Tech News Blog
1.21.05
Office and Excel Data Protection Or Not
The data protection element of Microsoft’s Word and Excel applications may not be providing the maximum level of protection based on a report in CNET. A cryptographer from the Institute of Infocomm Research, Hongjun Wu, claims that critical code was not applied correctly in the encryption portion of these programs and they could by accessed by crackers. A report in eWeek highlights the fact that Microsoft is downplaying the threat and they do not consider this a major threat. If security of your documents is imperative, you may want to consider further encrypting methods.

Microsoft Will Issue Media Player Security Patch
Microsoft acknowledges the threat to PCs from the flaw in Windows Media Player is worthy of a fix and they will issue a patch within 30 day according to PC World. The article also includes reminders from MS to users regarding exercising caution when downloading Windows Media Audio (WMA) files. PC World provides Windows users with advice on changing settings until Microsoft updates the security for this problem.

Ducks Aren’t the Only Ones Migrating
Tech expert Walter Mossberg believes that the Mac mini will provide the impetus for Windows users to make the jump to Apple according to a report from MacNN. Mossberg cites affordability, and the increasing security threats that are plaguing PC owners. We say, why replace your PC when you can just supplement your life and increase your enjoyment by adding the Mac mini to your computer world.

Phisher Follow-Up
Our email address is not the only one being targeted by phishers and a report in CNET confirms that millions of us are being bombarded with requests to ‘update accounts’. The story likens the new wave of phisher to an organized crime syndicate. The new phisher has discovered spell check and includes legitimate looking links.

Open Source Updates
Secunia released these open source security and update bulletins: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Fedora Core 2/3 (1, 2), Gentoo (1, 2), and Conectiva.

Apple, Open Source, and PC Tip of the Day: Multiple Platforms Answer for Safe Emailing
I have not had an opportunity to try this program on the all the Macs and PCs yet, but Wired.com has and they have a positive review for Ciphire Mail; and it could be your solution for email authentication (AKA security). I have used it on my old iMac and it works as easily as advertised. The software is free and provides an email authentication to the receiver of your message. I have struggled with trying to implement email authentication before this program and Ciphire Mail is a definitely easier to use than the other options currently available.

What is WAV?
You can find it while you are surfing, but according to Wikipedia, “WAV (or WAVE), short for WAVEform audio format, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing audio on PCs. It is a variant of the RIFF bitstream format method for storing data in "chunks", and thus also close to the IFF and the AIFF format used on Macintosh computers. It takes into account some peculiarities of the Intel CPU such as little endian byte order. The RIFF format acts as a "wrapper" for various audio compression codecs. It is the main format used on Windows systems for raw audio.
Though a WAV file can hold audio compressed with any codec, by far the most common format is PCM audio data. Since PCM uses an uncompressed, lossless storage method which keeps all the samples of an audio track, professional users or audio experts may use the WAV format for maximum audio quality. WAV audio can also be edited and manipulated with relative ease using software.
As file sharing over the Internet has become popular, the WAV format has declined in popularity, primarily because uncompressed WAV files are quite large. More frequently, compressed but lossy formats such as MP3, Ogg Vorbis and Advanced Audio Coding are used to store and transfer audio, since their smaller file sizes allow for faster transfers over the Internet, and large collections of files consume only a conservative amount of disk space. There are also more efficient lossless codecs available, such as FLAC, TTA or Apple Lossless.”

Tech News Blog
1.20.05
Is Your Wi-Fi Network an Open Door?
According to CNET, most of the home Wi-Fi networks in the United States are virtually leaving the front door open for data theft. The security experts interviewed by CNET claims that crackers can steal your information with ‘no real training’. My neighbor has a wireless network and all I have to do to use his bandwidth is to turn on my iBook’s Airport Card and not have my wireless router turned-on. Securing your Wi-Fi network is not always an easy task, but a simple method to protect yourself part of the time is to turn-off your wireless router when you are not using it.

Free Online Tax Filing
Three software companies are collaborating with the Internal Revenue Service to offer free online tax filings. CNET is reporting that Intuit, TaxAct, and eSmartTax will offer no-cost online filing to all their customers. Other companies offer limited free filing services, but with software tax maker Intuit entering this realm, look for others to follow. I have used Intuit’s TurboTax for the past three-years and love the product, it almost makes paying taxes fun (emphasis on almost).

Apple-heads Snatching Up the iPod shuffle
The iPod shuffle is being snatched up as soon as they hit the Apple stores, and the financial advisors at Merrill Lynch estimate the demand may exceed the supply. Considering that Apple has ordered 500,000 units per month from the manufactures, that is an astounding prediction. The story in MacNN also notes that the shuffles began shipping on Tuesday. MacWorld has an in-depth review on the two versions of the iPod shuffle and they give both devices 4 1/2 stars out of five stars. The major drawback to the shuffle seems to be the lack of an additional LED to determine the status of the battery level. If you have received your iPod shuffle already, make sure you read the Multiple Platforms’ Tuesday Apple Tip of the Day.

Bring Back Call For Help
Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and host of Call For Help/ Canada is calling for your help. Leo hosted the same show on TechTV (TTV) before the acquisition of the TTV by Comcast. The cable company stripped the best parts of TTV away and combined what was left with their gaming network. Leo landed on his feet in Canada and is hosting Call For Help there and after adding Australia to their feed, the gang at CFH wants to bring the show back to the USA. You can help by visiting their web site and filling-out their petition; other nations are encouraged to participate too, with a special form for available for you.

Open Source Updates
Secunia has released the following update or security bulletins for open source users: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Mandrake (1, 2, 3), KDE, Conectiva, Fedora, and Red Hat (1, 2, 3).

Apple Tip of the Day: Find Serial Number of iPod
The serial number for the iPod and iPod mini are located on the back case of the player, on the lower portion of the case. You can see the engraved numbers just above the ‘CE’ logo. You can also retrieve the serial number from the About screen by following this path: Settings/ About/ and the serial number will be on the bottom of the dialogue box. If you have an iPod shuffle, visit the Apple web site to learn more about your serial number location.

PC Tip of the Day: AntiSpyware Advice
I finally had a chance to try the new Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta1 application and I am impressed. I keep my PCs clean and only download freeware and shareware applications to Virtual PC for a test run, but the AntiSpyware from Microsoft found two toolbar plug-ins to Internet Explorer present on one of my machines that Ad-aware and Spybot S&D had missed. Lucky thing I only use Internet Exploder when contacting Microsoft for updates! The program also provides a much better explanation of the spyware encountered than the Ad-aware and Spybot and provides real-time protection. The tip for today is, download and install this application from MS, and hope that they continue to offer it free. If you have had a different experience with this beta-ware, please email us.

What is an Apple Lossless File?
Wikipedia has the following definition for Apple Lossless. “Apple Lossless (also known as Apple Lossless Encoder or ALE) is an audio codec developed by Apple Computer for lossless encoding of digital music.
Apple Lossless data is stored within an MP4 container with the filename extension .m4a. Contrary to popular belief, Apple Lossless is not a variant of AAC, but a totally new codec. iPods with a dock connector and recent firmware can play Apple Lossless encoded files. It does not utilize any DRM scheme.
Apple claims that audio files compressed with its lossless codec will use up "about half the storage space" that the uncompressed data would require.
The Apple Lossless Encoder was introduced as a component of QuickTime 6.5.1 on April 28, 2004 and thus as a feature of iTunes 4.5.
This codec is also used in the AirPort Express's AirTunes implementation.”

Tech News Blog
1.19.05
Mass-Mailing Worm Poses As Removal Tool
A worm dubbed Baba-C is circulating through the email via an attachment that purports to be an “Evidence Cleaner”, but in fact will do just the opposite. The subject line contains the following: “Important! XXX sites found on your computer! ®”. Do not open this attachment, if you are worried about spyware and viruses you can find links to free applications at the bottom of this page. Read more about this threat in The Register.

More On Mail
I received a blatant phishing attempt from a Florida company claiming that they are unable to process our order and they provide a form to update our billing information. Although this could be a legitimate error on this company’s part, it set of bells-and-whistles in my mind. Never respond to these types of queries even if you regularly have business transaction with a company. Pick up the phone in response to these types of issues before giving out sensitive information to an online data collection form that could be a hook from phisher’s. What about this inquiry smells? First, we have not had any business dealings with this company; second, a ‘bot’ generated the message, it includes two grammatical errors, and there is no way to contact the company by phone or mail. I used a ‘whois’ search to learn more about the company, and plan to follow-up on this issue; I will keep you posted.

Source Code Flaw Exists in Mac OS X
CNET reports that a recent audit of Darwin, the open-source operating system that is the backbone of Apple’s OS X contains four flaws that could lead to security issues. Security experts at ImmunitySec uncovered the flaws that were initially found last June, but just published their findings this week. The flaws will probably not be an issue to most Apple users according to the report from CNET.

Apple iTunes Music Store Offers Free Download
Apple and Pepsi are launching another promotion to give away 200 million tunes in specially marked Pepsi products and the event is set to launch during the Super Bowl according to MacDailyNews. You do not have to wait until then to get a free download from Apple, just click on the logo to the left and get the free tune of the week from the iTunes Music Store. You can help support this web site by purchasing your music from iTunes through our link, thanks!

Open Source Updates
Secunia has released the following update or security bulletins for open source users: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4) and Red Hat.

Mac mini and iPod shuffle Orders Shipping
Apple has started shipping the first Mac mini and iPod shuffles according to a report from MacNN. My iPod shuffle hasn’t shipped yet and is promised on or before February 8, a date that can’t come soon enough for me.

Apple Tip of the Day: Updating iPod shuffle
The Apple tip of the day is for those who already have a iPod shuffle in hand; If the light on the front of the iPod shuffle is flashing orange do not to disconnect the device. Apple advises that users not disconnect while updating or restoring the shuffle. Removal of the shuffle may result in a player that won’t function. They further advise that you not disconnect the iPod shuffle while syncing or if the device is in the disk mode. Visit the Apple web site for more on this issue.

PC Tip of the Day: Fix MDATA.DAT Error Message
Error messages that popup during start up are often more of an annoyance than an indicator of a serious problem, and that is the case with an MDATA.DAT error message. A regular reader was getting the error message every time he started his PC. The message is related to the mouse in your house and the fix is relatively simple. If this error message is annoying you, visit our Answers to your Questions page for the fix.

What is Ogg?
Our exploration of audio files continues today with this definition for an Ogg file. Wikipedia has the following: “The Ogg bitstream format, spearheaded by the Xiph.org Foundation, has been created as the framework of a larger initiative aimed at developing a set of components for the coding and decoding of multimedia content which are both freely available and freely re-implementable in software.
The format consists of chunks of data each called an Ogg Page. Each page begins with the ‘OggS’ string that can be used to identify the file as Ogg.
A serial number and page number in the page header identifies each page as part of a series of pages that make up a bitstream. Multiple bitstreams may be muxed in the file where pages from each bitstream ordered by the seek time of the contained data. Bitstreams may also be appended to existing files, a process known as chaining, to cause the bitstreams to be decoded in sequence.”

Tech News Blog
1.18.2005
Worm Poses As Plea for Tsunami Victims
Sophos is reporting what seemed inevitable; a mass email worm is spreading using the tsunami disaster as cover according to CNET. Security experts predicted that unscrupulous crackers would utilize the tsunami disaster as a tool in their never-ending quest to make PC users miserable and now that the virus has appeared in the wild, you should exercise caution particularly if the subject line contains the following: “Tsunami donation! Please help!” If you open the attachment named: “tsunami.exe” your PC will begin to infect others. Secunia recommends: “If you receive this or a similar message, please do not forward it to your friends and colleagues. Forwarding unsolicited chain letters wastes time and bandwidth.” CNET reports that one suspect has been arrested for this swindle and planned to use the money for car repairs.

Internet Explorer Flaw 202
The security bulletins keep flowing from Secunia regarding Internet Explorer, sometimes affectionately referred to as Internet Exploder. This issue is rated ‘non critical’ and can affect PCs that have SP2 installed and updated. Secunia recommends: “Disable Active Scripting support for all but trusted sites.” You can also download install another browser like Firefox from Mozilla.org/.

David Vs. Goliath?
The Mac-head and web master of Think Secret is worried about being sued by Apple regarding the leaking of trade secrets and is seeking legal advice on the same as reported by CNET. The problem is that Nicholas Ciarelli is a student and I can assure you that he is not getting rich as a web master. Although not named in the suit, Ciarelli is rightfully concerned; upon hearing this news initially, I felt Apple was trying to send a message to their employees because Ciarelli is not singled-out in the filing by Apple. Others apparently feel the same as online petition are circulating demanding that Apple drop the suit. If you think Apple has made their point and should stop this legal action, visit the link above.

Gamers Should Beware of Third-Party PSP Software Program
PC World is carrying a report regarding Sony’s PlayStation Portable and PSP system software available on third-party gaming sites that causes conflicts. The file is not ready for final release and contains improper data, some PlayStation owners have had to return their PSP to Sony for repairs and the company is charging for the service.

Update to Picasa
Google has updated the free photo software program Picasa according to PC World. The update allows PC photo fanatics to edit, organize, and burn their digital pictures. It is not a multiple platform application but it is free for all of Windows platform from 98 to XP, and Internet Explorer 5.0/. You can download the software from Google or from Version Tracker.

Open Source Update
Secunia released the following bulletins for open source systems: Debian (1, 2, 3), Mandrakelinux, and SuSE Linux.

Apple Tip of the Day: Be A Dock Jock
Today the tip for Apple users is from the Apple Pro Tip of the Week web site and will enlighten you on a way to access the Dock preferences. You are a control-click away from running your dock like never before, first click on the Apple link, and then learn the secrets of the Dock jocks.

PC Tip of the Day: Visit The GodFather
This GodFather isn’t like the legendary figure in Mario Puzo’s famous novels, it helps organize chaos, not create it. The free application is a favorite of Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and he recommends the software to help you organize your audio files no matter what the format, mp3, ogg, mpc, aac, or aiff; to find out what the latter format is, read the definition below.

What is an AIFF File?
Wikipedia has the following definition for an AIFF file: Audio Interchange File Format is a file format standard used for storing audio data on PCs. The format was co-developed by Apple based on Electronic Arts Interchange File Format (IFF) and is most commonly used on Apple Macintosh computer systems.
An AIFF file is divided into a number of chunks. Each chunk is identified by a chunk ID known as a OSType.”

Tech News Blog
1-17-05
Windows Media Player Allows Spyware
The new pathway to plant spyware on your PC is through a flaw in Windows Media Player according to Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and CNET. Leo discussed the issue during his shows this weekend and recommends installing Service Pack 2. Leo has directions on how to install the update with the least amount of pain. Remember to clean your system; removal of spyware is imperative to a trouble free update. Next backup and verify that the backup is readable. Then set a Restore Point; for more details on this important security fix, visit Leo’s site. In the CNET article, Microsoft denies that the hole is a risk; so is this how MS forces us to use their spyware removal tools, by denying that a serious spyware hole in WMP is not a threat? On the other hand, maybe MS is behind the… the conspiracy theory arises from the ashes.

Problems Are Few for iTunes Update
I promised to monitor MacFixIt for problems associated with the latest iTunes update, 4.7.1 and the reports so far are few and related to dropping issues and Airport Express. This of course could be caused by numerous other sources and the appearance of the same could be coincidental. I have not experienced any problems and cannot wait to try out my new iPod Shuffle with iTunes update, stay tuned for that report.

Introduction of iPod Shuffle and Mac Mini is Apropos
John Gruber has a great piece on Apple’s introduction of the iPod Shuffle and the Mac Mini on his web site, Daring Fireball. Although he sounds cool to the Shuffle, he brings to light the reasoning behind the pricing, timing, and features of the latest releases from Apple. John’s web site is informative and thought provoking, if you haven’t visited Daring Fireball, you should.

Fedora Core 4 Releases Scheduled
Linux News has the word on the release schedule for Fedora Core 4. The first test is scheduled for February 21, the subsequent tests are scheduled for March 21, April 18, and the final release is slated for a May 16.

Open Source Updates
Secunia released update or security bulletins for the following open source systems: Gentoo Linux 1.x/, and Sun Solaris 9.

Apple Tip of the Day: Get a Little Snitch
Mac-heads don’t have to worry as much about Internet security as PC owners, but there are reasons you might want to protect your Mac. A product that provides security for the Apple community is Little Snitch and you can try a demo-version free. If you like the comfort and security, the full version is priced at $24.95.

Don’t Use Cocktail If Dreamweaver is Installed
Last week I recommended you try Cocktail for routine maintenance but you should not use it if you have Dreamweaver installed; apparently there is some type of conflict that prevents Dreamweaver from starting after running Cocktail. There are two fixes for this problem, email me if you need advice.

PC Tip of the Day: Update AVG Free
If you use AVG AntiVirus 6.0, you need to upgrade to AVG Free Edition 7.0.3 within the next week, or risk the consequences. I just completed the installation and ran the program and the verdict is no virus found. The update is PC Worlds’ most popular download of the week. You can visit PC World or launch your program and update from within the application.

What is an MP3?
This week the 'what is' section will explore the various types of audio files. Today Wikipedia has the following definition for an MP3, “MP3 (or, more precisely, MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3) is an audio compression algorithm capable of greatly reducing the amount of data required to reproduce audio, while sounding like a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio to most listeners.”