Friday, February 11, 2005
Friday 2-11-05 Tech News Blog
Multiple Platforms.comOur goal is to inform you about the tech news, tools, and techniques to help your Apple, Windows, and Linux operating systems work together for you!
Please visit our web site for the links to these stories and more.
Tech News Blog
2.11.05
Editors Note: My teaching schedule and staff meetings dictate an abbreviated version of the Multiple Platforms’ Tech News on Fridays. Here in blog-like fashion are the important tech news items of the day; look for the Apple and PC Tip of the Day and the ‘What Is’ items to return on Monday. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to listen to Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI. Leo answers questions on all things digital from 11am to 2pm on the weekends.
Symantec Has Security Issues
MacFixIt reports that a serious security flaw exists in Symantec’s security programs and the issues affect Multiple Platforms users. Mac and PC owners should visit MacFixIt to learn more about this problem.
Microsoft’s AntiSpyware Flaw
PC World has more details on the flaw in Microsoft’s AntiSpyware program. Sophos disclosed the problem on Thursday and the target of this crack is your banking information.
Advice for Companies Contemplating Switching to Firefox
A recent study detailed in PC World suggests that companies should carefully research their options before switching to an alternative browser.
More on Mac Update
We reminded you to disconnect your Firewire devices before installing Apple’s latest update, 10.3.8 but Apple didn’t (with one exception). MacFixIt has details and suggestions for dealing with this update from Apple.
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Thursday, February 10, 2005
Thursday 2.10.05 Tech News Blog
Multiple Platforms.com
Our goal is to inform you about the tech news, tools, and techniques to help your Apple, Windows, and Linux operating systems work together for you!
Please visit our web site for the links to these stories and more.
Tech News Blog
2.10.05
Apple Release Update
Apple has released a new update; 10.3.8 and they remind users to disconnect third-party FireWire hard drives before installing the update. You should also repair Disk Permissions before and after installing any update, and most Mac experts recommend waiting five to seven business days before installing any new update; let the early adopters discover if there are any serious conflicts. MacFixIt has early reports from those that have installed the update and the most common observation is an increase in the G5s’ fan activity.
Problems With Virtual PC for Mac Post-Update
MacFixIt is also reporting that Mac users of Virtual PC are having connectivity issues after installing the critical updates released by Microsoft. Read more on this issue by surfing to
MacFixIt and learn about a work-around using Terminal.
Symantec Has Security Hole
It seems that even purchasing third-party protection will not relieve us from the worries of crackers (listen to the topic of Wednesday’s podcast for more on this issue, click on the logo below); CNET is reporting that many of Symantec applications are venerable to crackers unless they download and install the latest patch issued by the company. Products affected include Norton SystemWorks 2004 and Symantec Mail Security for Exchange.
Proof For the Above
More bad news from CNET and heading straight for Windows users; Bankash-A is a new Trojan coded to attack Windows AntiSpyware. The Sophos expert interviewed by CNET speculates that this is the first attempt to disable the application, but will by no means be the last; and just when you thought we were getting close to home. Buckle-up, hold-on, and keep your computer and security systems updated.
Please Check Out The Podcast
Have you heard any of the Multiple Platforms podcasts yet? Listen to the latest edition of Life In A Multiple Platforms World by clicking on the logo below. Thanks for listening!
Open Source Updates
Secunia released these updates for open source users: Debian (1, 2) and Gentoo.
Apple Tip of the Day: Repair Disk Permissions
Before and after you install an update MacFixIt and many others recommend that you first Repair Disk Permissions. Open your application folder and then double click on Disk Utilities application found in the Utilities file. Next, select the drive that you want to repair (Your HD) and select Repair Permissions. This one of the first ‘fixes’ suggested when you call Apple for support.
PC Tip of the Day: Learn About the Updates Released
If you are a Windows user, then you need to learn more about the recent updates and one of the best sources is often from the horses … well, ah, mouth (I’m trying to keep this a family friendly site). To find out about the various security fixes visit Microsoft’s security site; we will try to provide more in the coming days. I made some preliminary notes on the security issues during Microsoft’s webcast and those are contained within the show notes from yesterday’s podcast.
What is Bandwidth?
Microsoft provides this explanation for bandwidth, “bandwidth n. 1. The difference between the highest and lowest frequencies that an analog communications system can pass as measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. For example, a telephone accommodates a bandwidth of 3000 Hz: the difference between the lowest (300 Hz) and highest (3300 Hz) frequencies it can carry. 2. The data transfer capacity, or speed of transmission, of a digital communications system as measured in bits per second (bps).”
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Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Wednesday 2.9.05 Tech News Blog
Multiple Platforms.com
Our goal is to inform you about the tech news, tools, and techniques to help your Apple, Windows, and Linux operating systems work together for you!
Please visit our web site for the links to these stories and more.
Tech News Blog
2.9.05
Sixteen Issues Tackled by Microsoft Patch
According to PC World, Tuesday’s patch from Microsoft for February was the largest security fix since October 2003. Eight of the problems fixed are critical and the fixes include patches Internet Explorer, Windows Service Pack 2, and for a PNG (see below for definition) issue with MSN Messenger. Now that these vulnerabilities have been revealed look for an increase in attacks from crackers that have become adept at waiting for Microsoft to release these security patches and then using the information to hack PCs that have not installed the recent update.
Antivirus Firm Purchased by Microsoft
CNET reports that Microsoft will purchase the security firm Sybari, the third security related acquisition by MS in the past eighteen months. Most industry watchers expected Microsoft to make just such a move in a effort to package a product to battle the ever-increasing attacks on Windows based PCs. One would hope that MS would offer the antivirus application free, as they have thus far with their spyware software, but time and the greed factor will tell.
MSN Messenger Problems Repaired
The outage that hit MSN Messenger users worldwide is over according to a story published by CNET. The problems were repaired as of late Tuesday, and you should have normal service after the issue at a data center was corrected.
Mac Mini Morphs After Mod
Accelerate Your Mac.com has a link to a Mac mini mod that morphs the Apple computer into a PC box with 500GB of hard drive capacity. Check out the item and the link by visiting Accelerate You Mac.com/.
More Mods: Create RAID With iPod Shuffle
How do geeks use their iPod Shuffle? Some of them talk their friends into lending them their iPod Shuffles to create a RAID array using four of the Shuffles connected to a USB hub. Read more about this and learn why you would do this by surfing to Wright This Way. I found this item while visiting MacSlash, check out their web site here.
Open Source Updates
Secunia released these security updates for open source users: Mandrake (1, 2), Debian (1, 2), Fedora (1, 2), and Gentoo (1, 2).
Apple Tip of the Day: Drag and Drop Printing
I have used this tip for several months and it is a handy time-saver; just add your printer’s icon to the desktop by creating a desktop printer, then drag and drop a file to it to begin printing. For the instructions on how to visit Apple Pro Tip of the Week web site.
PC Tip of the Day: Update AVG
Time again to update your AVG antivirus definitions. You can just start the application and it will automatically update, or you can visit Version Tracker to manually download the update. If you want to add Microsoft’s new spyware application, visit the Microsoft web site.
What is PNG?
According to Wikipedia PNG is, “PNG (Portable Network Graphics), sometimes pronounced as "ping", is a relatively new bitmap image format that is becoming popular on the World Wide Web and elsewhere. PNG was largely developed to deal with some of the shortcomings of the GIF format and allows storage of images with greater color depth and other important information.
PNG is supported by the libpng reference library, a platform independent library that contains C functions for handling PNG images.”
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Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Tuesday 2.8.05 Tech News Blog
Multiple Platforms.com
Our goal is to inform you about the tech news, tools, and techniques to help your Apple, Windows, and Linux operating systems work together for you!
Please visit our web site for the links to these stories and more.
<>Tech News Blog
2.8.05
Check for Podcast this afternoon
Please check back for today's podcast available this afternoon.
Reports of Phishing Attack Premature, Barely
According to CNET, some tech news sites erroneously reported that phishing attacks exploiting Microsoft’s recently announced Windows Genuine Advantage program had begun. The story claimed that phishers had used the introduction of the program to start searching for sensitive information under the guise of Microsoft. The story carried by CNET discounts the above, but adds the disclaimer that the scenario is inevitable given the circumstances; so beware of any attempts to phish for your credit information.
Online Mapping Services Gains New Player
Watch out Map Quest and Yahoo, there is a new kid on the block and this newbie comes to the playground with lots-of-marbles in their bag. Google Maps is a beta-service offering maps, directions, and local business searches and the story carried by CNET speculates that Google is collaborating with TeleAtlas for this new venture. You can visit the Google Maps site, but Safari and OmniWeb browsers are not supported. Mac and Linux users must use Mozilla 1.4+, Netscape 7.1+, or Firefox 0.8+/. Windows users can use any of the aforementioned or Internet Explorer 5.5+/.
Mad as… Well Their Not Going To Take it Any More
We believe that adapting to Multiple Platforms is necessary for survival in the world of information technology, but not all share this belief and some are growing down right hostile towards the increasing attacks on their PC. One of those who have had enough of PC problems is Mark Morford of the SF Gate. Read all about his take on this issue in his recent column “Why Does Windows Still Suck? Why do PC users put up with so many viruses and worms? Why isn’t everyone on a Mac?”
Web Security is Your Responsibility
Taking the idea of an ownership society to a new level, EBay, Microsoft and others have proclaimed it is your responsibility to maintain Internet security. The story was carried by PC World on Monday, and while it carries a plausible message the overall message forwarded by these corporations flush with your cash is repulsive. The following quote was included in PC World’s article, "The customer has a responsibility to help protect information as well as the technology companies," said Scott Shipman, privacy counsel for EBay, of San Jose, California. The story also includes similar quotes from others playing the same theme song; it is the user’s responsibility to become a security expert. I agree that user education is important, and that is one of the major motivations behind this web site; but to expect everyone using a PC to become security pro is simply unrealistic. I learn and stay abreast of these issues because I have an interest in keeping my computers functioning and secure; likewise, I share that information with you in an effort to help you make computing, surfing and life easier. The major problem in the computing world today is operating systems and software that is susceptible to attacks and security issues from email phishing attacks. The easiest response from a consumer’s standpoint would be to abandon computers that are plagued with security issues (refer to the item above) and to stop using email. Meanwhile, I have some advice for the lame companies that issued this claim: Those who live in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones.
Multiple Platforms Tip of the Day: Using Printers
I have tried on a number of occasions to configure my printers connected to my Mac to work with my PC. The setup seemed easy, but I was not able to figure out the secret until prompted recently by a friend’s question about this issue. The solution is to use any driver but the driver for the printer you are connecting. On the PC, follow this path Start/ Control Panel/ Printers and Faxes/ Add Printer/ and then follow the Wizard directions (you can browse for the printer if it is powered up). When you are ready to install the driver, choose any driver but the one for your printer. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but it works; a tip similar to this was carried by Mac OSX Hints last year.
What is Phishing?
According to Answers.com, Phishing is, “Pronounced "fishing," it is a scam to steal valuable information such as credit cards, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords. Also known as "brand spoofing," an official-looking e-mail is sent to potential victims pretending to be from their ISP, retail store, etc., and that due to internal accounting errors or some other pretext, certain information must be updated to continue the service.
A link in the e-mail message directs the user to a Web page that asks for financial information. The page looks genuine, because it is easy to fake a valid Web site. Any HTML page on the Web can be copied and modified to suit the phishing scheme. Such e-mails can be sent to people on selected lists or to any list, expecting that some percentage of the recipients will actually have an account with the real organization. The term comes from "fishing," where bait is used to catch a fish. In phishing, e-mail is the bait.
A "phishing kit" is a set of software tools that help the novice phisher imitate a target Web site and make mass mailings. It may even include lists of e-mail addresses. How thoughtful of people to create these kits. So helpful.”
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Monday, February 07, 2005
Monday 2.7.05 Tech News Blog
Multiple Platforms.com
Our goal is to inform you about the tech news, tools, and techniques to help your Apple, Windows, and Linux operating systems work together for you!
Please visit our web site for the links to these stories and more.
Tech News Blog
2.7.05
Secunia Reports Flaw in Most Browsers
Secunia issued a ‘moderately critical’ security warning for the following browsers: Firefox (0.x and 1.x), Mozilla 1.7.x/, Konqueror 3.x/, OmniWeb 5.x/, Opera 7.x/, and Safari 1.x/. Secunia recommends: “Don’t follow links from untrusted sources; Manually type the URL in the address bar.” See the tip of the day below for methods you can use to check the validity of a web sites URL.
Pepsi Peek Can Yield Perk
The joint promotional effort by Pepsi and Apple that rewards lucky Pepsi drinkers with a free download from the Apple iTunes Music store has the same issue as last year, you can see if the soft-drink is a winner before opening the bottle. According to MacMerc, the same folks that revealed the flaw last year, with a tilt and sharp-eye eager wannabe winners can spot the prize. To learn the dirty details, visit the original post by MacMerc.
Missing Mail Messages Miff .Mac Members
MacFixIt reports that .Mac email messages are arriving sans the body of the message. Apparently, the problems started to surface last Wednesday, and there is some speculation that the glitch is related to filtering applied by Apple. Apple has yet to issue a response to this annoyance.
Super Ads or Super Duds?
CNET has a wrap-up of the Super Bowl ads, a part of the festivities that have taken-on a life of its’ own. My favorite was the ad featuring MC Hammer that poked fun of the rise and fall of his financial fortune. Locally, the Go Daddy Software commercial was not well received, unless you count confusion as a good reception. The best part about this years broadcast may have been the game itself, followed closely by Paul McCartney’s half-time performance; he still sounds great after all these years and no lip-syncing from Sir Paul!
Fix The Window Day
Tuesday will be the day Microsoft starts to fix Windows in a big way with a patch that could contain up to 13 fixes for flaws that exist in various MS products. According to a report published by PC World, the patch will be one of the largest issued by the company in recent months. The patches will also address issues in Office, Visual Studio, Windows, Windows Media Player, and MSN Messenger. Microsoft will have a webcast regarding the patches on Wednesday, and I will report more on this issue after viewing the question and answer session.
FreeBSD How-To
The Linux Gazette has a how-to article on installing FreeBSD and according to the author, the task is a ‘piece of cake’ when you get the hang of it (yes, there is a typo in the story so I only used a portion of the sentence).
Open Source Update
Secunia released the following open source updates: Debian (1, 2, 3), Fedora, Gentoo, Linux Kernel, and SuSE.
Multiple Platforms Tip of the Day: Confirm URL
If you are using Firefox or Mozilla, you can download and install plug-ins that allows you to verify the URL of the web site you are visiting. To find the appropriate plug-in for your browser you can visit the Mozilla web site. Users of Safari and OmniWeb can add a bookmark to the toolbar to check a web site’s URL. Save any web site to the Bookmark Bar; then choose Bookmarks from the toolbar and select Show All Book Marks. Next click on the site you just added and choose Edit Address; paste in the following without the quotation marks “javascript:x=escape(getSelection());if(!x)%7Bvoid(x=prompt('What%20should%20I%20look%20up?',''))%7D;window.location='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search='+x+'&go=Go'”. Now, rename the bookmark ‘Check URL’ and then you can return to your browser. Now when you visit a web site you can click on the Check URL bookmark and a window verifying the address will float onto your screen. This doesn’t work for Opera (at least on my free version) nor will it work with Internet Explorer.
What is ASC II?
According to Wikipedia, “ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), generally pronounced ass-key, is a character set and a character encoding based on the Roman alphabet as used in modern English and other Western European languages. It is most commonly used by computers and other communication equipment to represent text and by control devices that work with text.”
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