Yes I do! Do you? Microsoft support (updates) ends in April of 2014. This comes from worldstart.com.
"When sales of
PCs (Personal Computers) took a 6% dip at the end of 2012, many said it
must be because people were switching to tablets or smartphones. But
the real reason behind declining sales could be that that people are
keeping their old computers longer.
The
web -tracking company Net Applications reported that around 45% of
Internet traffic from Windows systems came from systems Windows 7, a
little over 5% from Windows Vista and 42% from Windows XP. That matches
up with figures that say Windows 8 only has about 2% of the Windows
operating system market."
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Spybot Search & Destroy
It has been a long while since I first tried Spybot S&D Version 2. Back then it was simply a Beta version (at best). It was horrible and I dumped it immediately. I continued to recommend Spybot S&D Version 1.6.2. It was a very stable, tested, and fairly easy to use product.
Today I downloaded the newest version. It is Version 2, known simply as SD2. It is, by the designation lacking any "Beta" or other qualifiers, but simply SD2, ready for prime time.
I am sorry to say that I could not disagree more. It is NOT ready for prime time!
I encourage all of you, who still believe there is a place for Spybot, to stay with or to download Version 1.6.2. It is available at filehippo.com.
I will continue to use SD 1.6.2, but the folks who write and support this product will likely stop supporting it (supplying udates). That is a costly proposition for a company who has since moved on.
The installation of SD2 was very difficult, and I had to guess as I went along as to what was the better choice of 2 possibilities - several times. Once I got it installed and updated (I think I updated it successfully), I then found it nearly impossible to run - I mean it was so complex and choices were not at all obvious. They now estimate the remaining time for the user, and when I got down to 60 minutes, I stopped it and uninstalled it.
If you want to see a piece of bad software that has probably cost the company millions, go ahead and try it!
As for me, I will look for a replacement for SD 1.6.2.
Today I downloaded the newest version. It is Version 2, known simply as SD2. It is, by the designation lacking any "Beta" or other qualifiers, but simply SD2, ready for prime time.
I am sorry to say that I could not disagree more. It is NOT ready for prime time!
I encourage all of you, who still believe there is a place for Spybot, to stay with or to download Version 1.6.2. It is available at filehippo.com.
I will continue to use SD 1.6.2, but the folks who write and support this product will likely stop supporting it (supplying udates). That is a costly proposition for a company who has since moved on.
The installation of SD2 was very difficult, and I had to guess as I went along as to what was the better choice of 2 possibilities - several times. Once I got it installed and updated (I think I updated it successfully), I then found it nearly impossible to run - I mean it was so complex and choices were not at all obvious. They now estimate the remaining time for the user, and when I got down to 60 minutes, I stopped it and uninstalled it.
If you want to see a piece of bad software that has probably cost the company millions, go ahead and try it!
As for me, I will look for a replacement for SD 1.6.2.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
February MVPS HOSTS file available
You can download it here: http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/default.aspx
Prior to installing it is a good time to run Spybot. I am still running version 1.6.2 of Spybot.
Prior to installing it is a good time to run Spybot. I am still running version 1.6.2 of Spybot.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Firefox OS: Are you ready for a new operating system?
From USA Today:
"You wouldn't think we'd need a new mobile operating system for smartphones, what with the current dominance of Android and iOS, and challenges from BlackBerry and Windows. The folks at Mozilla beg to differ. At Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Mozilla, which is best known for its Firefox Web browser on personal computers, is previewing Firefox OS, an "open mobile ecosystem" aimed at smartphones around the world."
"You wouldn't think we'd need a new mobile operating system for smartphones, what with the current dominance of Android and iOS, and challenges from BlackBerry and Windows. The folks at Mozilla beg to differ. At Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Mozilla, which is best known for its Firefox Web browser on personal computers, is previewing Firefox OS, an "open mobile ecosystem" aimed at smartphones around the world."
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
12 security terms you need to know
Here is some pretty good stuff from Kim Komando's web site today.
"There are quite a few terms for computer security threats and they aren't always clear cut.
Most people, including me at times, use "virus" as a general term for malicious software. However, the actual term for malicious software is "malware."
Malware comes in dozens of different styles. There's everything from Trojans to spyware to rootkits. The amount of different ways a hacker can attack you would make your head spin. And you can't defend against all of them the same way.
Let's start with some security terms that keep popping up in the news.
Drive-by download - When malware takes advantage of security flaws in your programs to download to your computer without your permission. All you have to do is visit a website that hosts the malware and your computer is infected.
Zero-day exploit - A serious security flaw that exists in a piece of software before it's released. If hackers can find and use it before the developer releases a patch, they can do serious damage.
Backdoor - A secret entrance to your computer that lets someone bypass your security. You won't even know they're inside! Backdoors come from program flaws or are intentionally built into software by the developer.
Drive-bys, zero days and backdoors are all dangers of flawed or out-of-date software. Three of the worst offenders are Java, Flash and your browser. So be sure to keep these programs updated or disabled.
Security software can protect you from these dangers, too. You can find dozens of free security programs here.
Now, on to the malware:
Virus - A piece of software that can copy itself and spread, just like a biological virus. This is the most recognizable term because it's been around the longest.
It can infect different parts of a single computer or grow to infect multiple systems. In the past, viruses would destroy your data or cause other chaos. These days, they're a bit more refined.
Worms - An advanced type of virus that replicates and spreads with little or no action on your part.
You can get a worm as a Trojan (more on that in a bit) or from a drive-by download. If you're on the same network as a computer with a worm, it can infect your machine with little effort.
While worms are serious if left unchecked, any up-to-date anti-virus software can handle them.
Botnet - A collection of computers that has been infected with a specialized virus, usually a worm. The hacker that created the worm can control the infected computers, sometimes called "zombies."
A botnet can send spam, launch attacks on websites, funnel stolen money around the world, or anything else a hacker wants. In fact, most of the spam you get is from botnets.
The best way to stop a botnet is for everyone to have security software installed and up to date. Most people with zombie computers don't use security software and have no clue their computer is compromised.
Trojan - The most popular kind of attack online. Also called a Trojan horse, which makes sense if you know Greek mythology.
Like the original Trojan horse, a computer Trojan looks like something good - a cool video or photo - but when you bring it inside your computer, it turns out to be malware. Click here to learn one way malicious files hide as common file formats.
Trojans are usually spread through email attachments and often act as a backdoor for hackers. Once installed, a Trojan can steal information or install other, more dangerous, malware.
An easy way to avoid Trojans is to protect yourself from spam and know how to spot a scam email.
Rootkit - A more advanced version of a Trojan. "Root" in computer lingo almost always means increased or unlimited control. If a rootkit is installed on your computer, a hacker can do just about anything they want to your machine.
Even worse, a rootkit can hide itself from your operating system and security software, making it hard to detect and remove. Security software is better at dealing with rootkits than it used to be, but it still isn't a pleasant experience.
Like a Trojan, the best way to stop a rootkit is to avoid installing it in the first place. Follow the same precautions you would take to avoid a Trojan. And keep your programs and anti-virus software updated, as new rootkits appear regularly.
Ransomware - Spooks you into surrendering your hard-earned cash. Sometimes called "Scareware," this nasty malware can take many forms.
One common version is a fake anti-virus program that claims you have multiple viruses and need to pay for a full version of the program to get rid of them. Having real security software installed is your best defense.
Nastier versions take over your computer and accuse you of inappropriate activity such as viewing child porn or illegal fire-sharing. Some versions just claim to have encrypted all your files. Either way, the ransomware demands payment to give your system back.
Paying up won't do anything but encourage the hackers. You'll need a heavy-duty anti-virus program to get rid of ransomware. AVG's bootable anti-virus disc is a good solution. Make sure you read the tutorial, though!
Spyware - Focused specifically on gathering information about you. It could be as serious as trying to find out your bank information or as minor as advertisers trying to grab your personal data for targeted ads.
Either way, you might need a special type of security software to take it out. Spybot Search & Destroy does an excellent job of stopping spyware in its tracks.
Keyloggers - A program that copies everything you type and saves it to a file or sends it to the keylogger's owner. Some can even take pictures of your screen or take over your webcam.
Though keyloggers are technically spyware, they're so dangerous they get their own category.
Hackers do use keyloggers, but you're more likely to get one from someone you know.
Keyloggers are a favorite of suspicious spouses and significant others. Companies also use them - legally - to check up on employee computer use.
Normal security software might not be able to shut these down once they're on your computer. To get rid of them, follow the steps in this must-read tip.
Learning how these viruses work isn't all you need to do. Here are three more tips on how to deal with hackers online.
"There are quite a few terms for computer security threats and they aren't always clear cut.
Most people, including me at times, use "virus" as a general term for malicious software. However, the actual term for malicious software is "malware."
Malware comes in dozens of different styles. There's everything from Trojans to spyware to rootkits. The amount of different ways a hacker can attack you would make your head spin. And you can't defend against all of them the same way.
Let's start with some security terms that keep popping up in the news.
Drive-by download - When malware takes advantage of security flaws in your programs to download to your computer without your permission. All you have to do is visit a website that hosts the malware and your computer is infected.
Zero-day exploit - A serious security flaw that exists in a piece of software before it's released. If hackers can find and use it before the developer releases a patch, they can do serious damage.
Backdoor - A secret entrance to your computer that lets someone bypass your security. You won't even know they're inside! Backdoors come from program flaws or are intentionally built into software by the developer.
Drive-bys, zero days and backdoors are all dangers of flawed or out-of-date software. Three of the worst offenders are Java, Flash and your browser. So be sure to keep these programs updated or disabled.
Security software can protect you from these dangers, too. You can find dozens of free security programs here.
Now, on to the malware:
Virus - A piece of software that can copy itself and spread, just like a biological virus. This is the most recognizable term because it's been around the longest.
It can infect different parts of a single computer or grow to infect multiple systems. In the past, viruses would destroy your data or cause other chaos. These days, they're a bit more refined.
Worms - An advanced type of virus that replicates and spreads with little or no action on your part.
You can get a worm as a Trojan (more on that in a bit) or from a drive-by download. If you're on the same network as a computer with a worm, it can infect your machine with little effort.
While worms are serious if left unchecked, any up-to-date anti-virus software can handle them.
Botnet - A collection of computers that has been infected with a specialized virus, usually a worm. The hacker that created the worm can control the infected computers, sometimes called "zombies."
A botnet can send spam, launch attacks on websites, funnel stolen money around the world, or anything else a hacker wants. In fact, most of the spam you get is from botnets.
The best way to stop a botnet is for everyone to have security software installed and up to date. Most people with zombie computers don't use security software and have no clue their computer is compromised.
Trojan - The most popular kind of attack online. Also called a Trojan horse, which makes sense if you know Greek mythology.
Like the original Trojan horse, a computer Trojan looks like something good - a cool video or photo - but when you bring it inside your computer, it turns out to be malware. Click here to learn one way malicious files hide as common file formats.
Trojans are usually spread through email attachments and often act as a backdoor for hackers. Once installed, a Trojan can steal information or install other, more dangerous, malware.
An easy way to avoid Trojans is to protect yourself from spam and know how to spot a scam email.
Rootkit - A more advanced version of a Trojan. "Root" in computer lingo almost always means increased or unlimited control. If a rootkit is installed on your computer, a hacker can do just about anything they want to your machine.
Even worse, a rootkit can hide itself from your operating system and security software, making it hard to detect and remove. Security software is better at dealing with rootkits than it used to be, but it still isn't a pleasant experience.
Like a Trojan, the best way to stop a rootkit is to avoid installing it in the first place. Follow the same precautions you would take to avoid a Trojan. And keep your programs and anti-virus software updated, as new rootkits appear regularly.
Ransomware - Spooks you into surrendering your hard-earned cash. Sometimes called "Scareware," this nasty malware can take many forms.
One common version is a fake anti-virus program that claims you have multiple viruses and need to pay for a full version of the program to get rid of them. Having real security software installed is your best defense.
Nastier versions take over your computer and accuse you of inappropriate activity such as viewing child porn or illegal fire-sharing. Some versions just claim to have encrypted all your files. Either way, the ransomware demands payment to give your system back.
Paying up won't do anything but encourage the hackers. You'll need a heavy-duty anti-virus program to get rid of ransomware. AVG's bootable anti-virus disc is a good solution. Make sure you read the tutorial, though!
Spyware - Focused specifically on gathering information about you. It could be as serious as trying to find out your bank information or as minor as advertisers trying to grab your personal data for targeted ads.
Either way, you might need a special type of security software to take it out. Spybot Search & Destroy does an excellent job of stopping spyware in its tracks.
Keyloggers - A program that copies everything you type and saves it to a file or sends it to the keylogger's owner. Some can even take pictures of your screen or take over your webcam.
Though keyloggers are technically spyware, they're so dangerous they get their own category.
Hackers do use keyloggers, but you're more likely to get one from someone you know.
Keyloggers are a favorite of suspicious spouses and significant others. Companies also use them - legally - to check up on employee computer use.
Normal security software might not be able to shut these down once they're on your computer. To get rid of them, follow the steps in this must-read tip.
Learning how these viruses work isn't all you need to do. Here are three more tips on how to deal with hackers online.
- Hackers are at work 24/7 trying to steal your information. Find everything you need to stop them.
- Facebook is one of the easiest places for a hacker to attack you. Protect yourself from a virus on Facebook.
- If you've been hacked, you have to act fast to get things back. Win back your account with these must-read tips. "
Friday, February 8, 2013
My PC Security Baseline
I think every few months or so I should publish this post, especially
for those of you who may be new viewers. For those of you who are
familiar with my security baseline, I continue to use the same
portfolio of free products I used months ago. There are no changes.
I hope you are using these programs. Keep them updated before running!
From time to time I refer to my security baseline. My security baseline is merely a list of programs I use (all free) and recommend for anyone to use to keep their systems secure. This applies to YOU if you use Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. I do not yet have experience with Windows 8.
Remember, all of these products are FREE, but will do as good a job as any fee products you may use. I make that statement and stand by it based on 45 years of experience with computers.
1. Microsoft Security Essentials. This is a very impressive anti-virus program and can replace any you have now. DOWNLOAD HERE
2. Windows Firewall (Standard part of your operating system. Check the Security Center to be sure it is on.)
3. MVPS HOSTS File - download the current month's version and update monthly DOWNLOAD HERE
4. CCleaner - check for newer version than you may already have. Run weekly. DOWNLOAD HERE by clicking on Download Latest Version in the upper right hand corner of the page.
5. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - run bi-weekly. DOWNLOAD HERE
6. SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition - run bi-weekly in the off week after #5. DOWNLOAD HERE
7. Spybot Search & Destroy - run monthly just before downloading new HOSTS file. I recommend, for now, downloading Version 1.6.2 under "old versions". DOWNLOAD HERE
I will be happy to assist you with any or all of the above installations. This can be done remotely.
Questions? Comment below or write me, pcdoc at brpcdoc dot com
I hope you are using these programs. Keep them updated before running!
From time to time I refer to my security baseline. My security baseline is merely a list of programs I use (all free) and recommend for anyone to use to keep their systems secure. This applies to YOU if you use Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. I do not yet have experience with Windows 8.
Remember, all of these products are FREE, but will do as good a job as any fee products you may use. I make that statement and stand by it based on 45 years of experience with computers.
1. Microsoft Security Essentials. This is a very impressive anti-virus program and can replace any you have now. DOWNLOAD HERE
2. Windows Firewall (Standard part of your operating system. Check the Security Center to be sure it is on.)
3. MVPS HOSTS File - download the current month's version and update monthly DOWNLOAD HERE
4. CCleaner - check for newer version than you may already have. Run weekly. DOWNLOAD HERE by clicking on Download Latest Version in the upper right hand corner of the page.
5. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - run bi-weekly. DOWNLOAD HERE
6. SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition - run bi-weekly in the off week after #5. DOWNLOAD HERE
7. Spybot Search & Destroy - run monthly just before downloading new HOSTS file. I recommend, for now, downloading Version 1.6.2 under "old versions". DOWNLOAD HERE
I will be happy to assist you with any or all of the above installations. This can be done remotely.
Questions? Comment below or write me, pcdoc at brpcdoc dot com
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Cropper
I think this is a big deal. I could be wrong. I have downloaded it but not yet installed it. If you read the text below and agree that this might be a valuable tool for you, you can download it here: http://cropper.codeplex.com/
I found this review on worldstart.com.
I found this review on worldstart.com.
"Cropper – Save & Print Anything On Your Screen
Posted By Tim On January 31, 2013 @ 12:00 PM In Software Reviews | No Comments
How
would you like a utility that allows you to capture anything you see on
the screen? Not only capture but save, print or paste into other
programs? How would you like it to have an easy interface where you
simply drag a box over what you want to capture and press enter?
Cropper by Brian Scott is the best screen capture utility I’ve ever used. The software is simple to install by clicking “here” and clicking “download” on the right-hand side of the page. Once the software is downloaded, double-click “setup” and run the setup program. You may receive a Windows Smart Screen message saying it was blocked and asking if you would still like to run it. Click “run anyway.” Don’t worry, I thoroughly scanned this program for virus and malware and it’s safe.
Once you’ve completed the installation and clicked on Cropper from the start menu, you will have a small icon in your task bar that looks like a box with a + sign in it. Double-click this icon to open Cropper.
Cropper now shows you a box which you can move by holding down the left mouse button in the middle of the box, and dragging it over what you would like to save. You can left-click and hold on the bottom right corner and drag to make the box bigger or smaller. You will see the px size (how many pixels the image will be) along with current output method in the box.
Once you’ve moved the box over what you want to capture, press the “enter” key and your screenshot will be saved to the default directory (in your My Documents under the folder Cropper Captures). To change the output method, right-click inside of the cropper box and click “output,” then select:
You can read more information and download Cropper by clicking here [1].
-Tim
Cropper by Brian Scott is the best screen capture utility I’ve ever used. The software is simple to install by clicking “here” and clicking “download” on the right-hand side of the page. Once the software is downloaded, double-click “setup” and run the setup program. You may receive a Windows Smart Screen message saying it was blocked and asking if you would still like to run it. Click “run anyway.” Don’t worry, I thoroughly scanned this program for virus and malware and it’s safe.
Once you’ve completed the installation and clicked on Cropper from the start menu, you will have a small icon in your task bar that looks like a box with a + sign in it. Double-click this icon to open Cropper.
Cropper now shows you a box which you can move by holding down the left mouse button in the middle of the box, and dragging it over what you would like to save. You can left-click and hold on the bottom right corner and drag to make the box bigger or smaller. You will see the px size (how many pixels the image will be) along with current output method in the box.
Once you’ve moved the box over what you want to capture, press the “enter” key and your screenshot will be saved to the default directory (in your My Documents under the folder Cropper Captures). To change the output method, right-click inside of the cropper box and click “output,” then select:
- BMP: Older format but good for if you need a bitmap image.
- Clipboard: This will copy to the Windows clipboard and you can then paste the screenshot into other programs by holding down Ctrl key and pressing V or going to Edit menu and selecting Paste in another program.
- JPEG: This is the most popular picture format and you’ll need to select the quality from 10% (very low) to 100% (very high).
- PNG: This is the up-and-coming picture format and while not as universally used as JPEG does produce smaller files for the same quality as a JPEG.
- Printer: This option will bring up a print dialog and print what you’ve selected.
You can read more information and download Cropper by clicking here [1].
-Tim
Friday, February 1, 2013
Yet another scam
Do NOT be fooled by e-mails such as this one. Call it a phishing or spam e-mail, whichever you like, but it is JUNK and a SCAM!!! I have removed the links included in the e-mail (they are inactive). Note that Google (I use Gmail) had placed this e-mail in my Spam folder.
Tom
Microsoft Webmail Security
Tom
Microsoft Webmail Security
Spam
x
Spam
|
6:05 AM (4 hours ago)
| | ||
| ||||
Why is this message in Spam? It's similar to messages that were detected by our spam filters. Learn more
Dear Mail User,
As part of the security measures to secure all email users across the world,All email users are mandated to have their account details registered as requested by the Microsoft Cyber-Crime Dept ( M C D ) .You are here by required to validate your account within 24 hours so as not to have your email account suspended and deleted from the world email server.
To get started, please click the link below:
https://login.com/config/login_verify2?.intl=us&.src=ym
This instruction has been sent to all Webmail Users Worldwide and is obligatory to follow.
Thank you,
Copyright © 2013 Microsoft Inc. All rights reserved. .
Monday, January 28, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Does Windows 8's three-month report card read pass or fail?
From pcworld.com;
"Windows 8 is passing two big milestones this week. On Thursday, Microsoft released its quarterly financial results, and hidden inside the numbers are clear indicators of the new operating system's impact on the company's bottom line. Tomorrow, meanwhile, marks the three-month anniversary of Windows 8's October 26 release date. The world has had plenty of time to live with the new OS, and now we can more comfortably score whether it's a success or failure."
Read more here: Does Windows 8's three-month report card read pass or fail
"Windows 8 is passing two big milestones this week. On Thursday, Microsoft released its quarterly financial results, and hidden inside the numbers are clear indicators of the new operating system's impact on the company's bottom line. Tomorrow, meanwhile, marks the three-month anniversary of Windows 8's October 26 release date. The world has had plenty of time to live with the new OS, and now we can more comfortably score whether it's a success or failure."
Read more here: Does Windows 8's three-month report card read pass or fail
Friday, January 25, 2013
Belkin helps Cisco exit consumer space by acquiring its Home Networking division, including Linksys
I have long been (like always) a Linksys fan. I use and recommend Linksys for home routers, and now one of its own competitors will take over the Linksys line. Well, at least it is a competitor, Belkin, that will be the new owner of the Linksys line, and they are already in the business and know what it is all about. I wonder if they will keep the name?
Belkin helps Cisco exit consumer space by acquiring its Home Networking division, including Linksys
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Spybot & MVPS HOSTS file reminder
The MVPS HOSTS file for January is available now for download.
My usual routine, and today was no exception, is to start SPYBOT, update it, immunize, and run a full scan. I just did that, and was glad to see no problems found - again. FYI, I still run Spybot 1.6.2. I had some bad luck with the early version 2 and have simply stayed away from it and later updates to other version 2 releases. You can still get Spybot 1.6.2 at filehippo.com, a reliable, up-to-date and trustworthy site. I no longer recommend download.com, which I always did. It has gotten too commercial for me. Too many people have downloaded - inadvertently - fee-based products there.
After running Spybot I installed the HOSTS file.
These are just 2 pieces in the pie of my recommended security baseline suite. Revisit the baseline here: PC Doc's Security Baseline Suite.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", Benjamin Franklin.
My usual routine, and today was no exception, is to start SPYBOT, update it, immunize, and run a full scan. I just did that, and was glad to see no problems found - again. FYI, I still run Spybot 1.6.2. I had some bad luck with the early version 2 and have simply stayed away from it and later updates to other version 2 releases. You can still get Spybot 1.6.2 at filehippo.com, a reliable, up-to-date and trustworthy site. I no longer recommend download.com, which I always did. It has gotten too commercial for me. Too many people have downloaded - inadvertently - fee-based products there.
After running Spybot I installed the HOSTS file.
These are just 2 pieces in the pie of my recommended security baseline suite. Revisit the baseline here: PC Doc's Security Baseline Suite.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", Benjamin Franklin.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
US government advises computer users to disable Java software
Readers: I do not intend to do that, but am posting as an item of interest.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is advising people to temporarily disable the Java software on their computers to avoid potential hacking attacks.
The recommendation came in an advisory issued late Thursday, following up on concerns raised by computer security experts.
Experts believe hackers have found a flaw in Java's coding that creates an opening for criminal activity and other high-tech mischief.
Java is a widely used technical language that allows computer programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs that can run on just about any computer's operating system.
Oracle Corp. bought Java as part of a $7.3 billion acquisition of the software's creator, Sun Microsystems, in 2010.
Oracle, which is based in Redwood Shores, Calif., had no immediate comment late Friday.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is advising people to temporarily disable the Java software on their computers to avoid potential hacking attacks.
The recommendation came in an advisory issued late Thursday, following up on concerns raised by computer security experts.
Experts believe hackers have found a flaw in Java's coding that creates an opening for criminal activity and other high-tech mischief.
Java is a widely used technical language that allows computer programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs that can run on just about any computer's operating system.
Oracle Corp. bought Java as part of a $7.3 billion acquisition of the software's creator, Sun Microsystems, in 2010.
Oracle, which is based in Redwood Shores, Calif., had no immediate comment late Friday.
US government advises computer users to disable Java software
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Outmaneuvered at Their Own Game, Antivirus Makers Struggle to Adapt
From the New York Times 1/1/2013
By NICOLE PERLROTH
"The antivirus industry has a dirty little secret: its products are often not very good at stopping viruses.
Consumers and businesses spend billions of dollars a year on antivirus software, but these programs rarely block freshly minted strains, because the malware creators move too fast."
Read the article here: Outmaneuvered at Their Own Game, Antivirus Makers Struggle to Adapt
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Even a lower price now!
FYI, I have nothing to gain should you buy this product. I will just say that I use it on my 3 machines and wouldn't be without it. It is a very valuable tuning tool.
You can buy it here if you are interested: https://shop.tune-up.com/26/purl-2013u?coupon=6YF-HUX-EVX&usepricescale=false&language=en¤cy=USD&x-source-name=nl_165aa_o_en-us&x-source-referral=nl_o_en-us&tracking=UA-en-US,EN-US400014566,&utm_campaign=tuu2013&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl165aa&utm_content=old-buyer&x-rest=
You can buy it here if you are interested: https://shop.tune-up.com/26/purl-2013u?coupon=6YF-HUX-EVX&usepricescale=false&language=en¤cy=USD&x-source-name=nl_165aa_o_en-us&x-source-referral=nl_o_en-us&tracking=UA-en-US,EN-US400014566,&utm_campaign=tuu2013&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl165aa&utm_content=old-buyer&x-rest=
Friday, December 14, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
A very, very sad day for humankind.
RIP innocents, and may your families, somehow, find some strength to get them through to tomorrow.
RIP innocents, and may your families, somehow, find some strength to get them through to tomorrow.
U.S. banks warned of cyberattack on accounts
Ain't this just grand? What a wonderful state of affairs. Perhaps totally unrelated, very annoying nonetheless, my bank doesn't even allow special characters in account passwords. As I say, perhaps unrelated to the topic at hand, PLEASE do use the most complex password for your important accounts, like your bank and credit card accounts. Use a mixture of lower and upper case letters, numbers, AND special characters, and do it now.
Also, check your own security suite. If you are not well-protected, go ahead and review my recommendations, and whatever else you do, before running any anti-malware tool be sure it is updated to include all known malware. My recommendations can be found here: Security Baseline Revisited
So here's the subject story:
"The U.S. financial services industry has issued a warning that a Russian cyber-gangster is preparing to rob American banks and their customers of millions of dollars.
In addition, the computer security firm McAfee has reported that the cyber-criminal, who calls himself “Thief-in-Law,” already has infected the hundreds of computers of unwitting American customers in preparation to steal their bank account data."
Also, check your own security suite. If you are not well-protected, go ahead and review my recommendations, and whatever else you do, before running any anti-malware tool be sure it is updated to include all known malware. My recommendations can be found here: Security Baseline Revisited
So here's the subject story:
"The U.S. financial services industry has issued a warning that a Russian cyber-gangster is preparing to rob American banks and their customers of millions of dollars.
In addition, the computer security firm McAfee has reported that the cyber-criminal, who calls himself “Thief-in-Law,” already has infected the hundreds of computers of unwitting American customers in preparation to steal their bank account data."
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