Pete's Treasure Coast Computing

The Internet Crashes

2007-10-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

World News Today just announced the crash of the Internet as we know it.
For those of you still able to go online, you can see the news report at this link:

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/breaking_news_all_online_data

We've Moved

2007-09-29T14:06:00.000-05:00

to a new location.
It was easier to create a new blog than try to move this stuff over.
Also, the name is shorter.

http://coastcomputing.blogspot.com

AOL Update Info

2006-09-27T19:36:00.000-05:00

AOL for Free? (Ask Bob Rankin)

Convert iTunes?

2006-09-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

Can you convert your downloaded itunes to, say, MP3?
Why not! It just requires some work.

Convert iTunes to MP3 Format (Ask Bob Rankin)

Another AOL Problem

2006-08-28T19:57:00.000-05:00

One of the leading watchdog communities on spyware and other nasties has problems with the new "Free" AOL 9.0

New Internet Explorer 7 beta

2006-08-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

An updated version of the IE 7 beta, RC1 (Release Candidate 1, is now available.
I have it on both machines with no problems.
The final release will be coming out shortly as a selective upgrade in Windows Updates.
I can't see any reason not to upgrade.

PC Magazines Best Sites 2006

2006-08-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

Some good sites to save.

Oh, don't forget.........

2006-08-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have "Test Messaging" on your cell phones, which I do and didn't know it, this simple online tool is one of the neatest I've seen.
http://www.ohdontforget.com/
It's not a full Outlook calendar or any high powered app; its a simple tool that can remind you, by a short text message of "What you don't want to forget."
Just type in your cell #, the date and time for the reminder, and the message.
You won't see any adds, popups or, for that matter, any nasties at all.
Just a simple link for a donation. (Which I did.)

Dell Battery Return Program

2006-08-15T07:23:00.000-05:00

Dell notebooks owners.
Please read!

AOL Shoots Itself In The Foot - Forbes.com

2006-08-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

AOL Shoots Itself In The Foot - Forbes.com

Q&A on Effect of AOL Changes on Consumers

2006-08-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

Q&A on Effect of AOL Changes on Consumers

IEBlog : IE7 to be distributed via Automatic Updates!

2006-08-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

IEBlog : IE7 to be distributed via Automatic Updates!
This is an upgrade to a new Internet Explorer called IE7. You presently are using IE6.
The upgrade has many new Safety and Security features that have been a long time coming.
It also has many new features such as "Tabbed Browsing".

PC World - Microsoft to Release IE 7 as Automatic Update

2006-07-28T19:16:00.000-05:00

PC World - Microsoft to Release IE 7 as Automatic Update

IRS warns of new e-mail scam

2006-07-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

IRS warns of new e-mail scam
Pass this on!

Spyware Sucks : PATCH YOUR SYSTEMS!!!! Over 1 million myspace.com users infected by an old exploit...

2006-07-22T07:22:00.000-05:00

Spyware Sucks : PATCH YOUR SYSTEMS!!!! Over 1 million myspace.com users infected by an old exploit...

TAKE SOME TIME TO READ!

Ad dishes up malware to more than 1M PCs

2006-07-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

If you or the kids are using "My Space" and your machine has erupted in pop-ups indicating that you've been invaded by spyware, there's a good chance it's your fault.

Ad dishes up malware to more than 1M PCs

Internet Explorer 7: Home

2006-07-19T13:31:00.000-05:00

Internet Explorer 7: Home

If you don't mind taking a chance, this 3rd beta of Internet Explorer really rocks.
There's little that can screw up the PC and it can always be uninstalled.

Finally Fixed

2006-07-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

We should be back on the air now that Blogger, our Host, has determined that we're not a spam blog.
Actually, I'm sort of glad they take this responsibility.

For all Windows 98, 98SE and ME users

2006-07-03T10:33:00.000-05:00

Microsoft had planned to stop supporting the older versions in January 2004, but it extended support to give customers and businesses more time to upgrade to newer versions of Windows.
At the end of 2005, licensed installations of Windows 98 and Windows ME made up more than 13 percent of Microsoft's user base, according to Al Gillen, an analyst with IDC, a Framingham, Mass., market-research firm. IDC estimates that about 48 million computers were still running licensed versions of Windows 98 at the end of last year, and 25 million were running Windows ME.
Gillen said he expects machines running Windows 98 and ME to account for just 6 percent of all Windows installations by the end of this year, and that the loss of security patches for those operating systems will probably not be a major concern for users.
"The laggards are those users who are going to keep these systems around until [the machines] either catch fire or simply don't turn on one day," Gillen said. "Generally speaking, these people who run old operating systems are probably not waiting on the edge of their seat for the next new Windows operating system to arrive."
Johannes Ullrich, chief technology officer for the SANS Internet Storm Center, which monitors hacking trends, said Windows 98 and ME users already have a measure of security through obscurity, because most malicious code created today will not run properly on those systems.

Changes' They are a'coming

2006-05-24T07:20:00.000-05:00

We're going to try to bring this blog more up to date.
It seems that every day there is something new coming out or being updated in the world of computers. Hopefully, we'll be able to take this technical gabble and convert it into understandable language for all of you.

Protection from Spyware, Spam, Viruses and Online Scams | SiteAdvisor

2006-04-27T11:12:00.000-05:00

I recommend downloading this small program to anyone who does any web surfing or, for that matter, anyone going online for more than just an occasional email.
It lets you know the sites that cause the "drive-by downloads, email harvesting for spam, just about everything.
Protection from Spyware, Spam, Viruses and Online Scams SiteAdvisor

Microsoft to re-issue security patch - Computerworld

2006-04-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

Microsoft to re-issue security patch - Computerworld
If you have an HP PC, printer, scanner, camera or any HP software, this might concern you.

Forward Thinking by Michael J. Miller : My Space: Warning Children About Online Dangers

2006-04-17T19:01:00.000-05:00

Forward Thinking by Michael J. Miller : My Space: Warning Children About Online Dangers
A must read for anyone with children at home. For that matter, anyone with a PC.

MS Patch Day: 10 Flaws Fixed in Monster IE Update

2006-04-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

MS Patch Day: 10 Flaws Fixed in Monster IE Update
Those running Windows 98, ME, and 2000 are affected but will not get the updates. Read below.

Microsoft Windows: End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me

2006-04-11T08:11:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Windows: End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me

Microsoft Cuts Internet Dial-Up Price to Lure AOL Users

2006-03-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Cuts Internet Dial-Up Price to Lure AOL Users

Interesting to note that the AOL dialup in the Treasure Coast area will be $1.00 more than the Bell South basic DSL, which is 10 times faster and doesn't tie up your phone line.
(Disclaimer: I don't work for or even use Bell South DSL.)

gethuman database

2006-03-15T15:55:00.000-05:00

gethuman database
Now here's something all of you can use.
How to get a live person without going through push number hell.

AOL sues mystery phishers for $18m | The Register

2006-03-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

AOL sues mystery phishers for $18m The Register
Of Interest.

The Three Stooges - Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Howard Dean. By Jacob Weisberg

2006-03-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

And this from the Liberal Press?

The Three Stooges - Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Howard Dean. By Jacob Weisberg

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

2006-03-10T17:12:00.000-05:00

I've been cleaning what is called "Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products" off a number of Computers lately.
What happens is the user gets a big warning "Your computer is infected with spyware" followed by an option to scan and check your PC.
DON'T DO IT!
All of these are bogus and usually wind up infected your PC instead of cleaning it.
The Spyware Warrior has a list of these and some other important info.
Bookmark the site as it is always updated.

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

The Parasite Fight

2006-02-23T17:53:00.000-05:00

The Parasite Fight
We're talking about the ones that invade your computer.
An updated version from one of the world experts.

StopBadware.org

2006-02-18T20:37:00.000-05:00

StopBadware.org

A good site. Lots of info on what screws up our PC's.

Windows Defender home

2006-02-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

A free download for another anti-spyware program.
Its from Microsoft and its a beta. (Also free)
You can never have too many anti-spyware programs.

Windows Defender home

Kerio Personal Firewall

2006-02-12T19:38:00.000-05:00

Kerio
Ok, So I've been pushing Sunbelt-Software's Counterspy as the best that I can find when it comes to Anti-Spyware and some of you have paid the 19 bucks and installed it. What many of my other loyal friends and clients, usually the same, don't realize is that by only installing the free versions of Ad-Aware and Spybot, you are cleaning most of the nasties "after" they've infected your PC.
Many of you have said, when I arrive to cleanup the slow or stopped PC is that, "But I have Ad-Aware, Spybot, McAfee Norton, Zone Alarm, Windows SP2 Firewall and..... How come I still get this stuff?"
Many of you don't realize that there's a big difference between Virus's and Spyware.
I have on my 3 PC's, (yes 3), AVG Free Anti-virus, Sunbelt's Counterspy and have just installed SB's latest tool, the Kerio Personal Firewall.
I'm also on a broadband provider and at least my main PC is on 24/7.
I'm all over the internet constantly and yet my PC's remain as clean and fast as a new PC.
Take a look at Kerio Firewall and if you haven't already, Counterspy.
It's like the old oil filter ad, buy the protection now or pay more later.

Webroot Software | Glossary of Definitions for Common Spyware Terms.

2006-02-09T17:40:00.000-05:00

Webroot Software Glossary of Definitions for Common Spyware Terms.
What is Spyware and....?
From our friends at Webroot.

StopBadware.org

2006-01-29T21:00:00.001-05:00

StopBadware.org

SpywareInfo :� Spyware and hijackware Removal Specialists

2006-01-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

SpywareInfo :� Spyware and hijackware Removal Specialists

A site worth looking at. There's also a newsletter you can subscribe to.
The writer has a better way of explaining spyware, or badware as he calls it, than I do.

StopBadware.org

2006-01-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

Something every computer user should read.
StopBadware.org

FBI nets the brain behind a US zombie network

2006-01-24T21:10:00.000-05:00

FBI nets the brain behind a US zombie network

A "zombie" is an infected computer remotely controlled.
Yours might be one.

WXPnews

2006-01-16T16:03:00.000-05:00

WXPnews

This is probably one of the best Windows XP E-Zines. Whether your a techie or not, there's always something useful.
I suggest subscribing which is free and painless.

Sunbelt BLOG: Sicko using kid site to download spyware and porn

2006-01-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

Sunbelt BLOG: Sicko using kid site to download spyware and porn

Sunbelt BLOG: The VideoC monstrosity and CodecCash

2006-01-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

I had to take this off a customer's PC the other day.
A nice retired couple who only have AOL dialup. They hit the wrong button and this is what they got.

Sunbelt BLOG: The VideoC monstrosity and CodecCash

Mark's Sysinternals Blog: The Antispyware Conspiracy

2006-01-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

This is some heavy duty reading for the average home user, however, if you bookmark it or put it in your Favorites and read it a bit at a time, it will give you an understanding of what the spyware, malware, trojans, are that I've been telling you about.
Here's an excerpt:

"The most innocuous of malware-like antimalware behaviors is to advertise with web site banners and popups that mislead average users into thinking that they have a malware problem. Most of the advertisements look like Windows error dialogs complete with Yes and No buttons, and although the word "advertisement" sometimes appears on the dialog background, the notice is usually small, faded and far from the area where users focus their attention. Even more unlike Windows dialogs, however, is the fact that clicking anywhere on the image, even the part that looks like a No button, results in the browser following the underlying link to the target page.
Mark provides screenshots and detailed descriptions of the deceptive practices."
Mark's Sysinternals Blog: The Antispyware Conspiracy

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-001: Vulnerability in Graphics Rendering Engine Could Allow Remote Code Execution (912919)

2006-01-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-001: Vulnerability in Graphics Rendering Engine Could Allow Remote Code Execution (912919)

This is the Official Microsoft release.
If you downloaded the fix, uninstall it using Add/Remove from the Control Panel.

Microsoft scrambles to fix 'severe' security flaw - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

2006-01-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

Microsoft scrambles to fix 'severe' security flaw - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional : Malicious Zero Day Windows Media File Exploits are in-the-wild

2005-12-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional : Malicious Zero Day Windows Media File Exploits are in-the-wild

Aging computers hobble Homeland Security | CNET News.com

2005-12-22T18:55:00.000-05:00

Aging computers hobble Homeland Security | CNET News.com
Just when you thought things were getting better.

It's Gee-Whiz for the Golden Years

2005-12-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

It's Gee-Whiz for the Golden Years

PCWorld.com - Reliability and Service: The Best Companies to Buy From

2005-12-05T19:36:00.000-05:00

PCWorld.com - Reliability and Service: The Best Companies to Buy From

An interesting read for anyone in the market for a new PC or peripheral.

Security Watch from PC Magazine - Inboxes Stuffed With Worms Over Thanksgiving

2005-12-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

Security Watch from PC Magazine - Inboxes Stuffed With Worms Over Thanksgiving

Online banking and shopping IS secure and safe if the basic rules are followed. Here's another explanation of the "Phishing" scam.

Five Behaviors On Which Spyware Companies Prey

2005-11-22T18:11:00.000-05:00

Five Behaviors On Which Spyware Companies Prey

For all of you that keep asking me how the Spyware got on your computers, take a little time and read this.

How to shop online more safely

2005-11-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

How to shop online more safely

A lot of you, (Well 3), have been asking about security of on-line shopping.
This gives you some good tips.

Windows Live Safety Center: Free online scanner for PC health and safety

2005-11-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

Windows Live Safety Center: Free online scanner for PC health and safety

This is a "Beta" version of a new "Online" format Microsoft is testing.
Try it but remember, beta version are used at your own risk.

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

2005-11-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

Before you download that "Anti-Spyware" from the ad that keeps popping up, check the program out here.
And call me if you still have a question.

Backing Up Your Files

2005-10-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

Backing Up Your Files
An informative article about backing up your information.
Remember, the Hard Drive is one of the few mechanical parts of your PC.
And when that stops spinning, at up to 7000 RPM's, ain't no way you're going to get your data back.
And for those who aren't sure, data means everything stored on your PC hard drive.

The Lair of the Crab of Ineffable Wisdom - a load of stuff by Joel Veitch that will probably crush your will to live

2005-10-16T14:34:00.000-05:00

The Lair of the Crab of Ineffable Wisdom - a load of stuff by Joel Veitch that will probably crush your will to live
Every now and then we need a little humor in our lives. Take some time out and visit Joel's site and catch some great tunes.
Since they are an English group, I think you'll agree that they will probably be on the fast track for Knighthood, in the company of Sir Elton John, Sir George Harrison, Sir Monty Python.

PCWorld.com - The Hidden Money Trail

2005-10-15T20:12:00.000-05:00

PCWorld.com - The Hidden Money Trail
If you want to know about the "spyware" screwing up your computer, here's an interesting read. You'll be surprised at the Companies that are financing this mess. Almost as much as they "act' like they are.

What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software

2005-10-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software

WXPnews

2005-10-10T14:45:00.000-05:00

WXPnews
For those of you with XP, this is probably one of the best weekly newsletters. Take a look and sign up for a weekly shot of what's happening.

Fake Google Toolbars Go Phishing

2005-10-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

Fake Google Toolbars Go Phishing
A "Must read" for those of you who are "IMer's", whether AOL, MSN or Yahoo.

31 Tipsfor Newbies (and Oldtimers)

2005-09-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning up my PC when I ran across this from Chris Perillo's www.lockergnome.com
which I had slightly added to and modified.
(1) Don't open attachments that you didn't ask for, even if you think you know who's sending them.(2) Make sure your software and OS, (Operating System, 95, 98, ME, XP) are up-to-date. If you don't have a broadband connection, take the machine somewhere that does.(3) If something asks to install itself on your computer, just say no. Call your local geek, Pete, and ask how to proceed.(4) You cannot initiate World War III by pressing the wrong key.(5) Sign up for a computer class. It's a proven fact that family members suck at teaching the basics.(6) Do not give out credit card information to anybody through email or an instant messenger, no matter how official it sounds. Again, call your geek, Pete, first.(7) If you want to find something online, go to Google.com(8) Do not eat or drink near your computer system unless your hardware is orange juice compatible.(9) CTRL+Z will usually undo the last thing you did, no matter where you are or what you're doing.(10) Do not use the CAPS LOCK key. That is for expert users only.(11) If something doesn't want to go into a port, don't force it. Chances are, it's not supposed to go in there. At least, not the way you think it should go.(12) Those are floppy disks. Yes, I realize their case is hard, but the hard drive is actually inside that case.(13) Yes, that's the case. The CPU is sitting inside of it on the motherboard _ which is the stage upon which all of your computer components sit.(14) Memory is not the same thing as a hard drive. Memory is also known as RAM, which is where programs and open documents are loaded. The hard drive is where your files sit silently, waiting for you to put them into memory.(15) A screen saver is not the same thing as desktop wallpaper. Screen savers are animated, whereas wallpaper is the picture that sits behind your icons.(16) There's more than one way to do complete a task _ this isn't math class.(17) Don't get mad at me when something doesn't work. Don't get mad at the computer when something doesn't work. Don't get mad at yourself when something doesn't work.(18) Be inquisitive, but understand that certain answers may not exist _ no matter how many ways you try to ask the same question.(19) You're probably not going to get hacked. Ask your geek, Pete, how to best protect yourself if you're worried.(20) Forwarding joke mails is not “always” funny. Out of the hundreds I receive each week from my friends, probably 10 are ones I have not seen.(21) The Internet doesn't always move as fast as you'd like it to go. You're not the only person online right now.(22) Don't respond to special offers you didn't ask for through email.(23) Try right-clicking on your icons to see what you can do with each one.(24) Keep all of your saved files, word processing documents, spreadsheets, cards, etc. in the ``My Documents'' folder. Create a “New” folder within your “My Documents” folder.(25) There's more on your computer than ``the Internet'' and Solitaire.(26) You don't need Photoshop to edit your digital photos.(27) Don't send videos through email.(28) The computer only does what you tell it to do. There are exceptions to this rule, but if you keep running into the same walls, you're probably doing something wrong. That's okay, as even geeks make mistakes sometimes.(29) You usually can't return opened software. Learn how to download files to try them before you buy them.(30) You won't need to upgrade everything tomorrow. This system will not be obsolete until it can't do something you need it to do.(31) Have fun! If you take this activity too seriously, you won't want to play with the computer too often.

PCWorld.com - N.Y. Attorney General Prods AOL on Cancellation Policies

2005-09-22T08:10:00.000-05:00

PCWorld.com - N.Y. Attorney General Prods AOL on Cancellation Policies

Those of us in the tech field have often been called upon to uninstall the AOL program and associated peripherals from home PC's. It has gotten easier but still requires digging deeper and sometimes uninstalling up to 4 prior versions in addition to the one being used.
Than comes the fun of calling AOL and getting them to turn your service off and stop your billing. I have personally been asked by customers to call AOL for them since they were frustrated from arguing with the AOL reps. Now I advise them just to tell AOL they no longer have a computer.

Beware scammers using Katrina to fool charity contributors - Sep. 9, 2005

2005-09-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

Beware scammers using Katrina to fool charity contributors - Sep. 9, 2005

Security Pipeline | Koran-Quoting Trojan Spoils Smut Surfing

2005-09-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Security Pipeline Koran-Quoting Trojan Spoils Smut Surfing
The neat thing is that if you disable your AV or Anti-Spyware so you get your daily dose of porn, you'll get a lot more than you expected. Welcome in all the other crap that just slows or shuts down your PC.

Who really is to blame? And why are we doing it now?

2005-09-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

The American Spectator

Security Watch by PC Magazine: Fake Windows Patch is a Windows Killer

2005-09-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

Security Watch by PC Magazine:Security Tip: Leave Your Computer On All The Time

AOL Settles Case Accusing It of Thwarting Cancellations - New York Times

2005-08-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

AOL Settles Case Accusing It of Thwarting Cancellations - New York Times

I wonder how many calls I've gotten asking for help in getting disconnected!

TCS: Tech Central Station - Iraq Is Improving

2005-08-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

TCS: Tech Central Station - Iraq Is Improving

It's true! Looking at porn makes you go blind : Page 1

2005-08-21T18:01:00.000-05:00

It's true! Looking at porn makes you go blind : Page 1

Couldn't resist this one!!

The Truth about Cell PhonesAnd the National Do Not Call Registry

2005-08-20T12:46:00.000-05:00

The Truth about Cell PhonesAnd the National Do Not Call Registry

So stop sending me the emails.

Microsoft Ships Zotob Worm Zapper

2005-08-18T16:58:00.000-05:00

Microsoft Ships Zotob Worm Zapper

In the first paragraph, you'll see "malware removal tool" in bold type.
Follow the simple instructions to run this removal tool.

SSA-KeyLogger Clean

2005-08-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

After you've read the Article below, here's the checker and fix from my favorite anti-spyware Company Sunbelt, makers of "CounterSpy" and also whose Researchers found this nasty.
SSA-KeyLogger Clean

Millions of Windows Users at Risk by Massive ID and Bank Account Theft Piggybacking on CoolWebSearch - Reported by Aunty Spam's Net Patrol

2005-08-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

Millions of Windows Users at Risk by Massive ID and Bank Account Theft Piggybacking on CoolWebSearch - Reported by Aunty Spam's Net Patrol

Solution from PC Magazine: Phighting Phraud

2005-08-12T12:19:00.000-05:00

Solution from PC Magazine: Phighting Phraud

Customers and friends can call me about this concern. My number is, wait, you all know my number.

Windows Marketplace: Reviews and ratings for CounterSpy

2005-08-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

Windows Marketplace: Reviews and ratings for CounterSpy

I've been talking about this enough.
Read what some others have to say.

TCPalm : Bob Betcher: Teter seeks donations for Web site

2005-08-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

TCPalm : Bob Betcher: Teter seeks donations for Web site

Taking a well deserved rest from the rigors of the computing world, I checked out the local print (really) edition of our local.
Of course, my eyes caught this right away.
A nice little site but let Bob tell you about it, he's better at this writing thingy than I am.

PCWorld.com - Hassle-Free PC: Four Tips to Make IE More Secure

2005-08-01T19:40:00.000-05:00

PCWorld.com - Hassle-Free PC: Four Tips to Make IE More Secure
You really don't need Firefox.

Warning for Firefox Users

2005-07-31T18:03:00.000-05:00

Firefox Users Caution

I've had a number of friends and clients tell me they don't have to worry about Virus, Spyware, etc. since they switched from Internet Explorer to Firefox.
Not so!

Microsoft Windows Vista

2005-07-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested, here's the basics on the new Microsoft Operating System coming out next year.
For those of you without a Geek Degree in PC's, this is not an update of your present OS, Windows 95, 98, 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, but a whole new System.
Mainstream Support has already ended for 95, 98, 98SE and ME. XP expires Dec 31, 2006.
Microsoft Windows Vista

Anti-Spyware Coalition

2005-07-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

There is something being done. Its a start.
Anti-Spyware Coalition

InformationWeek > Security > Trojans Pose As London Bombing Video > July 11, 2005

2005-07-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

ANOTHER "WATCH YOUR EMAIL ATTACHMENTS" ADVISORY

InformationWeek > Security > Trojans Pose As London Bombing Video > July 11, 2005

HURRICANE HINTS FOR COMPUTERS

2005-07-10T13:17:00.000-05:00

Most of the damage from last years storms appeared to have been caused by corrosion. PC's and all the peripherals, monitors, printers, etc., were unplugged but left out unprotected.
Sometimes, all that was required was to get things working was to open the case and unplug and reset the plug-ins. What this did was clean the corrosion accumulated basically by the salt. (I'm not talking about submerged).
A heavy-duty trash bag secured around the units will keep that salt air away.
This was a common problem for those living on Hutchinson Island.

US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA05-189A -- Targeted Trojan Email Attacks

2005-07-08T17:52:00.000-05:00

US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA05-189A -- Targeted Trojan Email Attacks

FOR YOU EMAIL FANS! PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU WHO FORWARD EMAILS TO MULTIPLE RECEIPIENTS.

Spyware Fact Sheet

2005-07-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Spyware Fact Sheet

A good Primer from the Federal Trade Commission!

NewsFactor Network - Tech Trends - Getting Tough on Purveyors of Spam

2005-07-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

SPAM, POP-UPS, SPYWARE, WHO'S TO BLAME?
The unfortunate answer is, "YOU ARE", indirectly. As the Article indicates, our Legislators are bowing down to the pressure from the Advertising industry.
10 years ago, you sat down for dinner and the phone started ringing......"Good Evening, Mrs Smith. This is Joan from Ducky Poo Cosmetics and have I got a deal for you......" You petitioned your Legislators and the "Do Not Call" law was instituted. It now even extends to include your cellular phones.
Now with over 85% of US homes with some form of Internet connection, the Advertising Industry now targets your alternate form of relaxation, the WWW.
Read the Article, it explains it better than I can.
Ask any State or Federal Senator or Representative whether they support this form of intrusion on your privacy and you'll get an immediate, "No Way". Than see which Lobbyist is picking up the lunch tab and dropping a heavy contribution into the re-election campaign coffers.
(With Flag proudly waving), The citizens of this Country demanded of their Legislators that Telemarketing infringing on your privacy and tranquility be severly curtailed and Congress responded.
So, at this point in time, with the Internet growing faster than my Daughter's Brazilian Mastiff, you are responsible.

NewsFactor Network - Tech Trends - Getting Tough on Purveyors of Spam

PCWorld.com - German Teen Confirms He Created the Sasser Worm

2005-07-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!!!
PCWorld.com - German Teen Confirms He Created the Sasser Worm

Fake Security Email Claiming to be from Microsoft

2005-07-05T07:37:00.000-05:00

Microsoft does not send Security Warning emails with downloads to the patch or fix.
There is a bogus email going around with the warning that the attachment must be downloaded.
Below is a sample of the email. Remember, "DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHMENT."

""Date: Tue Jun 28 16:51:11 2005To: Subject: Microsoft Security BulletinFrom: updates@microsoft.comReply-To: updates@microsoft.comMIME-Version: 1.0Content-Type: text/htmlContent-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039: New patch against W32/Sober, W32/Zafi, W32/MytobIssued: June 26, 2005Updated: June 26, 2005Version 1.0
Summary
Who should read this document: Customers who use Microsoft WindowsMaximum Severity Rating: CRITICALRecommendation: Customers should install the patch immediatelySecurity Update Replacement: This update replaces the update that is included with Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-038. That update is also a cumulative update.Affected Software:Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 6aMicrosoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6aMicrosoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1, and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition Service Pack 1Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition Version 2003Microsoft Windows Server 2003Microsoft Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition
Download the update and patch your system""