Friday, May 28, 2004
Friday Finale
5-28-04
Weekend With The Tech Guy Leo Laporte
If you want to learn more about computers and have fun while doing it, tune in to the web broadcast from KFI on the weekends. Leo answers your questions about tech stuff on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 PT. You can visit his website at Leoville.com and find links to his spy cams. You will also find a link to the chat room complete with links for software to join in with Dan the moderator and many of Leo's friends. Leo also has show notes complete with links related to the questions of the day.
Free Mail Washer
PC World has the scoop on this free mail washer to scrub the spam from your incoming mailbox. We have not tried this, so checkout the information from the PC World's website and send us your feedback to: contactus@multipleplatforms.com/.
Pear PC 0.1.2 Released
KevinRose.com reports that the developers of PearPC, the OS system that allows you to run Apple OSX on a PC has released a new update to make the system slightly more functional. Kevin is stoked about this project and he is definitely on the cutting edge, so visit his website and learn more about the Pear Project and all the other mysteries in the Dark Tipsters world.
Call of Duty Free for Mac
CNET downloads reports that Apple users can try a free demo-version of Call of Duty, warning: addiction to this game will cost you $49.95!
PC Browser Firefox is Free
PC surfers tired of the same old browser can try Firefox from Mozilla.org free! The browsers' features include popup blocking, tab browsing, a built-in Google search bar, and best of all: and annoyance eliminator that promises to rid you of those bothersome problems that occur when you are surfing away.
View the links for all these stories and more at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Weekend With The Tech Guy Leo Laporte
If you want to learn more about computers and have fun while doing it, tune in to the web broadcast from KFI on the weekends. Leo answers your questions about tech stuff on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 PT. You can visit his website at Leoville.com and find links to his spy cams. You will also find a link to the chat room complete with links for software to join in with Dan the moderator and many of Leo's friends. Leo also has show notes complete with links related to the questions of the day.
Free Mail Washer
PC World has the scoop on this free mail washer to scrub the spam from your incoming mailbox. We have not tried this, so checkout the information from the PC World's website and send us your feedback to: contactus@multipleplatforms.com/.
Pear PC 0.1.2 Released
KevinRose.com reports that the developers of PearPC, the OS system that allows you to run Apple OSX on a PC has released a new update to make the system slightly more functional. Kevin is stoked about this project and he is definitely on the cutting edge, so visit his website and learn more about the Pear Project and all the other mysteries in the Dark Tipsters world.
Call of Duty Free for Mac
CNET downloads reports that Apple users can try a free demo-version of Call of Duty, warning: addiction to this game will cost you $49.95!
PC Browser Firefox is Free
PC surfers tired of the same old browser can try Firefox from Mozilla.org free! The browsers' features include popup blocking, tab browsing, a built-in Google search bar, and best of all: and annoyance eliminator that promises to rid you of those bothersome problems that occur when you are surfing away.
View the links for all these stories and more at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Thursday Thrillers
64-bit Virus Bites
CNET reports the first virus that affects 64-bit processors has been detected by security experts at Symantec and it has been given the name W64.Rugrat.3344. This virus was written to prove that the 64-bit system has flaws and not to damage computers. It is not consider a high-risk virus at this time, but the exploits are sure to follow. Keep the firewalls activated and the router firmware updated!
Some Apple Users Complain About Update
Several Mac people have had issues with the latest updates and you can see a list of these issues at the Accelerate Your Mac website. Sean King from Your Mac Life suggested waiting at least a week to update to allow any bugs to be fixed by Apple. We were brave and updated the G3s and G4s (no G5 yet, bummer) and have not experienced any conflicts. Remember to repair permissions using disk utility found in the application folder. Please read the next article for more on this update issue.
Apple Security Update Fails to Close Holes
Reuters reports security experts at Secunia indicated that security issues remain for Panther after the last update. Apple users and you should visit Daring Fireball and read John Gruber's article 'Ounce of Prevention'. After downloading RC Default you should follow John's directions found on his website. We found that two other URI protocols are assigned to Terminal, x-man-page and ssh. In a personal correspondence with John, he indicated that these items would present a problem to 1 in 100,000 Apple users who had specially configured their Macs, but that these two protocols could be disabled without influencing anything vital; as John says, an ounce of prevention. Thanks to John for the great article and the prompt reply!
Windows Looses to Lindows
PC World.com reports that a Netherlands court has ruled in favor of Linux vendor Lindows and against Microsoft. Although MS prevailed in a previous lawsuit, this ruling will allow Lindows to keep their company name and continues a string of rulings against MS.
Yahoo Will Offer New Spyware Toolbar
Yahoo is set to offer a new toolbar that will help find and remove spyware and other damaging files. It will be released in beta version to be tested by a limited number of users beginning tomorrow according to reports by CNET.
Canadian Authorities Arrest Suspected Virus Coder
CNET reported another arrest was made in the continuing battle against virus writers, and again this suspect is just a teenager. The teen is suspected of being connected to the Randex attacks that spread through IRC chats and file-sharing networks. No word if this teen may have been trying to boost business for a relative in the computer repair business.
Free Connection Keeper for Dial-up Users
Probably the worst part of having dial-up is being disconnected by your ISP in the middle of a download. This product claims to end those frustrations and it is free. Try the download from Softpile.com and send us your opinions. We have yet to try this product, as we do not need it, so use it at your own risk and check for spyware after downloading.
Free Startup Control Panel for Windows Users
If you are a Windows user that wants more control over your startup control panel then you should go to Mike Lin's Homepage. Leo Laporte the Tech Guy on KFI and often recommends Mike's free software. This application allows the user to control the start up control panel without having to make registry changes.
Social Engineering Works
MacIT.org and the BBC reported that a recent survey found 70% of those interviewed would give up their password for a chocolate bar! Many also gave up their secret hints. Hackers have been wasting time trying to crack into a system; they just need to have a good supply of candy bars.
FreeBSD 4.10 Finally Released
After a premature announcement, FreeBSD 4.10 was released today according to Slashdot and you can find links to mirror sites there to try the latest and long awaited release.
California Senate Passes G-Mail Bill
CNET reports that the California Senate has passed a bill that puts limits on the scanning of customer's emails. It was passed after removal of stronger restrictions regarding consent of all users. The bill now must work its way through the house before it becomes law.
Case Mods In Acrylic
For those who love to have something besides the plain gray box, check out the pre-assembled acrylic cases found at ThinkGeek. Look for one of these cases in a future how-to build a PC article at multipleplatforms.com.
An Attitude We Like
We love the best parts of all platforms and just use those applications that work well in that operating system. That is why we loved the weblog entry by Justin Gehtland entitled: 'Why I am not a platform zealot', please read it and let us know how you feel about using multiple platforms.
New On Multipleplatforms.com: Virus Information from Sophos
Beginning today Multipleplatforms.com can visit our daily updated page regarding the latest viruses and virus hoaxes. Use this page as your starting place when you have been infected by a virus.
Get all the links for these stories at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
CNET reports the first virus that affects 64-bit processors has been detected by security experts at Symantec and it has been given the name W64.Rugrat.3344. This virus was written to prove that the 64-bit system has flaws and not to damage computers. It is not consider a high-risk virus at this time, but the exploits are sure to follow. Keep the firewalls activated and the router firmware updated!
Some Apple Users Complain About Update
Several Mac people have had issues with the latest updates and you can see a list of these issues at the Accelerate Your Mac website. Sean King from Your Mac Life suggested waiting at least a week to update to allow any bugs to be fixed by Apple. We were brave and updated the G3s and G4s (no G5 yet, bummer) and have not experienced any conflicts. Remember to repair permissions using disk utility found in the application folder. Please read the next article for more on this update issue.
Apple Security Update Fails to Close Holes
Reuters reports security experts at Secunia indicated that security issues remain for Panther after the last update. Apple users and you should visit Daring Fireball and read John Gruber's article 'Ounce of Prevention'. After downloading RC Default you should follow John's directions found on his website. We found that two other URI protocols are assigned to Terminal, x-man-page and ssh. In a personal correspondence with John, he indicated that these items would present a problem to 1 in 100,000 Apple users who had specially configured their Macs, but that these two protocols could be disabled without influencing anything vital; as John says, an ounce of prevention. Thanks to John for the great article and the prompt reply!
Windows Looses to Lindows
PC World.com reports that a Netherlands court has ruled in favor of Linux vendor Lindows and against Microsoft. Although MS prevailed in a previous lawsuit, this ruling will allow Lindows to keep their company name and continues a string of rulings against MS.
Yahoo Will Offer New Spyware Toolbar
Yahoo is set to offer a new toolbar that will help find and remove spyware and other damaging files. It will be released in beta version to be tested by a limited number of users beginning tomorrow according to reports by CNET.
Canadian Authorities Arrest Suspected Virus Coder
CNET reported another arrest was made in the continuing battle against virus writers, and again this suspect is just a teenager. The teen is suspected of being connected to the Randex attacks that spread through IRC chats and file-sharing networks. No word if this teen may have been trying to boost business for a relative in the computer repair business.
Free Connection Keeper for Dial-up Users
Probably the worst part of having dial-up is being disconnected by your ISP in the middle of a download. This product claims to end those frustrations and it is free. Try the download from Softpile.com and send us your opinions. We have yet to try this product, as we do not need it, so use it at your own risk and check for spyware after downloading.
Free Startup Control Panel for Windows Users
If you are a Windows user that wants more control over your startup control panel then you should go to Mike Lin's Homepage. Leo Laporte the Tech Guy on KFI and often recommends Mike's free software. This application allows the user to control the start up control panel without having to make registry changes.
Social Engineering Works
MacIT.org and the BBC reported that a recent survey found 70% of those interviewed would give up their password for a chocolate bar! Many also gave up their secret hints. Hackers have been wasting time trying to crack into a system; they just need to have a good supply of candy bars.
FreeBSD 4.10 Finally Released
After a premature announcement, FreeBSD 4.10 was released today according to Slashdot and you can find links to mirror sites there to try the latest and long awaited release.
California Senate Passes G-Mail Bill
CNET reports that the California Senate has passed a bill that puts limits on the scanning of customer's emails. It was passed after removal of stronger restrictions regarding consent of all users. The bill now must work its way through the house before it becomes law.
Case Mods In Acrylic
For those who love to have something besides the plain gray box, check out the pre-assembled acrylic cases found at ThinkGeek. Look for one of these cases in a future how-to build a PC article at multipleplatforms.com.
An Attitude We Like
We love the best parts of all platforms and just use those applications that work well in that operating system. That is why we loved the weblog entry by Justin Gehtland entitled: 'Why I am not a platform zealot', please read it and let us know how you feel about using multiple platforms.
New On Multipleplatforms.com: Virus Information from Sophos
Beginning today Multipleplatforms.com can visit our daily updated page regarding the latest viruses and virus hoaxes. Use this page as your starting place when you have been infected by a virus.
Get all the links for these stories at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Wednesday News
5-26-04
Apple Does About Face With New 10.3.4
Last week Apple told customers that the security issue was not a threat and suggested that the frequency of updates would be slowing in the future. Then there was a quickly released update on May 21, 2004 that did not address all the security problems, and on the heels of that update comes the release today of 10.3.4. Apple claims that this release will address the following issues:
1. Improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
2. Improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
3. Improved disc burning and recording functionality
4. iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync
5. Additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
6. Updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications
7. Improved compatibility for third party applications
8. Previous standalone security updates
The last item allows those who have not been updating regularly to forgo the latest updates. MacFixit reports that the standard and server versions are upgraded. Get the download by clicking on the Apple on your task bar and selecting Update Software or go to Apple Support.
New PC Worm Detected
Internetnews.com reports that a new worm is attacking computers that have not been updated with MS04-o11 Security Fix issued back in April. The worm attacks the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service and opens ports on your computer to allow for virus writers. This worm has been dubbed the W32.Korgo.B (AKA Padobot). If you know anyone with a bogged-down computer, they should use the Sasser removal available at Microsoft Support.
Block Pop-ups Free
If you do not already use a pop-up blocker, Major Geek has a site offering a free Smart Popup Blocker 1.01. We have been having good results with the Google toolbar pop-up blocker.
KDE 3.3 Alpha 1 Released
KDE.news reports that the KDE 3.3 Alpha 1 has now been released FTP servers but if you want to use it, you must compile enable and debug it yourself.
Get the links for all these stories and more at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Apple Does About Face With New 10.3.4
Last week Apple told customers that the security issue was not a threat and suggested that the frequency of updates would be slowing in the future. Then there was a quickly released update on May 21, 2004 that did not address all the security problems, and on the heels of that update comes the release today of 10.3.4. Apple claims that this release will address the following issues:
1. Improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
2. Improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
3. Improved disc burning and recording functionality
4. iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync
5. Additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
6. Updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications
7. Improved compatibility for third party applications
8. Previous standalone security updates
The last item allows those who have not been updating regularly to forgo the latest updates. MacFixit reports that the standard and server versions are upgraded. Get the download by clicking on the Apple on your task bar and selecting Update Software or go to Apple Support.
New PC Worm Detected
Internetnews.com reports that a new worm is attacking computers that have not been updated with MS04-o11 Security Fix issued back in April. The worm attacks the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service and opens ports on your computer to allow for virus writers. This worm has been dubbed the W32.Korgo.B (AKA Padobot). If you know anyone with a bogged-down computer, they should use the Sasser removal available at Microsoft Support.
Block Pop-ups Free
If you do not already use a pop-up blocker, Major Geek has a site offering a free Smart Popup Blocker 1.01. We have been having good results with the Google toolbar pop-up blocker.
KDE 3.3 Alpha 1 Released
KDE.news reports that the KDE 3.3 Alpha 1 has now been released FTP servers but if you want to use it, you must compile enable and debug it yourself.
Get the links for all these stories and more at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Free iTunes Tuesday
5-25-04
Free Download Tuesday
The free download from Apple's iTunes Store this week is from Breanna from the EP by the same name. Windows users can also use iTunes and you can get free software to use iTunes from Apple Support.
New Free Firewall Available From Zone Labs
Zone Labs released an updated version for all their Firewalls including new features for the paid version. Users of the FREE version should check Zone Labs site to make sure they have the latest version. This is excellent protection for PC users that are not behind a router, and the price is right!
Mandrakelinux ISO Now Available
Mandrakelinux announced that ISO versions of Mandrakelinux 10.0 are now available for downloading from FTP mirrors.
Test the Mozilla 1.8
If you want to try out the latest beta release from Mozilla for Macs, you can download Mozilla 1.8a1 from Apple Downloads website.
Apple Hasn't Plugged Holes Yet
CNET continues to issue warnings to Apple users regarding the security issues that this column has been reporting on for the last week. If you have not disabled or changed the defaults on: afp, disk, disks, ftp, telenet with the System Preference Tool by RCDefault, and changed the download options on your browsers you should visit the Daring Fireball website and follow the directions provided by John Gruber. We took another step today following the advice from John and have not experienced any conflicts. We would rather have suspenders and a belt, thank you.
Anonymous,
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
Free Download Tuesday
The free download from Apple's iTunes Store this week is from Breanna from the EP by the same name. Windows users can also use iTunes and you can get free software to use iTunes from Apple Support.
New Free Firewall Available From Zone Labs
Zone Labs released an updated version for all their Firewalls including new features for the paid version. Users of the FREE version should check Zone Labs site to make sure they have the latest version. This is excellent protection for PC users that are not behind a router, and the price is right!
Mandrakelinux ISO Now Available
Mandrakelinux announced that ISO versions of Mandrakelinux 10.0 are now available for downloading from FTP mirrors.
Test the Mozilla 1.8
If you want to try out the latest beta release from Mozilla for Macs, you can download Mozilla 1.8a1 from Apple Downloads website.
Apple Hasn't Plugged Holes Yet
CNET continues to issue warnings to Apple users regarding the security issues that this column has been reporting on for the last week. If you have not disabled or changed the defaults on: afp, disk, disks, ftp, telenet with the System Preference Tool by RCDefault, and changed the download options on your browsers you should visit the Daring Fireball website and follow the directions provided by John Gruber. We took another step today following the advice from John and have not experienced any conflicts. We would rather have suspenders and a belt, thank you.
Anonymous,
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
Monday, May 24, 2004
Monday News
Apple Update May Not Be Cure All
MacMinute reports that Secunia security experts have determined not all the security flaws were addressed in the Security Update Apple released on 5/21/04. We installed a great fix you can find at Daring Fireball. Follow the excellent directions provided by John Gruber and make your system safer; we have experienced no problems since installing the fix on our G3s and G4s. Apple also released a new Security Update for OS 10.2 users to correct the same issues.
Why All the Apple News?
We have received some feedback recently and that is greatly appreciated. This website is to provide information for you, the computer users. Some of the feedback regarded the amount of Apple News lately. PC users should not feel left out, for a change the security attacks are not being aimed at MS operating systems as they have been for the last few years. We view hundreds of sources everyday and look at thousands of headlines trying to filter what is most important for you, the average computer user who does not have the time to look at all this techy stuff. Soon the PCs will be at the top of the news again, but the goal of this website is to help people use the best of all the operating systems to make your life better, hence the name: Multipleplatforms.com
Anonymous,
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus, a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
See the links to these news stories at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
MacMinute reports that Secunia security experts have determined not all the security flaws were addressed in the Security Update Apple released on 5/21/04. We installed a great fix you can find at Daring Fireball. Follow the excellent directions provided by John Gruber and make your system safer; we have experienced no problems since installing the fix on our G3s and G4s. Apple also released a new Security Update for OS 10.2 users to correct the same issues.
Why All the Apple News?
We have received some feedback recently and that is greatly appreciated. This website is to provide information for you, the computer users. Some of the feedback regarded the amount of Apple News lately. PC users should not feel left out, for a change the security attacks are not being aimed at MS operating systems as they have been for the last few years. We view hundreds of sources everyday and look at thousands of headlines trying to filter what is most important for you, the average computer user who does not have the time to look at all this techy stuff. Soon the PCs will be at the top of the news again, but the goal of this website is to help people use the best of all the operating systems to make your life better, hence the name: Multipleplatforms.com
Anonymous,
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus, a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
See the links to these news stories at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Solution for Anonymous
Anonymous,
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus, a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
Based on your description it sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus, a feature activated by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
Sunday, May 23, 2004
test post
