Multipleplatforms

6-12-04

Working on a Face Lift
We are working on a new website design and the tech news is slow today, so here are some fun top fives:

CNET Download New Releases
EazyDraw
Classic Solitaire for Mac
XStudio
Adium X
The Serial Keeper (OS X)

Major Geeks.com
ASTRA32 - Advanced System Information Tool 0.95 Beta
Ad-aware referencefile 01R317 12.06.2004
AM-DeadLink 2.00 Beta 12
PECompact 2.28
CopyToCD/DVD 3.0.18

Softpile.com Freeware Titles
Palfun 6.5.2416
FurtherTime 1.1
DoubleChecker powered by Priceline.com 1.2
bitsoft ShowIP 1.4.7
Advance 0.2.2004 BETA

Using Google
Google is not just for searching these days and the Google site includes many other options that are fun and useful. Want to do a Google search on just your local area? Click on the more>> tab above the search window, then choose Google Local. You will get a browser that contains your zip code. Type in post office, and you will get a listing of all the local offices and you will not have to wade through 10,000 hits to find the information you need. You can also download a free Google tool bar that includes a pop-up blocker and if you use Blogger for your blog (visit our technews blog at: http://multipleplatforms.blogspot.com/2004/06/friday-6-11-04-technews-blog.html) you can download a tool to make your blogging easier.

The Tech Guy on KFI
Leo is talking tech and answering your questions and you can listen live via the KFI Internet feed, join in the chat room, and watch Leo on the spycams by visiting his website, Leoville.com/.

Find the links to these stories and more at: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Post your questions to this blog or to contactus@multipleplatforms.com

6-11-04
Leo is Back
Leo Laporte, the former host of the Tech TV Call For Help will be hosting a similar show for Tech TV Canada starting this summer according Leo's TLR blog. Leo does not mention if his helpful daily tips will continue on the G4/TechTV Screen Savers show. You can listen to Leo live on the KFI Internet feed as the Tech Guy From KFI answers your questions on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 pm PT.

Help Board iBook Problem
Yesterday the help boards had one question regarding an iBook that started up but went to a blue screen. A bad logic board could cause this, we have an iBook that required logic board replacement, and Apple has extended the warranty of those iBooks affected by this problem. Visit Apple Support to learn more about the iBook Logic Board Repair options.

New Flaw Announced by RealNetworks
Internetnews.com reports that RealNetworks Real Player software has a high-risk flaw and it affects most RealPlayer products. Hackers could use this flaw to erase data and execute their codes. RealNetworks also released a patch to fix a previously discovered hole and you should update your system if you use RealPlayer.

Going to the Dogs
We love our computers at Multipleplatforms.com, but we love our golden retrievers even more; so the story in WiredNews was not news for us, it seems that dogs are more intelligent than they were previously given credit for. The journal Science reports that they observed a border collie retrieve more than 200 items by name and it could even locate an object using a name that it had never heard before. Our dogs maybe even more sophisticated because they have trained us to understand their commands often communicated without vocalization; these commands include: feed me, I am out of water you idiot, I need a biscuit, I need to go outside NOW, and take me to the park, all without so much as a bark.

Top Five Downloads From CNET
WinZip
LimeWire
Ad-aware
Spybot-Search & Destroy
ICQ 4

Latest Virus Alerts from Sophos on June 10, 2004
W32/Zafi-B
W32/Rbot-AE
W32/Agobot-XX
VBS/Pub-A
W32/Agobot-JW
W32/Agobot-JT
W32/Agobot-JX

Get all the links to these stories @ www.multipleplatforms.com
Post questions to this blog or to contactus@multipleplatforms.com

6-10-04
PC Users Should Switch From IE
As reported here yesterday, Secunia security experts disclosed a new threat that installs a toolbar on Internet Explorer that triggers pop-up downloads and this threat appears to be serious and as yet un-patched. PC users should consider switching to an alternative browser like Slim Browser or Mozilla until Microsoft patches this flaw.

Korgo Virus Threat Grows
The Korgo Worm has spawned 12 variants and is a greater threat than experts initially predicted according to reports from CRN. This worm keeps a low profile and allows the infected user to operate their systems without significant loss of performance. Security experts warn that the hackers may have a larger motive for this latest threat and are closely monitoring the behavior of the variants. It strikes Windows users who have not updated their systems with the April MS security update.

Bandwidth Hog? Loose Your Connection
The Industry Standard reports that high-speed Internet users that gobble up bunches of bandwidth are beginning to feel the pinch from their ISPs and some providers are now capping customers downloads. How much is too much? It depends on whom you ask, and most ISPs are not talking. This issue will be worth watching as more software developers attempt to distribute their products on-line.

Camino Beta and Firefox 0.9rc1 Browsers Free For Mac
Mozilla.org announced that the Camino Beta Browser is now available free to Mac users who like to have the latest browser for their surfing. MacUpdate also reports the release of Firefox 0.9rc1 another free browser from Mozilla. If you are still using Internet Explorer as your default browser, try one of these lighting quick browsers and improve your surfing pleasure.

New Laws Do Not Curb Spam as Costs Soar
The laws enacted to curb spam are ineffective to date and spamming may in fact be on the increase according to reports in eWeek. Meanwhile, companies are suffering from a loss of productivity as their employees are bombarded with junk. At the same time, spammers are becoming more sophisticated and decreasing the effectiveness of spam filters.

Comcast To Curb Spammers
CNET reports that Comcast, one of the largest ISPs in the nation, will begin efforts to curb spam from zombie computers. Comcast will begin blocking port 25 on accounts they suspect are being used by spammers. This is a positive first step as Comcast accounts could be responsible for 665 million spam messages daily!

Window Users Get New Version of OpenOffice
MajorGeeks reports that a new version of OpenOffice is available for Windows users. Ooo 1.1.2 RC3 is a free download and OpenOffice.org claims that this productivity suite is compatible with multiple platforms.

Xandros Debuts a Free Linux Version
InternetNews.com reports that Xandros has released a stripped down version of Linux available for personal users free. The caveats include no support for the system and you cannot use Windows programs, but the version is free and presents alternatives for Linux users.

KDE 3.2.3 Release Announcement
LinuxToday reports that KDE.org announced a maintenance update release for KDE 3.2.3 users and they should visit the site for the latest update.

New In The How-To Page of Multipleplatforms.com
Starting today, we will be adding links to the how-to information page that we think will be helpful to our readers. Topics added today include links to the following helpful how-to tips:

Connecting to Windows File Sharing with Mac OSX
Use Clear Type in XP for Better Viewing
How to Back Up With XP
Automatic Configuration for Multiple Networks in XP

Get the links to all these stories @: http://www.multipleplatforms.com
Post questions to this blog or @: contactus@multipleplatforms.com

6-9-04

New Trojan Steals Keystrokes and Passwords
CRN reports that MessageLabs has discovered a new Trojan Horse named Demonize-T. This Trojan installs a key logger and then hackers use a password sniffer to lift sensitive information. The infection comes in an email message that has the subject lines that state: “the email from 2 days ago…here is my replay (sic)” or “Hey whatsup remember me”. Based on the number of intercepts MessageLabs has discovered, this could be a serious threat.

Listen to Your Mac Life
You can listen to Your Mac Life on the Internet stream as Shawn King interviews bigwigs from Griffin Technology and from the IDG World. The show airs on Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 pm PT and you can listen to archives of the show available at the Your Mac Life website

Apple Releases iTunes 4.6
MacCentral reports that Apple has released iTunes 4.6 that will work with the soon to be shipped Airport Express, the new wireless router on every computer geek's wish list. This is a free update from Apple is available for users of Windows and Apple (AKA Multipleplatforms).

One of 50 Moments That Changed Rock and Roll: iPod Release
According to Rolling Stone and MacCentral, the introduction of the iPod is one of the great moments that changed Rock and Roll, and it certainly has not hurt the bottom line at Apple nor their standing in the electronic world.

Windows Conflicts with Red Hat Linux
The Fedora Core 2 upgrade for Red Hat Linux contains a bug that hides Windows when the two operating systems are installed side by side as reported by CNET. Apparently, there is no loss of data on the Windows side, but some reconfiguration of the hard drives will be necessary for dual OS use.

You Don’t Mess Around With John
John Gruber of Daring Fireball has been the lead voice in urging Apple to fix the recently discovered flaws, and he also encouraged Mac users to be proactive and install fixes on their own. Some websites erroneously reported the fix may not have addressed all the issues, but John assures readers it is indeed a good patch. Read the article at Daring Fireball.

Download New Virus Definitions From Norton
Those computer users protected by Norton need to visit the Symantec website to update their Virus Definitions and keep their protection level current.

Virus Alerts Continue
Four new viruses occupy the Sophos Virus top spots today and the Trojan Horse described in the lead story has not even got into the top ten list. It looks like June may also be the month of the worm.

Patch from Netgear Does Not Close Hole
Wi-Fi Networking News reports that Netgear did not actually fix the recently discovered security flaw. The article suggests that Netgear just changed the username and password to another easily discovered name and password. Sounds like users still need to be careful. Remember the reset button will set the router back to the factory settings if you get a Denial of Service.

Top Three Downloads From CNET
Ad-aware
Spybot - Search & Destroy
ICQ 4

In the Top Ten
RealPlayer
WinZip


Top Three Downloads From Softpile.com

dfg ShutDown XP 3.7.8
VectorEngineer Quick-tools
OutLock for Outlook 1.2

CNET New Release
Powerhouse Radio Toolbar
iBlog

Get the links to all these stories and post your questions @ http://www.multipleplatforms.com

6-8-04
Microsoft Issues New Update
Microsoft issued a moderate security bulletin today and patches to fix the problems. The MS04-016 bulletin and fix apply to a vulnerability in Direct Play and could result in a Denial of Service (DOS) and if you play online games you should patch this hole quickly. The second bulletin is MSo4-017 that can lead to information disclosure and DOS for Windows users using the third-party application Crystal Reports Web Viewer. To learn more about the patches and to download the update visit the MS Support website.

Apple Update Does Close Security Holes
John Gruber of Daring Fireball has tested the latest version of Apples Security Update 2004-06-07 V1.0 and it has passed his security screening. John took the lead in publicizing the flaw and fix at his excellent website and he includes tips for those who have already protected their Macs with RCDefaultApp. We have updated our systems and have yet to encounter conflicts. Please contact us if you encounter issues with the new update available for Panther and Jaguar users. And, read John Gruber’s article “Broken Windows” detailing the security issues in multiple platforms.

Hundreds of Microsoft Office Templates Available Free
Are you looking for a template to use as a sign-in sheet, or how about a one to use for a letter to the doctor? They have these and many more templates available for Microsoft Office users at the MS website. Visit the site and learn more about the templates available or submit one of your own for other users. They have a great section for non-profit organizations.

Are You The Master Word Whiz?
If you know all the ways of Word then you can test your knowledge and maybe learn a few new tricks at the MS’s Office Online Word Quiz.

Broken.org Will Be Broken For Awhile
Kevin Rose is moving to LA to continue The Screen Savers with G4/TechTV and according to KevinRose dot com, Yoshi the Mad Modder will join him. Rumor has it that Patrick Norton will not be joining the show when it begins production in LA. Kevin also reports that the fans of the Broken.org will have to chill for a few weeks while he puts some roots down in his new town. Best of luck to those making the move and for those who are not moving on. Contrary to reports in the NY Times, Leo Laporte says he is not in negotiation with G4 but we are hoping he finds a new home on TV soon.

Linux for Dummies
Slashdot has the review for Linux for Dummies (5th edition) by Dee-Ann LeBlanc and if you have liked other books in this series then you will probably appreciate as this reviewer did. If you have read this book please share your feedback at: contactus@multipleplatforms.com

Using System Restore
If you done something to your Windows XP box that makes you wish you could go back-in-time, your prayers have been answered with System Restore. You can undo and restore your system to a more stable platform with this great feature from Microsoft. The downside is that this feature can also re-infect a computer that has been hit by hackers, so learn more about this feature at the website from Microsoft.


For the links to all these stories and to post your questions please visit: http://www.multipleplatforms.com

6-7-04
Apple Releases Security Update… Finally
Apple has released the latest in what may be a series of updates to address security issues disclosed last month. CNET reports that in a previous interview Apple Sr. V.P. Phil Schiller said, "We fixed one part of what is a complex problem. We're working on fixes to the other parts, and there will be more coming." The Apple Software Update site states: “This update includes the following components: DiskImages, LaunchServices, Safari, and Terminal”. After the update, your system will issue an approval alert when an application is used for the first time or when you click on an URL that is associated with the program. You might want to install the fix suggested by John Gruber in this column previously, as it appears some holes may still need corrections. Sean King from Your Mac Life recommends waiting 5-7 days after the release of an update to allow Apple to repair any bugs. We are currently installing the update on our older systems and will keep you updated if there are problems or conflicts. MacFixit is a great site to monitor the problems that may be associated with this update.

New Airport Will Get You Soaring
If you are considering going wireless, you might want to wait until July for the recently unveiled Airport Express. The Express gives you 802.11g wireless speeds and streaming music from an iTunes enabled Mac or Windows computer using new technology called AirTunes from Apple. All that for only $129 makes the wait well worth it. CNET reports that AirTunes will interface with the upcoming update of iTunes (4.6) and will support up to ten users. This goody will be going to the top of our wish list.

Slim Browser is Great for PC
We have been using the free Slim Browser available from Flash Peak Software and it has replaced Internet Explorer on our PCs. Slim Browser is lighting fast and has so many features it is hard to list them all but tab browsing and pop-up blocker are prominent components of this free product. Web masters will like the built-in features and news geeks will love the built-in RSS rendering engine. Additional features are also available for a small fee and cover a wide range of useful tools.

New Hoax Virus, Two New Real Viruses
The new hoax virus making the rounds is Bloodhound and is showing up as a virus by those computers protected by Norton. Try Sophos Anti-virus scan to check for the hoax and the two new viruses added today (see the Multipleplatforms link to Sophos).

Cisco Releases More Linksys Updates
According to Leo Laporte’s "The Laporte Report", if you have a Linksys wireless router you should check the Linksys website because several new updates were released today to protect your system against the problems reported last week.

For the links to all these stories and to post your computer questions please visit: http://www.multipleplatforms.com

6-0-04
Just An Opinion On Computer Dust
As a journalist, I want to deliver information that provides the most important and timely news stories to the readers, but the "dangerous computer dust" story triggered skepticism cultured from my scientific, not journalistic background.

The story relates the dangers associated with dust found on computers in geographically and environmentally diverse study areas. I am a journalist as a labor of love to my geek-ness, but in my real life, I am graduate student in Biological Sciences. We learn to read scientific reports in the course of our studies and important components for any published paper includes the methodology, the duration of the research, the results, and the references. But sometimes the most important information can be found in the acknowledgements, the section of the paper that the author(s) cite not only the associates involved with the research effort, but those responsible for the funding of the research. The bells and whistles commenced upon reading the parties responsible for this study,"advocacy groups including the Silicon Valley Toxic Coalition".

The competition for funding at research institution is tremendous and can lead to experimental designs that achieve the desired result for a sponsor or cause. Before we go further and in the interest of disclosure, I want to make it clear that all my research efforts are focused on reducing hazardous living conditions on this earth. The website of the Silicon Valley Toxic Coalition states the following: "Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) is a diverse grassroots coalition that engages in research, advocacy, and organizing around the environmental and human health problems caused by the rapid growth of the high-tech electronics industry." In essence, without finding fault with the “rapid growth of high-tech electronic industry”, they may not receive the level of funding necessary to continue their efforts. When confronted with this stark reality, a researcher can choose to highlight certain aspects of their findings and likewise choose not to illuminate other areas of the study. These researchers did no such thing, and in fact went to great lengths to emphasize that it has been theorized but until now unproven that these conditions could be hazardous. The chemicals in question will be banned in California in 2008, but the residual affects will persist for eons.

The point lost in the headlines and on those of us that attempt to write the news in tight packages minus the fluff was this important fact: "It all goes into consumer products -- plastics, TV consoles, computer consoles, hair dryers,'' said Kim Hooper, a state research scientist at the Hazardous Materials Lab of Cal/EPA. “How safe is it? I don't think we have an answer. We have concern." The headlines for all the major news outlets emphasized the dangers of “Computer Dust”, yet this very same dust surrounds us in our lives by almost every modern convenience available today.

So, my skepticism was rewarded because the entire story is not easily encapsulated nor will it be solved by scaring people away from their computers based on an irrational notion that the dust from their computers is in some way more harmful than the dust that can accumulate in the TV or their hair dryers. As consumers we need to be conscious of this fact when we have special health considerations, and when considering the methods of disposal for items that include harmful toxic chemicals. The reality is that most of the durable goods we consume in our disposable society contain some harmful or toxic chemicals and proper use and disposal of these products should be a priority for us all. Finally, as a journalist I need to keep reminding myself that the whole story needs to be encapsulated within the headline, because many of us never get beyond those words.

Sources: CNET News, SiliconValley.com/, SVTC website