Online Computer Tips Monthly Newsletter - January 2008
Latest Virus/Security Alerts:
MSN Messenger Virus
Trend Micro is reporting that a new worm has been spotted on MSN Messenger attempting to spread itself by sending links redirecting to an infected website. Once a user gets infected, the worm automatically sends a certain message along with a link to an infected ZIP archive.
The archive is named Photos1-2008.zip and when opened, puts the file happy2008.exe together with the ZIP file. If installed successfully, the worm tries to repeat the process.
Here is the complete list of malicious messages spotted on MSN Messenger:
- Hey, Can i put theese on facebook?
- Hi, have u seen my New Year pics yet? if not, this you gotta see!
- Hi, this you gotta see!
- Hey, Some pics from New Year at my place :)
- Hey, happy New Year, heres som pics from New Year! :)
Avoid visiting suspicious links from MSN Messenger and don't forget to update your antivirus with the latest virus definitions.
December's Poll Results:
If the prices were the same would you rather own a notebook or desktop computer?
- 50%
Tip of the Month:
Google Toolbar
Many of you may be using one type or another of a toolbar with your web browser. Some of you may be using multiple toolbars. There are only a few browser toolbars that deserve to be installed on your computer while the majority of them only cause problems or are associated with spyware and malware infections.
One of the most popular browser toolbars is the Google Toolbar. It’s a free download from Google and has many nice features. It is also customizable so you can have it display only the features you need.
The best part about the Google Toolbar is that it places a Google search box at your fingertips so you don’t have to go back to the Google homepage to do a new search. You can type your search term right into the Google search box from whatever page you happen to be on.
The Google Toolbar also contains shortcuts to popular items such as Google Maps and News. It features a popup blocker that you can turn on and off as well as track how many popups it has blocked. It also includes the AutoFill feature which allows you to fill in web forms with your name, address, phone and email information with a single click. All you need to do is enter your information in the settings section one time.
Other neat features include a spell checker and word highlighter to help you find certain words on a web page. If you have a Gmail account then you can add a Gmail button to the toolbar for easy access to your e-mail. The Word Translator shows you the translation of words as you hold your mouse over them.
To get the Google Toolbar simply visit the Google Toolbar website, then download and install it. Then go to the Settings button to configure it to suit your needs.
Communicate with your friends in style with the Travel-tini Web Camera. The compact shape and bright colors are the perfect accent for your notebook computer. The adjustable display clip makes it easy to apply. The light, durable design allows you to carry it anywhere and using it is effortless.
Clear Images at Home or On The Go!
Video Resolution: 640 X 480 Pixels
Avoid Blind Spots with 180° Rotation
Digital Zoom Function - Focus Range 10cm to Infinity
Auto Exposure Control and White Balance Adjustment
Image Editing Software Included - Enhance your photos, modify lighting, add a border, enlarge, crop, the design possibility are endless
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-001
Vulnerabilities in Windows TCP/IP Could Allow Remote Code Execution (941644)
This critical security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) processing. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
This is a critical security update for all supported editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista, an important security update for all supported editions of Windows Server 2003, and a moderate security update for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000.
Click here for more information and to obtain the patch.
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Readers Question of the Month:
Pasting into Word not working properly
Terrance writes in with a software question Q. I have a bit of problem with my Office 2007. After i copy from Encarta and paste into Microsoft Word it came out like this "[ ri trv ]". Do you have any idea how to fix this problem? Thanks, William.
A. If you are trying to copy text from Encarta into Word here is something that may help. Instead of choosing Paste try choosing Paste Special and pick Text or Unformatted Text. That way it wont paste any of the formatting that Encarta may have within the text. You can also paste it into Notepad which will not copy any formatting and then copy and paste it from Notepad into Word.
Comcast plans to offer ultra high speed Internet service, more high definition content and gadgets that link video, phone and broadband services.
They plan to demonstrate a technology that delivers up to 160 megabits of data per second which is fast enough to download a HD movie in four minutes. Cable systems largely enable download speeds up to 10 Mbps, compared with up to 50 Mbps from Verizon's fiber optic service FiOS.
