Online Computer Tips Monthly Newsletter - September 2007
Latest Virus/Security Alerts:
Since there are no serious virus threats so far this month we thought we would provide a few links to some anti virus software reviews so you can choose the product that works the best for you.
August's Poll Results:
Do you use file sharing programs such as Kazaa?
12%
- 88%
Tip of the Month:
Have Windows XP Log You In Automatically
If you have multiple users in Windows XP you wont be able to have your computer log in automatically because you will be prompted for which user you want to login. If you are the only user on the computer the computer then this is not a problem. If you have installed the .NET Framework from Microsoft it will notice it created an additional user account called ASP.NET which will make it where your prompted to login manually.
To make your computer log you in automatically there are a couple of things you can do. The first method is to click Start, Run and type control userpasswords2 and click Ok. Select the user account from the list that you want to automatically logon. Then uncheck the box that says Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer and click Ok. Finally type the user account password for that user.
** Do not use this method for the built in administrator account on a Windows XP Home computer because it will not work properly and give you error messages.
The second method involves using a free program called TweakUI which allows you to make all sorts of adjustments to the way Windows XP works. TweakUI includes a feature that allows you to auto login a user to the computer.
Simply open TweakUI, go to the Login area and then the Autologin section. Then check the box that says Log on automatically at system startup, enter your username and then click the Set Password button if you have a password for your user account. If this is a computer on a domain you can enter the domain name as well although it is not advisable to have a domain computer logon automatically.
You can download TweakUI as well as many other Windows XP add-ons from the XP Power Toys website.
Features
This Speaker and Headphone T-Splitter allows you to connect two mini-stereo headphones or speakers to the same jack on your iPod, portable cassette, CD or MP3 player.
1/8" (3.5mm) male to two 1/8" female adaptors
Allows multiple users to share and enjoy the same iPod
Connects two mini-stereo headphones or speakers to one jack
Works with iPod, iPod Mini or audio players with an 1/8" headphone jack
Vulnerability in Microsoft Excel Could Allow Remote Code Execution
These vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Excel file. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending a malformed file which could be included as an e-mail attachment, or hosted on a malicious or compromised Web site. This is a critical security update for supported editions of Microsoft Office 2000. For supported editions of Microsoft Office XP, Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac, this update is rated important. This update is also rated important for the Excel Viewer 2003.
For m ore information and to download the patch click here.
If you ever wanted to know more about how the Internet works or how to get the most out of your browsing experienc then check out LearnTheInternet.com and find out all you need to know.
Readers Question of the Month:
How to set up an Ethernet network
Femi writes in with a virus question Q. Please help me with how I can remove the W32/Hakaglan.inf virus.
A. W32/Hakaglan.inf virus should be able to be cleaned out using your antivirus software since most products know of this virus. I would make sure your antivirus software is up to date and do a thorough scan in Safe Mode. You may want to turn off System Restore first and then turn it back on after you remove it.
Steps to turn off System Restore
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore:
You have chosen to turn off System Restore. If you continue, all existing restore points will be deleted, and you will not be able to track or undo changes to your computer.
Steps to turn on System Restore
1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
If your antivirus program doesnt find it you can try some other programs or online scans. Since you know that you have the virus makes me think that your antivirus program knows about it and should be able to remove it.
Here are some other resources to help you get rid of the virus.
You can download the beta (test) version of the latest Norton Antivirus 2008.
You can run the free Microsoft PC Safety Scan and see if it finds it.
You can run the free Kaspersky online virus scanner as well as some other free scanners such as the McAfee scan.
You can download the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition software which gets pretty good reviews.
Ten years ago, Microsoft was the company everyone loved to hate.
The most vociferous Microsoft haters slammed the company for being a greedy industry bully that used its monopolistic, clunky, copycat operating system to force software on users and coerce partners into unfair licensing deals.
But the role of the industry's biggest bully is increasingly played by Apple, not Microsoft. Attorneys General and others zeroed in on the bundling of the Internet Explorer Web browser, which they claimed was forced on users because Microsoft offered it as part of Windows. But iPods come bundled with iTunes. Want to buy music from Apple? Guess what? You must install iTunes. Want an Apple cell phone from AT&T? Yep! ITunes is required even if you want only to make phone calls. Want to buy ringtones for your Apple phone? ITunes.
