Saturday, July 10, 2004
Saturday Technews Blog
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
Update Mozilla, FireFox
If you missed the news reported here on Friday, Mozilla and FireFox for PCs have a security flaw and need to be updated ASAP. Visit Mozilla.org for more information and to download the patch. When you are done with the update, you should open the browser and select Tools. Then select Options and click on the Advanced Icon in the left column of the dialogue box; then scroll down to Software and make sure the box that states: “Allow web sites to install software”, is not checked.
Update for SpywareBlaster
KevinRose.com reports that an update for SpywareBlaster is available at the JavaCool web site.
Move it to the Dock Fast
If you want to move and open window to the Dock in Panther, just choose the window and press command and m, and the window is out of your view into the dock for easy access later.
Airports and Windows
Apple provides the missing manuals for using Windows machines and Apple wireless routers and you can download the PDFs for Airport and Airport Extreme at the Apple Support site.
Linux 101
We found a great site to help Linux newbies through the steps of becoming open source users called ^tuxs.org/. The goal of this web site is to be the starting point for Linux novices and they provide links and walk you through the steps of using Knoppix or PCLinuxOS. Try out one or the other and tell us about your first journey through the open source world.
Reader’s Feed Back/Contributions
Thanks to those who have responded to our requests for feed back and questions. If you would like to comment, contribute, or get a question answered, please visit our “submit a question” page.
Leo Will Make Your Day
Leo Laporte is not only a tech geek, he is a funny tech geek. Listen, laugh, learn and join him weekends from 12-3 pm PT. Get the links to the show, spy cams, and more at Leoville.com/.
Thumbs Up for Office 2004
MacWorld gave the new Office 2004 a positive review as did Leo Laporte on his Screen Savers segment. Therefore, Office 2004 is the Hot Amazon Buy Today. It is available in a student/teacher version for anyone involved in education. Click on the links below to get your copy now.
Special Offer: Receive a promotional certificate for $50 off a future Amazon.com purchase when you spend $250 in our Electronics and Software Stores. Offer valid through August 1, 2004. (Applies only to products sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site.)
Update Mozilla, FireFox
If you missed the news reported here on Friday, Mozilla and FireFox for PCs have a security flaw and need to be updated ASAP. Visit Mozilla.org for more information and to download the patch. When you are done with the update, you should open the browser and select Tools. Then select Options and click on the Advanced Icon in the left column of the dialogue box; then scroll down to Software and make sure the box that states: “Allow web sites to install software”, is not checked.
Update for SpywareBlaster
KevinRose.com reports that an update for SpywareBlaster is available at the JavaCool web site.
Move it to the Dock Fast
If you want to move and open window to the Dock in Panther, just choose the window and press command and m, and the window is out of your view into the dock for easy access later.
Airports and Windows
Apple provides the missing manuals for using Windows machines and Apple wireless routers and you can download the PDFs for Airport and Airport Extreme at the Apple Support site.
Linux 101
We found a great site to help Linux newbies through the steps of becoming open source users called ^tuxs.org/. The goal of this web site is to be the starting point for Linux novices and they provide links and walk you through the steps of using Knoppix or PCLinuxOS. Try out one or the other and tell us about your first journey through the open source world.
Reader’s Feed Back/Contributions
Thanks to those who have responded to our requests for feed back and questions. If you would like to comment, contribute, or get a question answered, please visit our “submit a question” page.
Leo Will Make Your Day
Leo Laporte is not only a tech geek, he is a funny tech geek. Listen, laugh, learn and join him weekends from 12-3 pm PT. Get the links to the show, spy cams, and more at Leoville.com/.
Thumbs Up for Office 2004
MacWorld gave the new Office 2004 a positive review as did Leo Laporte on his Screen Savers segment. Therefore, Office 2004 is the Hot Amazon Buy Today. It is available in a student/teacher version for anyone involved in education. Click on the links below to get your copy now.
Special Offer: Receive a promotional certificate for $50 off a future Amazon.com purchase when you spend $250 in our Electronics and Software Stores. Offer valid through August 1, 2004. (Applies only to products sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site.)
Friday, July 09, 2004
Friday Technews Blog
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories.
Window Opens On Mozilla, Windows Users Need Update!
As we mentioned in this column last Friday, security experts suspected other
Windows browsers may be vulnerable to hack attacks, and on Wednesday, a flaw was
discovered in the latest versions of Mozilla and FireFox browsers. The open
source community has responded with a patch available NOW at
Mozilla.org/. Please
download this fix ASAP and be proactive in the war against hack attacks. It was
refreshing to see a response from the Mozilla community that includes a fix as
opposed to a denial. The flaw does not affect Linux or Mac computers.
Opera Browser Hack
Secunia has issued an alert for Windows people using Opera browsers. The
hacker’s attempt to steal sensitive data (phish) from unsuspecting surfers. We
are not using Opera, but you can try the url checker we described yesterday to
verify the url of the site you are viewing. You can read more on the Opera issue
at the Secunia web site.Most Windows Platforms Effected
We neglected to note the Windows operating systems effected by Download.Ject and
for that we apologize. Here are the Microsoft systems targeted by this hack:
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Millennium Edition,
Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition. Patches and more information are
available at the
Windows
Support site. If you are running Windows 95 or 3.1, don’t you feel smart!
Secunia Announces Patch for Gentoo
Secunia security releases this morning include a Gentoo Shorewall warning and
update. Find the links to the download and learn more at the
Secunia web site.
Apple’s Mail application displays the last message received by default, but
there are several view options available to make searching for a message easier.
The status bar displays the number of messages you currently have in the mailbox
and below the status bar is the column-heading bar that includes the columns:
From, Date Received, Subject, and others. If you need to find a message from the
Apple iTunes Music Store, click on the “From” column heading and mail arranges
the messages in alphabetical order. If you want to find all the messages with
the subject line: Help, then click on the “Subject” column heading and the
messages are grouped by subject line.
Catch Leo
Every weekend we learn from the computer expert that everyone understands, Leo
Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI. Listen to the show live in LA, or on the KFI
Internet feed on the weekends from 12-3 pm PT. You can find the links to the
show, the show notes, and more at Leoville.com/.
Portable Media Center Pre-Orders
Amazon.com is taking pre-orders of Creative Labs 20 GB Zen Portable Media Center
according to CNET. The multimedia devices will be out in August and play music
and videos. Today’s Hot Buy From Amazon is that same Creative Labs 20 GB Zen
Portable Media Center. Click on the link below and get some Zen now.
Special Offer: Receive a promotional certificate for $50 off a future Amazon.com
purchase when you spend $250 in our Electronics and Software Stores.
Window Opens On Mozilla, Windows Users Need Update!
As we mentioned in this column last Friday, security experts suspected other
Windows browsers may be vulnerable to hack attacks, and on Wednesday, a flaw was
discovered in the latest versions of Mozilla and FireFox browsers. The open
source community has responded with a patch available NOW at
Mozilla.org/. Please
download this fix ASAP and be proactive in the war against hack attacks. It was
refreshing to see a response from the Mozilla community that includes a fix as
opposed to a denial. The flaw does not affect Linux or Mac computers.
Opera Browser Hack
Secunia has issued an alert for Windows people using Opera browsers. The
hacker’s attempt to steal sensitive data (phish) from unsuspecting surfers. We
are not using Opera, but you can try the url checker we described yesterday to
verify the url of the site you are viewing. You can read more on the Opera issue
at the Secunia web site.Most Windows Platforms Effected
We neglected to note the Windows operating systems effected by Download.Ject and
for that we apologize. Here are the Microsoft systems targeted by this hack:
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Millennium Edition,
Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition. Patches and more information are
available at the
Windows
Support site. If you are running Windows 95 or 3.1, don’t you feel smart!
Secunia Announces Patch for Gentoo
Secunia security releases this morning include a Gentoo Shorewall warning and
update. Find the links to the download and learn more at the
Secunia web site.
Apple’s Mail application displays the last message received by default, but
there are several view options available to make searching for a message easier.
The status bar displays the number of messages you currently have in the mailbox
and below the status bar is the column-heading bar that includes the columns:
From, Date Received, Subject, and others. If you need to find a message from the
Apple iTunes Music Store, click on the “From” column heading and mail arranges
the messages in alphabetical order. If you want to find all the messages with
the subject line: Help, then click on the “Subject” column heading and the
messages are grouped by subject line.
Catch Leo
Every weekend we learn from the computer expert that everyone understands, Leo
Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI. Listen to the show live in LA, or on the KFI
Internet feed on the weekends from 12-3 pm PT. You can find the links to the
show, the show notes, and more at Leoville.com/.
Portable Media Center Pre-Orders
Amazon.com is taking pre-orders of Creative Labs 20 GB Zen Portable Media Center
according to CNET. The multimedia devices will be out in August and play music
and videos. Today’s Hot Buy From Amazon is that same Creative Labs 20 GB Zen
Portable Media Center. Click on the link below and get some Zen now.
Special Offer: Receive a promotional certificate for $50 off a future Amazon.com
purchase when you spend $250 in our Electronics and Software Stores.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Thursday 7-8-04 Update Technews Blog
UPDATE 1845 PT
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all the stories and more.
Windows Users With Mozilla Need Patch
As we mentioned in this column last Friday, security experts suspected other Windows browsers may be vulnerable to hack attacks, and Wednesday a flaw was discovered in the latest versions of Mozilla and FireFox browsers. The open source community has responded with a patch available now at Mozilla.org/. Please download this fix ASAP and be proactive in the war against hack attacks. The flaw does not effect Linux or Mac computers.
Amazon Hot Buys
The Hot Book Buys Today:
TechTV Leo Laporte's 2004 Technology Almanac
The Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, Panther Edition
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all the stories and more.
Windows Users With Mozilla Need Patch
As we mentioned in this column last Friday, security experts suspected other Windows browsers may be vulnerable to hack attacks, and Wednesday a flaw was discovered in the latest versions of Mozilla and FireFox browsers. The open source community has responded with a patch available now at Mozilla.org/. Please download this fix ASAP and be proactive in the war against hack attacks. The flaw does not effect Linux or Mac computers.
Amazon Hot Buys
The Hot Book Buys Today:
TechTV Leo Laporte's 2004 Technology Almanac
The Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, Panther Edition
Thursday Technews Blog
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
New Lovegate Worm Not Lovely
The latest Lovegate variants discovered on Sunday replaces executable files with copies of itself according to CNET. Infected computers are useless after the executables for various tasks are no longer present, but the hacked computers can still spread the virus to other PCs in the network. In other words, this can be a destructive virus, and although you may not loose your data, you might feel like you are loosing your mind if you are hacked. Be proactive and switch to Mozilla.
Check URL Tool
Here is a great tip from the Windows Client Update newsletter to confirm the url for the site you are viewing:
1. Open your browser and save a web site to favorites (we saved it to the tool bar)
2. Edit the name of the favorite to “check url”
3. Edit the url address and insert this JavaScript:
javascript:alert("Actual URL address: " + location.protocol +
"//" + location.hostname + "/"
Now go to Google.com, and click on the “click url” tab/site you created; you should see a window that displays the correct url. We found that it does not work with all browsers, but it works for Internet Explorer, the browser with the bulls-eye.
Chain Letter Blues
Everyone has received the dreaded email chain letter and we have always deleted them without a thought. Why do you get that letter? According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Computer Incident Advisory Committee (CIAC) the reasons include:
To see how far a letter will go.
To harass another person (include an e-mail address and ask everyone to send mail, e.g. Joe Example).
To bilk money out of people using a pyramid scheme.
To kill some other chain letter (e.g. Make Money Fast).
To damage a person's or organization's reputation.
Mac Will Not Start
Apple products are dependable, but occasionally something happens to interrupt your Mac serenity. If the end to your bliss includes an empty blue or gray screen, a flashing question mark, broken folder icon, or nothing on the screen, at all you should not despair. Check the Apple Support site for tips on how to bring back the Apple of your eye.
No More Free Downloads
We have noticed that most freeware for the PC is not exactly free, and indeed comes with a caveat, spyware. We will no longer be recommending freeware for Windows users without first trying it on our Virtual PC XP platforms. This will slow down the freeware notices and will not necessarily guarantee that the freeware will be spyware free (many spyware programs include a timer and do not manifest themselves immediately), but our conscience will be clearer. We will continue to provide freeware download information for Macs and Linux, but we will qualify if we have tried the products before recommending them.
Activate Windows XP Firewall
Make sure that you have your built-in XP firewall activated by following this path:
Start/Control Panel/Network Connections; then right-click on LAN or High-Speed Internet (assuming you have broadband), select properties, then the advanced tab, and make sure the box in the Internet Connection Firewall dialogue box is checked. This will provide you with some protection, better protection is provided if you place your computer behind a router.
Hot Buy At Amazon
Today’s hot buy is on a cool motherboard. We will be building a PC over the next two weeks and we will be providing you with the directions you need to build your own box at this web site. When booting up a computer you built for the first time, it is a great feeling and an accomplishment you can take pride-in. We are going to build a low budget machine that you too can build, and we intend to keep the costs under $4oo. Make the purchases individually and you can have all the parts you require in no time before your significant other catches on. Today we feature the motherboard we will use in our how-to-build-a-PC feature.
Mo board and AMD processor
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
New Lovegate Worm Not Lovely
The latest Lovegate variants discovered on Sunday replaces executable files with copies of itself according to CNET. Infected computers are useless after the executables for various tasks are no longer present, but the hacked computers can still spread the virus to other PCs in the network. In other words, this can be a destructive virus, and although you may not loose your data, you might feel like you are loosing your mind if you are hacked. Be proactive and switch to Mozilla.
Check URL Tool
Here is a great tip from the Windows Client Update newsletter to confirm the url for the site you are viewing:
1. Open your browser and save a web site to favorites (we saved it to the tool bar)
2. Edit the name of the favorite to “check url”
3. Edit the url address and insert this JavaScript:
javascript:alert("Actual URL address: " + location.protocol +
"//" + location.hostname + "/"
Now go to Google.com, and click on the “click url” tab/site you created; you should see a window that displays the correct url. We found that it does not work with all browsers, but it works for Internet Explorer, the browser with the bulls-eye.
Chain Letter Blues
Everyone has received the dreaded email chain letter and we have always deleted them without a thought. Why do you get that letter? According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Computer Incident Advisory Committee (CIAC) the reasons include:
To see how far a letter will go.
To harass another person (include an e-mail address and ask everyone to send mail, e.g. Joe Example).
To bilk money out of people using a pyramid scheme.
To kill some other chain letter (e.g. Make Money Fast).
To damage a person's or organization's reputation.
Mac Will Not Start
Apple products are dependable, but occasionally something happens to interrupt your Mac serenity. If the end to your bliss includes an empty blue or gray screen, a flashing question mark, broken folder icon, or nothing on the screen, at all you should not despair. Check the Apple Support site for tips on how to bring back the Apple of your eye.
No More Free Downloads
We have noticed that most freeware for the PC is not exactly free, and indeed comes with a caveat, spyware. We will no longer be recommending freeware for Windows users without first trying it on our Virtual PC XP platforms. This will slow down the freeware notices and will not necessarily guarantee that the freeware will be spyware free (many spyware programs include a timer and do not manifest themselves immediately), but our conscience will be clearer. We will continue to provide freeware download information for Macs and Linux, but we will qualify if we have tried the products before recommending them.
Activate Windows XP Firewall
Make sure that you have your built-in XP firewall activated by following this path:
Start/Control Panel/Network Connections; then right-click on LAN or High-Speed Internet (assuming you have broadband), select properties, then the advanced tab, and make sure the box in the Internet Connection Firewall dialogue box is checked. This will provide you with some protection, better protection is provided if you place your computer behind a router.
Hot Buy At Amazon
Today’s hot buy is on a cool motherboard. We will be building a PC over the next two weeks and we will be providing you with the directions you need to build your own box at this web site. When booting up a computer you built for the first time, it is a great feeling and an accomplishment you can take pride-in. We are going to build a low budget machine that you too can build, and we intend to keep the costs under $4oo. Make the purchases individually and you can have all the parts you require in no time before your significant other catches on. Today we feature the motherboard we will use in our how-to-build-a-PC feature.
Mo board and AMD processor
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Wednesday 7-7-04 Technews Blog
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
More Evidence of Internet Explorer Problems
The patch Microsoft issued last Friday did not address all the avenues for hack attacks according to CNET. Researchers have posted a code to demonstrate how hackers could again back door the patch and that an earlier patch by Microsoft to repair another issue has now been nullified. Microsoft has stated this patch is just a temporary fix and they will be adding more patches soon. Switch to another browser like Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera and do not wait until you are hit by a virus and make sure you follow the directions in the Secunia article below.
Check For W32 Lovegate.ad@MM
A free check to determine if your PC has been infected with the Lovegate worm is available at the McAfee Virus Information page. Sophos has added several “retreads”; new variants of old worms and you can read about the latest versions at the Sophos Virus Information link at Multipleplatforms.com/.
Secunia Says…PC Owners Listen
According to The Laporte Report, Secunia security experts have found that most browsers could face an attack similar to Friday’s hack attack on Internet Explorer (we reported the same in this column last Friday). IE users need to turn off the “Navigate sub-frames across different domains” setting. You can access this setting from the IE browser by choosing Tools, then select Internet Options and choose Security. After you disable the setting, test your security by going to Secunia and following their directions. We are safe make sure you are too!
Secunia Issues Alert For Mandrake
Secunia released a security alert today for a Mandrake kernel update and issued the following description:
MandrakeSoft has issued an update for the kernel. This fixes multiple vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by malicious users to bypass certain security restrictions, gain knowledge of sensitive information or escalate privileges.
Operating Systems:
Mandrake Multi Network Firewall 8.x
Mandrake Linux 9.x
Mandrake Corporate Server 2.x
Trash Locked Items
If you tried to empty your Trash using Apple’s Panther and find that the operation will not complete because of a locked item, do not despair the fix is quick and easy. First, make sure you really do want to remove the locked file, they are locked for a reason; if you are sure it has to go, click a clear spot on your browser and choose Finder from the toolbar. Then press the option key and select “Empty Trash” and your locked items are no longer an annoyance.
Audio Problems With Windows iTunes
If your audio sounds off when using iTunes for Windows the problem could be a QuickTime setting. Visit the Apple Support site for information on correcting the issue.
Free Tunes From Apple
The Apple iTunes Music Store is nearing 100 million songs sold, and they are giving away music free for multiple platforms users. The free tune this week is Combat Baby by Metric from the album “One World Underground, Where Are You Now?” Download your copy at the Apple iTunes Music Store.
Your Mac Life
Shawn King and J talk about Your Mac Life on their web broadcast on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:00 pm PDT. Find the links to the broadcast, the chat room, and more at Your Mac Life.
Amazon Hot Buys
The Hot Book Buys Today:
TechTV Leo Laporte's 2004 Technology Almanac
The Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, Panther Edition
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
More Evidence of Internet Explorer Problems
The patch Microsoft issued last Friday did not address all the avenues for hack attacks according to CNET. Researchers have posted a code to demonstrate how hackers could again back door the patch and that an earlier patch by Microsoft to repair another issue has now been nullified. Microsoft has stated this patch is just a temporary fix and they will be adding more patches soon. Switch to another browser like Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera and do not wait until you are hit by a virus and make sure you follow the directions in the Secunia article below.
Check For W32 Lovegate.ad@MM
A free check to determine if your PC has been infected with the Lovegate worm is available at the McAfee Virus Information page. Sophos has added several “retreads”; new variants of old worms and you can read about the latest versions at the Sophos Virus Information link at Multipleplatforms.com/.
Secunia Says…PC Owners Listen
According to The Laporte Report, Secunia security experts have found that most browsers could face an attack similar to Friday’s hack attack on Internet Explorer (we reported the same in this column last Friday). IE users need to turn off the “Navigate sub-frames across different domains” setting. You can access this setting from the IE browser by choosing Tools, then select Internet Options and choose Security. After you disable the setting, test your security by going to Secunia and following their directions. We are safe make sure you are too!
Secunia Issues Alert For Mandrake
Secunia released a security alert today for a Mandrake kernel update and issued the following description:
MandrakeSoft has issued an update for the kernel. This fixes multiple vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by malicious users to bypass certain security restrictions, gain knowledge of sensitive information or escalate privileges.
Operating Systems:
Mandrake Multi Network Firewall 8.x
Mandrake Linux 9.x
Mandrake Corporate Server 2.x
Trash Locked Items
If you tried to empty your Trash using Apple’s Panther and find that the operation will not complete because of a locked item, do not despair the fix is quick and easy. First, make sure you really do want to remove the locked file, they are locked for a reason; if you are sure it has to go, click a clear spot on your browser and choose Finder from the toolbar. Then press the option key and select “Empty Trash” and your locked items are no longer an annoyance.
Audio Problems With Windows iTunes
If your audio sounds off when using iTunes for Windows the problem could be a QuickTime setting. Visit the Apple Support site for information on correcting the issue.
Free Tunes From Apple
The Apple iTunes Music Store is nearing 100 million songs sold, and they are giving away music free for multiple platforms users. The free tune this week is Combat Baby by Metric from the album “One World Underground, Where Are You Now?” Download your copy at the Apple iTunes Music Store.
Your Mac Life
Shawn King and J talk about Your Mac Life on their web broadcast on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:00 pm PDT. Find the links to the broadcast, the chat room, and more at Your Mac Life.
Amazon Hot Buys
The Hot Book Buys Today:
TechTV Leo Laporte's 2004 Technology Almanac
The Robin Williams Mac OS X Book, Panther Edition
Please visit
Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Tuesday 7-6-04 Technews Blog
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Ban the iPod From Work?
Security experts at Gartner suggest that companies should consider banning iPods according to a report in MacDailyNews. The iPod could be used to steal company data or be an introduction source for Trojans and viruses. The first scenario could occur, but an iPod infected with a virus? That hasn’t happened yet, but why take chances. In addition, maybe cell phones with cameras should be banned at the work place; they can be used to photograph sensitive company documents. While we are at it, cell phones should be banned also, they can be used to eavesdrop on secret company meetings. Copy machines should also be closely monitored, as they too can be used to steal company information. And...
Bagle’s Back
Two new variants of Bagle appeared on Sunday according to reports in CNET. The new variants are spread through email attachments and try to enlist the infected machines in the growing army of zombie PCs. Zombie’s are infected PCs that are used to distribute spam and are also used to make massive demands on targeted servers that effectively shut down internet traffic to that site.
Cruise Control Computing
Boot-up and put it on cruise control right? When it comes to operating a car or a computer, before you get to set the cruise control, you have to navigate to the open road. If you go out in the morning and the car, has a flat-tire or it is out of gas, would you get in and drive to work anyway? If the check oil light comes on, will you just keep on driving? Does Ford come to check your pick-up for the proper oil level, or do check the dipstick yourself? If you own a PC, your check engine light is on right now. Mac and Linux owners have also received a warning light. It is your responsibility to keep your computer updated. Yes, it can be a hassle, but it is nothing compared to the problems you create for yourself by not staying current with updates. That includes the operating system, anti-virus, spyware blockers, and firewalls. There are also updates for firmware and software that can reduce your frustration level, but that is a topic for another time. Most of the latest hack attacks would have been insignificant if more people had their computers updated. Keeping up-to-date is easy with Windows XP, it can be done automatically every time you boot-up. To learn more about security, check out the information available at the MSN home page.
More Secure Email
We found a great article for email security at Lux Scientiae: “The Case For Secure Email”, by Erik Kangas. Learn how email works and how to improve your security at this web site.
Free NewsMac 3.1
CNET Downloads has a cool tool for Mac users, NewsMac 3.1. You can batch your news sites together and view headlines and then click on the items of interest.
http://www.download.com/NewsMac/3000-2157-10215198.html?tag=top.feed&tag=feed
Connectiva Linux 10
DistroWatch announced that Connectiva has released Linux 10. The Conectiva mirrors have not been updated, but you can get ISO images from Bit Torrent.
Could We Have a Sidebar Please?
If you are using Mozilla then you should check out the sidebar option for this browser. Find it by selecting View, then choose Show/Hide and click sidebar. The sidebar contains search tab, and a “what’s related tab”; the latter contains links to other sites similar to the one in your browser.
Today’s Hot Buy
Amazon Nokia 6600 with Bluetooth
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Ban the iPod From Work?
Security experts at Gartner suggest that companies should consider banning iPods according to a report in MacDailyNews. The iPod could be used to steal company data or be an introduction source for Trojans and viruses. The first scenario could occur, but an iPod infected with a virus? That hasn’t happened yet, but why take chances. In addition, maybe cell phones with cameras should be banned at the work place; they can be used to photograph sensitive company documents. While we are at it, cell phones should be banned also, they can be used to eavesdrop on secret company meetings. Copy machines should also be closely monitored, as they too can be used to steal company information. And...
Bagle’s Back
Two new variants of Bagle appeared on Sunday according to reports in CNET. The new variants are spread through email attachments and try to enlist the infected machines in the growing army of zombie PCs. Zombie’s are infected PCs that are used to distribute spam and are also used to make massive demands on targeted servers that effectively shut down internet traffic to that site.
Cruise Control Computing
Boot-up and put it on cruise control right? When it comes to operating a car or a computer, before you get to set the cruise control, you have to navigate to the open road. If you go out in the morning and the car, has a flat-tire or it is out of gas, would you get in and drive to work anyway? If the check oil light comes on, will you just keep on driving? Does Ford come to check your pick-up for the proper oil level, or do check the dipstick yourself? If you own a PC, your check engine light is on right now. Mac and Linux owners have also received a warning light. It is your responsibility to keep your computer updated. Yes, it can be a hassle, but it is nothing compared to the problems you create for yourself by not staying current with updates. That includes the operating system, anti-virus, spyware blockers, and firewalls. There are also updates for firmware and software that can reduce your frustration level, but that is a topic for another time. Most of the latest hack attacks would have been insignificant if more people had their computers updated. Keeping up-to-date is easy with Windows XP, it can be done automatically every time you boot-up. To learn more about security, check out the information available at the MSN home page.
More Secure Email
We found a great article for email security at Lux Scientiae: “The Case For Secure Email”, by Erik Kangas. Learn how email works and how to improve your security at this web site.
Free NewsMac 3.1
CNET Downloads has a cool tool for Mac users, NewsMac 3.1. You can batch your news sites together and view headlines and then click on the items of interest.
http://www.download.com/NewsMac/3000-2157-10215198.html?tag=top.feed&tag=feed
Connectiva Linux 10
DistroWatch announced that Connectiva has released Linux 10. The Conectiva mirrors have not been updated, but you can get ISO images from Bit Torrent.
Could We Have a Sidebar Please?
If you are using Mozilla then you should check out the sidebar option for this browser. Find it by selecting View, then choose Show/Hide and click sidebar. The sidebar contains search tab, and a “what’s related tab”; the latter contains links to other sites similar to the one in your browser.
Today’s Hot Buy
Amazon Nokia 6600 with Bluetooth
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Monday 7-5-04 Technews Blog
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories
Learn How to Network Windows and Mac
If you use multiple platforms as we do, then you can find an excellent article detailing different networking techniques at the Apple Support Website. The article explains how to get your Apple and Windows computers to share files or a printer. Apple also provides links for more information on this issue.
Did You Hear What Leo Said?
If you missed Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI this weekend you missed out on some great advice. On the Sunday show, Leo talked about: DVD Backup for Macs and DVD Decrypter for the PCs; continuing to use Outlook (ok, but turn off the preview pane and turn off HTML mail); good books for the novice computer user; browser hijacking, and much more. Leo recommends Spyware Blaster to prevent browser hijacks and provides you with links to another site if you are already a victim. See the links for all this and more at the show notes for The Tech Guy on KFI and tune in next week to hear it straight from the source or visit Leoville.com/.
http://leo.typepad.com/radio/
Dark Deals from Kevin Rose
Although some of the tips from Kevin Rose of the Screen Savers are a little on the dark side, this one is out in the open and free. Here is your chance to make a switch or at least try the other side, Linux. The following is from the confirmation notice we received after jumping on this deal:
This comprehensive Novell Linux collection includes the following on 3 DVDs (10 GB):
- SUSE Linux Professional 9.1 (Bootable Installation DVD)
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 (ISO Installation Images)
- SUSE Linux Professional 8.2 (Installation ISO images for use with Ximiam Desktop)
- Ximian Desktop 2.0 Evaluation (ISO Image)
- Red Carpet 2.0.2 Evaluation (ISO Image)
- GroupWise for Linux 6.5.1 - Server, Client & Messenger (ISO Images)
- Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 (ISO Image & NLS Companion CD)
And more...
We ordered the package and it is shipping free of charge. We love free stuff! Thanks to Kevin Rose and his tipster Dan Shaw. Better be quick, the deal will probably be for a limited time once word get out.
Sorry, This Server is Busy
Are people worried about spyware? Have you tried to download Spybot S & D in the past few days? If you the answer to the second question is yes, then you already know the answer to the first question. You cannot get there from here; their servers are being slammed. If you need another spyware removal tool try Ad-aware and make sure it is from Lavasoft, there is an imposter out there so beware. We removed 26 spyware problems from a family member’s computer this weekend with Ad-aware. Our web site traffic statistics show Windows viewers have decreased significantly, we hope you come back soon, we miss you!
Hot Buy at Amazon.com
Today’s hot buy at Amazon is the Canon PowerShot A80. Remember the quality of the lens is critical with digital photography and Canon is has an excellent reputation for optics quality.
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Learn How to Network Windows and Mac
If you use multiple platforms as we do, then you can find an excellent article detailing different networking techniques at the Apple Support Website. The article explains how to get your Apple and Windows computers to share files or a printer. Apple also provides links for more information on this issue.
Did You Hear What Leo Said?
If you missed Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI this weekend you missed out on some great advice. On the Sunday show, Leo talked about: DVD Backup for Macs and DVD Decrypter for the PCs; continuing to use Outlook (ok, but turn off the preview pane and turn off HTML mail); good books for the novice computer user; browser hijacking, and much more. Leo recommends Spyware Blaster to prevent browser hijacks and provides you with links to another site if you are already a victim. See the links for all this and more at the show notes for The Tech Guy on KFI and tune in next week to hear it straight from the source or visit Leoville.com/.
http://leo.typepad.com/radio/
Dark Deals from Kevin Rose
Although some of the tips from Kevin Rose of the Screen Savers are a little on the dark side, this one is out in the open and free. Here is your chance to make a switch or at least try the other side, Linux. The following is from the confirmation notice we received after jumping on this deal:
This comprehensive Novell Linux collection includes the following on 3 DVDs (10 GB):
- SUSE Linux Professional 9.1 (Bootable Installation DVD)
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 (ISO Installation Images)
- SUSE Linux Professional 8.2 (Installation ISO images for use with Ximiam Desktop)
- Ximian Desktop 2.0 Evaluation (ISO Image)
- Red Carpet 2.0.2 Evaluation (ISO Image)
- GroupWise for Linux 6.5.1 - Server, Client & Messenger (ISO Images)
- Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 (ISO Image & NLS Companion CD)
And more...
We ordered the package and it is shipping free of charge. We love free stuff! Thanks to Kevin Rose and his tipster Dan Shaw. Better be quick, the deal will probably be for a limited time once word get out.
Sorry, This Server is Busy
Are people worried about spyware? Have you tried to download Spybot S & D in the past few days? If you the answer to the second question is yes, then you already know the answer to the first question. You cannot get there from here; their servers are being slammed. If you need another spyware removal tool try Ad-aware and make sure it is from Lavasoft, there is an imposter out there so beware. We removed 26 spyware problems from a family member’s computer this weekend with Ad-aware. Our web site traffic statistics show Windows viewers have decreased significantly, we hope you come back soon, we miss you!
Hot Buy at Amazon.com
Today’s hot buy at Amazon is the Canon PowerShot A80. Remember the quality of the lens is critical with digital photography and Canon is has an excellent reputation for optics quality.
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to all these stories and more.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Sunday 7-4-04 Technews Blog
Happy Independence Day!
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more
Our Favorite Websites
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF): Lance is racing for another yellow jersey and so are the researchers that get support from money raised by the LAF. We wear a yellow bracelet to support the efforts to find a cure for cancer and you can too, just click on the big yellow button at the top of this page and support this informative web site that raises funds for the battle against cancer. Order a hat while you’re at it, we just did. Read our article about the LAF at the bottom of this page.
Leoville: The Tech Guy on KFI and creator of TechTV’s Call for Help hosts a great website that has links to the notes from Leo’s radio show, his daily blog “The Laporte Report”, and the Leoville Town Square-a message board with a plethora of information on a variety of geeky topics. You can post a shameless plug for your website, find others with similar computer interests, and even become a citizen of Leoville. Visit Mayor Leo and all the friendly citizens of Leoville.com/.
LinuxToday: The place to visit for information on the open source world is Linux World. A close second for number of visits recently would be Mozilla.org/.
MacFixIt: This site is loaded with excellent tips that every Mac person can use to their advantage. When Apple releases a new update, we usually visit this site to read about compatibility issues.
MacWorld: A dependable source of information on all that is Mac is located at the MacWorld web site. The tips are useful and help you enjoy your life in the Apple world.
Mac OSX Hints: These tips are often aimed at the Apple Pro, but the regular Mac user can find helpful information here too at Mac OSX Hints.
Outdoor Life Network: This web site deserves a place on the list based on the vast improvements they have made over the past two years. OLN is the home of the Tour de France, and upgrades to the web site include better graphics and improved navigation. If you are interested in Lance Armstrong’s quest for a sixth victory in the penultimate sporting event, you will love this web site.
PC World: We always visit here to find information and reviews about “As the PC Turns”. The site provides excellent reviews; current updates, and delivers it with a dose of good sense.
CNET-All: From the news to the most popular downloads, the CNET websites provide an abundance of information for computer users.
DaringFireball: John Gruber’s web site combines thought provoking commentaries with excellent advise on all matters Mac. Check out the information at Daring Fireball and purchase one of his cool T-shirts.
We could go on forever and you can find more great sites at our favorite links page.
What’s Your Favorite Website?
Submit your vote here.
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more
Our Favorite Websites
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF): Lance is racing for another yellow jersey and so are the researchers that get support from money raised by the LAF. We wear a yellow bracelet to support the efforts to find a cure for cancer and you can too, just click on the big yellow button at the top of this page and support this informative web site that raises funds for the battle against cancer. Order a hat while you’re at it, we just did. Read our article about the LAF at the bottom of this page.
Leoville: The Tech Guy on KFI and creator of TechTV’s Call for Help hosts a great website that has links to the notes from Leo’s radio show, his daily blog “The Laporte Report”, and the Leoville Town Square-a message board with a plethora of information on a variety of geeky topics. You can post a shameless plug for your website, find others with similar computer interests, and even become a citizen of Leoville. Visit Mayor Leo and all the friendly citizens of Leoville.com/.
LinuxToday: The place to visit for information on the open source world is Linux World. A close second for number of visits recently would be Mozilla.org/.
MacFixIt: This site is loaded with excellent tips that every Mac person can use to their advantage. When Apple releases a new update, we usually visit this site to read about compatibility issues.
MacWorld: A dependable source of information on all that is Mac is located at the MacWorld web site. The tips are useful and help you enjoy your life in the Apple world.
Mac OSX Hints: These tips are often aimed at the Apple Pro, but the regular Mac user can find helpful information here too at Mac OSX Hints.
Outdoor Life Network: This web site deserves a place on the list based on the vast improvements they have made over the past two years. OLN is the home of the Tour de France, and upgrades to the web site include better graphics and improved navigation. If you are interested in Lance Armstrong’s quest for a sixth victory in the penultimate sporting event, you will love this web site.
PC World: We always visit here to find information and reviews about “As the PC Turns”. The site provides excellent reviews; current updates, and delivers it with a dose of good sense.
CNET-All: From the news to the most popular downloads, the CNET websites provide an abundance of information for computer users.
DaringFireball: John Gruber’s web site combines thought provoking commentaries with excellent advise on all matters Mac. Check out the information at Daring Fireball and purchase one of his cool T-shirts.
We could go on forever and you can find more great sites at our favorite links page.
What’s Your Favorite Website?
Submit your vote here.
Please visit Multipleplatforms.com for the links to these stories and more.
