EmmanuelSotelo.net

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Practice Java/Python Coding in your browser.

Through Reddit, I recently found CodingBat.

CodingBat is a website that allows one to flex their coding muscles through simple yet effective exercises. Currently, it offers exercises in Java and Python. One really great aspect of this website is that all the coding is done from the browser. No need to download compilers or IDE's. You can get started right away upon creating your free account. In addition, it saves your solutions in case you want to go back later to review them. It also has a nice reporting feature that allows the sharing of solutions with another user(For example a student and professor). In case the exercises on the site are not adequate enough, one can also create custom exercises.

On a more personal note, it would have been nice and useful to have this site around years ago when I was learning how to program.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Fake Antivirus: HMFVSTAV.EXE

Microsoft Security Essentials failed to detect it, however hmfvstav.exe is a Fake Antivirus spyware program. This program disables the Windows Security Center, Windows Update, and legitimate antivirus software. It also prevents the launching of Task Manager to protect itself and disables browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

I was able to remove it by booting into safe mode and simply deleting the file.

I found the file in:

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME

Also be sure to remove its registry entry located at:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run