intel Manager stated that market analysis revealed that screen size motivated some of the reluctance to switch to 13″ Ultrabooks. As a result, Intel is planning to ensure, through cooperation with manufacturers, a 14 or 15-inch screen on 50% of the 75 Ultrabooks that will likely come to market in 2012

 

Laptops and ultra books both have their unique features and options the laptop is the more traditional pc laptop, while the ultra-book is the more modern version of the laptop.

Tablets popular for christmas Gifts

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Despite the gloomy economy, shoppers all over the world  are expected to shell out for tablet computers this December making them one of the hot gadgets gifts  this Christmas and holiday season

amazon-kindle-fire review prices

Amazon Kindle Fire pictures above

This new Techo gadget are the most-desired electronic devices this holiday season. Of all the gifts people are craving, tablets with clothing taking the no 1 spot according to a consumer Association.

Bob 56, plans to purchase an iPad for his son and his sister  who lives in  Washington. His parents live in Florida. So he’s excited to be able to video chat with his parents – them on the new iPad, him on his iPhone.

Tablets were on many peoples wish lists last year, but they were too pricey and they technology was still new so was still getting adapted too, now with smartphones  everybody is getting more exposed to the new touchscreen technology.

Barnes & Noble Nook Color-w600 reviews

Barnes and noble tablet pictures above

Two of the most promising competitors come from online retailer Amazon.com Inc. and book seller Barnes & Noble Inc.

Some price released recently for the

  1. iPad’s $499 base price
  2.  Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which costs $199
  3. Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet, which costs $249.

Tablets are popping up in unexpected places, too. with  the ipad being used to control customised helicopters that can fly indoors , buggys made to be controlled by the iphone and ipad and many more gizmos.For some people, the device has become indispensable for playing and working.

But while many think of the iPad as synonymous with the word “tablet,” plenty of shoppers will be looking for a more affordable tablet to give this year with heaps of new customised software versions coming out with new android software.

“When tablets start to get  below $200, sales go up dramatically,” says technology analyst Rob Enderle and is going to be evident in the good cheaper prices for these gadgets these years. Check out some reviews and pics on the latest tablets here. “PC TABLETS REVIEWS”

Enter the slim dell Laptop XPS 15Z

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Competition is hotting up for the “Macbook pro”  with the release of the "Dell xps 15z" laptop model and the samsung 9 series slim laptop also recently unveiled.

dell xps15z release mackbook pro rival

Mac book pro rival  “slim Laptop pc the XPS 15Z” launches

Dell claims its new slim Laptop pc the XPS 15Z is "one of the thinnest 15-in PCs on the planet" at 24.68mm or 0.97in. At this size it is almost, but not quite, as thin as Apple’s equivalent Macbook Pro, which is 24.1mm thin. Both laptops weigh 2.5kg. Its definitely positioned to rival the “Macbook pro”. The slim dell laptop will be competitively prioced at £899, which is considerably less than the £1,549 price tag of its rival

The “XPS 15Z” has a 15.6in display and a WLED screen with standard HD 1366×768 resolution but you can also opt for a full HD 1080p. Dell said that you’ll get up to 8 hours battery life from the 8 cell battery, which is 1 hour more than Apple claims for the Macbook Pro

Specs for Dell xps 15z

  • Intel Core i5 2410M Dual Core CPU (2.90 GHz)
  • 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB 7200 RPM hard drive
  • slot-load DVD-R/W drive, an NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M GPU with 1GB of memory
  • 15.6-inch 1,366 x 768 pixel display

Optional upgrades available

  • Intel Core i7 2620M Dual Core CPU (3.4 GHz)
  • NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M GPU with 2GB of memory
  • 1,920 x 1,080 pixel full high-def display.

The “samsung series 9 ultra slim laptop” also is a serious challenger for the macbook pro and Dell xps 15z (pic below)

Samsung Series 9 Laptop Ultra-Slim

You can check the samsung slim laptop specs or buy the laptop at amazon here

Some other laptop models from dell that you might want to check out  are Dell Adamo XPS , Dell XPS 17 Dell Adamo 13

Asus Smallest Laptop PC Mini Pc

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Smallest Laptop PC Mini Pc By ASUS

 

get the Asus EePC 701 smallest pc from asus

Asus EePC 701 – Where to get it In Australia

– Myers – AUD $ 499 – Sold oUT -Review

 

The EeePC is looking fairly well spec’d with an (unspecified) Intel processor and chipset, Intel UMA graphics, 512MB RAM, 16GB SSD, webcam, Bluetooth and b/g wireless. Sure, it’s not gonna be ground breaking, or play any decent games, nor should it. It’s a mobile solution that should be more than capable. ( Source for specs )
I haven’t personally used Linux, but it’s open source freeware which means that it’s totally supported by a bunch of uber geeks who continually make patches to keep it running fairly stable. Also, due to the lower number of users, it’s fair to assume that it’s less likely to be attacked. Linux is also more efficient when using system resources, unlike Vista, so should make the most of the laptop. Again, I haven’t used Open Office, but I know that it is compatible with Microsoft Office file types (which the majority of businesses and educational facilities will use).

BELOW LINK FOR AMAZON STORE PURCHASE

If the EePc is still not available at your nearest Australian Retail store , Buy the

Asus EePc at Amazon – The Internet’s Most reliable online retailer below

THE FULL POST ARTICLE IS HERE >>>

BELOW LINK FOR AMAZON STORE PURCHASE

If the EePc is still not available at your nearest Retail store , Buy the

Asus EePc at Amazon – The Internet’s Most reliable online retailer below

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If the EePc is still not available at your nearest Retail store , Buy the

Asus EePc at Amazon – The Internet’s Most reliable online retailer below