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Month: March 2010
Often, even if you are logged on as a user which belongs to the local Administrators group, you may have to open a command prompt (or other program) as “administrator.” Simply right-click the shortcut (Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt) and select Run As Administrator.
Applies to:
- Windows 7
- Windows 2008
- Windows Vista
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Installing BackTrack 4 Final
Installing BackTrack 4 Final couldn’t be easier. I’ve expanded just a little on the simple installation instructions from BackTrack. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be using BackTrack 4 Final in no time. NOTE: These instructions assume you are going to use the entire disk on your computer for BackTrack.
First, boot the the BackTrack 4 Final DVD. Either allow it to start on its own or select your preferred screen size.
At the command line enter startx.
Double-click install.sh on the desktop.
Select your region/city for the correct timezone, click Forward. Select your keyboard layout, then Forward. Use the default disk partitioning option of Guided. Click Forward.
Click Install and watch it go.
The installation should only take a few minutes.
When it’s done it will prompt you to remove your DVD and reboot. That’s it. Now you’re BackTracking.
NOTE: when your system starts your default username will be root, with the password of toor.
Microsoft changed things up again. Back in the day (Windows 2000, 2003, XP, etc.) you could easily open Windows Task Manager using Ctrl + Alt + Del, then pressing T. Now in Windows 7 and Windows Vista you can still use Ctrl + Alt + Del which displays a screen whith options like Lock this Computer, Switch User, Log Off, Change Password, and Start Task Manager. However, pressing T does nothing, and in fact, no keyboard shortcuts work on this screen to choose one of the items from the list – even tab and arrow keys don’t let you pick from the list. You have to use your mouse pointer. Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Way to go Microsoft!
So to launch Task Manager in Windows 7 and Vista you would have to go through this double step process of pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del, then reaching over to your mouse and clicking on Start Task Manager. I can understand Microsoft trying to make things easier for new users and for the masses. But for heaven’s sake please leave old keyboard shortcuts in place for those of us who have been using Windows for a while.
Enough ranting and raving. Although this has probably been the case all along (this old dog had to learn a new trick), you can use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly and bypass the hassle and frustration introduced by MS with Vista.