Multipleplatforms

6-15-04
Free Download Tuesday From iTunes
It is Tuesday and that means you get to download “Letter Read” from Rachael Yamagata featured on her album Happenstance, available free from the Apple iTunes Store. We like today’s song and this free download stuff. “James” by Josh Rouse, “French Connection” by Simon Stinger and “Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows are just some of the great songs we have downloaded since iTunes started giving it away free on Tuesdays.

Virex 7 Updated
If you are protected by MacAfee’s Virex 7, you need to visit their website or activate your anti-virus application and click on the eUpdate icon to update the DAT files. Then run an anti-virus scan to assure yourself that the Apple of your eye is still safe.

Firefox Released
Mozilla.org released Firefox 0.9, the latest browser for all the multiple-platforms: Mac, Linux, and Windows. You can also find links to download Mozilla 1.7 RC3, Thunderbird 0.6, Camino 0.8 beta, and bugzilla all available in multiple-platforms formats.

Linux Security Flaw
Reports from eWeek indicate that Linux 2.4 and 2.6 systems running on x86 architecture can be exploited with a simple C program. The hacker must have shell access, cgi-bin, or FTP access and can only crash the system. The programmer that discovered the flaw has patches for the effected kernels.

Feather Linux Released
Have you ever wanted to try a version of Linux small enough to fit on a USB pen-drive? Try this free re-master of Knoppix, Feather Linux. At 64 mb, you can fit this on a CD or carry it with you on a USB pen-drive; and it downloads quickly because of that small file size. Check out the world of Linux and let us know what you think at: contactus@multipleplatforms.com/.

Problem at Akamai Leaves Some in Dark
The Industry Standard reports that problems at Akamai Technology, a web hosting company, caused Google.com and Microsoft.com to be unavailable Tuesday morning. Company officials at Akamai do not suspect the disruption was caused by a hacker attack.

Windows XP SP2 RC2 Release
Microsoft insiders are reporting that a new SP2 RC2 will be released today to testers. That is about 2-3 weeks behind schedule, so the public may be waiting that much longer for the long-delayed SP update.

Additions to the Multipleplatforms.com How-to Page
Here are some new items being added to our how-to page at the Multipleplatforms.com website:

How to Check Your Update History in Windows XP
Error 1406 or 1402 appears when you install iTunes for Windows
Share OS X files to a modded XBox machine

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

6-13-04
Xbox Mod Madness
If you have an Xbox that you have been wanting to mod, Kevin Rose dot com has the tips you need. He also provides links to hacks without a mod chip. You probably will want to try this on an Xbox that is no longer under warranty, because just about everything Kevin does voids your coverage. Have fun, but be warned.

AVG Updates
AVG Antivirus Definitions have been updated and users protected by AVG should activate their AVG antivirus software and click on service then choose update if the program does not self-update.

History Eraser
The Tech Guy on KFI, Leo Laporte, got a panic call from a viewer who needed to erase his search history before his wife returned, he had been browsing for old girlfriends just for fun. Leo suggested and then Softpile.com featured Free History Eraser 3.1, give it a try and let us know if it works.

New PC Need Patch
PCWorld.com featured an interesting but true fact of computer life, new computers from box stores need to be updated ASAP, and can sometimes be infected before the updates are installed. This problem can also occur for those computer users that have removed a virus but not yet patched their systems. It is best if you can perform these operations behind a router for some added security.

Outlook 2003 Will Help Curb Spam
Hackers often access address books to spread their viruses and evil spam and finally, Microsoft has embedded detection capabilities into Outlook to stop this type of address snooping. Outlook also includes new spam filters and options. We still like to open the mail on our Mac.

No More Worms in the Apple
Stung by the howls of critics and customers alike to the somewhat slow response to the Apple security flaws, executives released statements to calm Mac users fears and also took positive steps toward keeping users informed. Apple has added a Apple Computer Product Security Website at: http://www.info.apple.com/usen/security/index.html/. Mac people can learn about security in your system, security updates and can contact Apple regarding security issues at this site. This is a start, but compared to the MS security site it needs more on the menu, of course Apple does have fewer ingredients to choose from than MS.


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

6-13-04
Lance Armstrong Continues to Triumph
In the interest of disclosure, Lance Armstrong is my hero; having stated that, let me qualify the statement with some of the reasons why I think he is greater than the sum of the parts.
The story of Lance Armstrong and his five victories in the Tour de France, the penultimate bicycle racing event, and his battle against cancer have been chronicled extensively, but Lance is not finished scripting his legacy on the roads of France nor is he finished with his battle against cancer. Lance continues his battle against the disease by helping all of us learn the facts about cancer, the treatments, and the possibilities of a life in re-mission with his foundation and website, The Lance Armstrong Foundation.
For those unfamiliar with bike racing, the Tour de France is one of the most grueling sporting events not only because of the sheer daily energy expenditure that comes from pedaling over the rugged and beautiful terrain of France, but also by the fact that the tour continues everyday for three weeks. The riders can loose seven pounds or more each day and must consume 5,000 calories to avoid severe cramps. This is not a sport for the unfit. At the age of 25, Lance had already triumphed in the Tour Du Pont and had won stages of the Tour de France when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, and he vowed then to continue his racing career (1). In remission from cancer, Lance has won the Tour de France not once, but five times. Lance won the Tour in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 and judging by the condition of his primary rivals from the last tour, Lance should have a great chance to make more history as the first six-time winner of the Tour de France (yes, I am a bicycle racing fan; watch the Tour de France on OLN in July and find out why).
However, Lance continues to contribute in so many different ways in the battle against cancer. In the recent Tour de Georgia, Lance found the time to encourage a plethora of soul mates waging their own race against cancer. The stories of some of these individuals touched by this bike racer left little doubt that he has and continues to be an inspiration to the people going through the same ordeals that Lance knows well.
The story of Lance took on a new meaning for me during the past several months as we learned that my Dad has non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and that he would have to begin chemotherapy. As a graduate student, I have learned that the web can provide instant although not always factual information. You must exercise caution in evaluating the source of the report and the advice contained within, and the first link you click on is not always the best. The surfing led us to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and re-connected me with my hero and his battle. The LAF provides excellent information and links for those fighting cancer. The website is easy to navigate and provides you with knowledge which can translate to power in your battle against this disease. You can also order "Livestrong" bracelets to inspire your loved ones (I am wearing it as I write) and other cool products (the hat is great) from the LAF site and the profits go towards the battle against cancer.
We have added some other website for you to learn more about the issues of cancer on the Multipleplatforms favorite links page. My Dad has completed his second chemo treatment and is tolerating the therapy fantastically, and we are anticipating a full recovery. However, we will not require him to win the Tour de France to convince us that he is truly a champion. Thank you Lance and Thank You Dad.







(1) http://www.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/oct96/lance.html


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