Online Computer Tips Monthly Newsletter - March 2010
Latest Virus/Security Alerts:
Kneber botnet virus attacks 75,000 computers worldwide, including US government systems
A new computer virus has infected almost 75,000 computers worldwide - including 10 U.S. government agencies - collecting login credentials from online financial, social networking sites and email systems and reporting back to hackers.
The virus, dubbed the Kneber botnet, is thought to be the brainchild of an Eastern European criminal group that is likely selling the information on the black market. Further investigation revealed that many commercial and government systems were compromised, including 68,000 corporate login credentials and access to email systems, online banking sites, Yahoo, Hotmail and social networks such as Facebook.
The attack uses a piece of software called ZeuS, designed in Eastern Europe, that takes control of large numbers of computers. ZeuS is among the top five most reported computer infections, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
February's Poll Results:
Do you think Windows 7 is better and faster than Vista?
Yes
- 80%
No
Tip of the Month:
Disable having to enter a logon password in Windows 7
Some people don’t mind putting in a password every time they log into their computer but if you are one of those who do then here is a tip for you. It is possible to change your Windows settings so you don’t have to enter your password when you log in. Of course this takes away from the security of your computer but that is up to you if you want to take the risk. To do away with entering a password at login, follow these steps.
Click on Start and then Run or press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type in controluserpasswords2 and click Ok.
Make sure your user account is highlighted and uncheck the option Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer and click Ok.
You will then be prompted to enter your current password.
The next time you log on you will no longer be prompted to enter your password.
Hot Product of the Month: Polaroid CZA-10011B PoGo Instant Mobile Printer
Details:
Polaroid has reinvented instant photography for the digital age with the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer. Sleek, stylish, and easy to use, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer lets you share photos whether you are on vacation or just hanging out with your friends. Bring Polaroid magic from your camera cell phone or digital camera with ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging. Mobile and easy-to-use, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer provides a new, innovative way to share digital photos directly from your camera cell phone or digital camera, instantly.
Portable photo printer delivers full-bleed borderless images that are dry to the touch
Features automatic image quality optimization with water-resistant, tear-proof, smudge-proof and peel-off prints
Prints 2 x 3-inch borderless color images in under a minute
Wireless-capable Bluetooth hard drive interface; USB 2.0 hard drive interface
For use with digital cameras and select cell phones
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Important Windows and Office patches:
Microsoft Security Bulletin for March 2010
Vulnerability in Windows Movie Maker Could Allow Remote Code Execution (975561)
This security update addresses a privately reported vulnerability in Windows Movie Maker and Microsoft Producer 2003. Windows Live Movie Maker, which is available for Windows Vista and Windows 7, is not affected by this vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an attacker sent a specially crafted Movie Maker or Microsoft Producer project file and convinced the user to open the specially crafted file. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Affected verisions of Windows include Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution (980150)
This security update resolves seven privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Excel. The vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Excel file. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Affected verisions of Office include Office XP, 2003 and 2007 as well as Office 2008 for Mac.
Can't decide on a PC or a Mac? Check out this Comparison
Readers Question of the Month:
Firefox Saves Files to its Own Location
Julie writes in with a software question. Q. I use Firefox for my web browser but when I download files of any kind it puts them in a download folder and doesnt even give me a choice of where I want to download them to.
Answer: This can be easily changed by going to the options for Firefox and changing the download location and options. Click on Tools, then Options and go to the Main section of the Options. From here go to the Downloads section and check the radio button that says Always ask me where to save files. One tip you can do is to Browse to your Desktop or wherever you want them to be downloaded to before you change the option and then it will still ask you where you want to download them to but go to your Desktop by default.
Apple vs HTC: proxy fight over Android could last years
Apple came out swinging against smartphone maker HTC, filing a federal lawsuit and a complaint with the International Trade Commission, both alleging that HTC's phones violated numerous Apple patents. Some believe the suits are the beginning of a protracted legal battle against Google's Android OS, and analysis of the patents in question suggest Apple's two-pronged approach may be successful, though HTC says it's ready to fight back with its own patents and with Google in its corner.
The strategy is also likely to merely start with HTC, with Apple eventually going after other Android-based phone vendors as proxies to combat Android. HTC isn't planning on going down easily. The company said that it had been building mobile devices for 13 years in a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange. "So HTC is not only a mobile technology innovator, [we] also hold a large number of patents". Google won't sit idly by while its hardware partners are sued by Apple, either.
Apple typically uses patents as a defense against lawsuits from others, so the fact that it has gone on the offensive against Android suggests that the problem may have a connection with the growing competition between Apple and Google.
