Newsbytes - February, 2004

In this issue the following topics are addressed: ~~~ February 4, 2004 General Meeting ~~~ In the News ~~~ Worm and Virus Update ~~~ The News From Pasadena ~~~ Selected Software ~~~ Closing Humor And now for the details ~~~ February 4, 2004 General Meeting The next General Meeting is now scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the West Charleston Library. The meeting will follow the usual outline, beginning with a round table discussion and Q's and A's with meeting participants. The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a short break at about 7:00 p.m. followed by our main Program. This month, Adobe presenter Mike Descher will present the graphics capabilities of Adobe Products include Photoshop, Illustrator and the new product In-Design. Adobe has been a leading innovator in the area of computer based graphics products since the beginning of the personal computer era. ~~~ In the News MyDoom – What Else? If you haven’t yet encountered a message with some variation of the MyDoom virus attached, consider yourself extremely lucky. So far, over the last 3 days I have seen a minimum of 10 messages per day with the virus attached in my in-box. Further, some of them have come through the newsbytes@lvcpug.org e-mail account, which leads me to believe that one or more LVPCUG members may be infected. Fortunately the virus is trapped by all of the antivirus detectors so staying clean of the virus only requires a current signature file to update your virus detection software. For those who may have missed the early warning messages sent out through NewsBytes they will be repeated here. On Tuesday January 27, the following item was sent MyDoom E-Mail Worm Spreading Quickly A fast-moving Windows worm known as MyDoom on Monday began spreading at a furious rate on the Internet. Two other worms, Mimail.Q and Dumaru.Y, also gained traction on the Web over the last couple of days. http://snipurl.com/mydoom And the following day, Wednesday, the following was sent out How to detect and remove MyDoom from your system. Hint; keep your virus detection signatures current. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1464165,00.asp Free Computer info: There is a collection of PowerPoint presentations posted by the author, Patrick Crispen, from presentations he had made to various groups. I found the one on Google to be very informative. Thanks to Al Jackson for passing this one along. http://www.netsquirrel.com/classroom/ These are large Zipped files, but worth the time. After downloading and unzipping, you will need a PowerPoint viewer if you don't have it. It's available at the following Microsoft site: http://snipurl.com/2m2w From PC World MP3 PLAYERS ADD STORAGE, SHRINK SIZE Creative, Rio, Sony, and others offer portable players that let you listen longer. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114268,tk,dn011304X,00.asp IBM ISSUES A LINUX CHALLENGE All employees should have an open-source desktop within two years, memo says. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114217,tk,dn010904X,00.asp Google Adds Travel Tools Site also offers a new search by number feature. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114290,tk,dnWknd,00.asp From eWeek Microsoft Bows to Pressure, Extends Support for Older Windows Versions Microsoft today capitulated to customer pressure and announced it will continue extended support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Millennium Edition until June 30, 2006. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1434318,00.asp From w2kNews Microsoft Updates Baseline Security Tool Redmond has released a new version of its Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer software. Although version 1.2 of MBSA is free, the security tool's usefulness is limited, according to some Windows experts. MBSA Version 1.2 includes a graphical and command line interface that can perform local or remote scans of Windows systems. MBSA will scan for common system misconfigurations in the following products: Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, (IIS), SQL Server, IE, and Office. MBSA 1.2 will also scan for missing security updates for the following products: NT 4.0, W2K, XP, 2K03, IIS 6.0, SQL Server, IE, ExchangeServer , and 2003, Windows Media Player, (MDAC), MSXML, Microsoft Virtual Machine, Commerce Server, Content Management Server, BizTalk Server, Host Integration Server, and Office. Article at SearchWin2000: http://www.w2knews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=0126TB-MS_Updates MBSA 1.2 runs on W2K, XP and Server 2K03 and can scan those platforms plus NT 4.0. MBSA will not scan Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me. The download file, the FAQ and other resources are available here: http://www.w2knews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=0126TB-MBSA ~~~ Worm and Virus Update From eWeek Bagle-Type Worm Threats on the Rise? Experts fear the worm is the first of more-sophisticated attacks on the horizon, with many claiming, like the SoBig worms, it is the work of an organized group of criminals. http://snipurl.com/bagleworm From PC World HACKERS JUMP ON MYDOOM'S COATTAILS Experts warn that Mydoom-infected PCs leave back doors open to further attack. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114504,tk,dn012904X,00.asp NEW SCAM TARGETS CITIBANK CUSTOMERS Scammers use some clever tricks, but need to work on their spelling. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114286,tk,dn011304X,00.asp SCAM TARGETS WORLDNET CUSTOMERS AT&T warns of e-mail 'phishing' fraud that points to spoofed site. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114307,tk,dn011404X,00.asp IS THE CAN-SPAM LAW WORKING? Only a small percentage of unsolicited e-mail complies with the new law, studies show. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114287,tk,dn011304X,00.asp SPAM SLAYER: WHY SPAMMERS LOVE THE CAN-SPAM LAW Antispam laws make some spamming legal and do little to quell the onslaught. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114363,tk,dn011904X,00.asp AMD CHIPS GUARD AGAINST TROJAN HORSES Opteron, Athlon 64 add technology to protect PCs from security breaches from buffer overflow. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114328,tk,dn011504X,00.asp NEW E-MAIL WORM SPREADS W32.Beagle uses unsophisticated methods, but could still pose a threat. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114370,tk,dn012004X,00.asp HELP! I'VE BEEN WEB-JACKED Spyware is becoming more common, and getting harder to fight. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114440,tk,dn012604X,00.asp FDIC WARNS OF E-MAIL SCAM Fraudulent message seeks bank account information. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114441,tk,dn012604X,00.asp ~~~ The News From Pasadena A browser download is being inserted here first since Steve Bass’ comments focus on his use of the product MyIE2 The MyIE2 browser uses a tabbed interface so you can hop from page to page from the same window. You can cascade or tile them in the window. Enable the Mouse Gesture feature to cut back on clicking and using the Tab key. Super Drag&Drop opens pages by dragging-and-dropping a link, or runs searches when you drag-and-drop highlighted text into the built-in search engine. Keep useful items such as Web services, Favorites, the Google Toolbar, and even external programs handy by putting them in the MyIE2 toolbar. Privacy concerns become less worrisome with the combined browser/history/address/cookie-clearing function. Ad Hunter can be used as either a pop-up blocker, a filter list, or a white list. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23120,tk,hsx,00.asp Now for Steve’s words. I know, you haven't seen much from me for a while. It's been a busy two weeks what with CES, co-hosting KABC, doing TechTV, and arranging the upcoming final PIBMUG meeting. MyIE2 =================I'm hooked on MYIE2, though I don't think myie2's built-in ad or pop-up stopper is as good as the ones I used in IE. I'm also struggling to adjust to new tabs opening each time I open a new link. The must be a way to change that but haven't had the time to figure out how. One thing I quickly didn't like-and just as quickly modified--was the Favorites Bar. Myie2 showed all my favorites and I wanted it to show only Links--like I had it in IE. It's an easy fix: MyIE2 Options -- Favorites -- click Browse (at bottom of screen) and change the Favorite Bar Root Folder field to point to Links. BTW, I sent the wrong link for MYIE2 the other day (it went to their BBS) and the majority of you figured out that clicking the MYIE2 icon (www.myie2.com ) got you to the home page. Online Scams ===============I'm getting hit by them and so are you--authentic messages asking for you to confirm your AOL, Citibank, Earthlink <fill in your favorite service here> password or credit card. They're fake and the ONLY way I'll do anything with ANY service provider is if I manually type the URL into my browser's field and go directly to the site. Let me say that another way: I do NOT click on ANY links in e-mail from ANY service provider if they ask me to verify anything. The Bass rule? Be paranoid... ~~~ Selected Software From PC World IZArc IZArc will help you archive large amounts of data. This archiving program lets you drag and drop files from and to Windows Explorer, and create disks spanning multiple archives. You can write and view comments. Supported formats include 7-ZIP, ACE, ARC, ARJ, BH, BZ2, CAB, DEB, GZ,HA, JAR, LHA, LZH, PAK, PK3, RAR, RPM, TAR, TGZ, TZ, ZIP and ZOO. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23111,tk,hsx,00.asp Restoration Restoration can rescue your accidentally deleted files and permanently delete the files you want gone. It can live on a floppy, so it leaves no trace of its activities. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23108,tk,hsx,00.asp ICQ This latest, full version of the popular chat tool lets you send files, play games, and surf the Web with friends. The program detects and supports a variety of firewalls, so you can stay protected without worrying about interfering with your connection. ICQ also gives you a record of every communication event sent or received. This program features ICQphone, which lets you make PC-to-PC or PC-to-phone calls. Other useful features include a quick-launch bar, ICQMail, and Web search. Features new to this version include Add and Find Users buttons, People Search by keywords or free text, ICQ Email signatures, and improved spam protection. Configurable Alert sounds make a comeback in this version. You can also pick and choose the features that you want, and the Contact List is now saved on ICQ's servers, making it available from whatever computer you're using. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,5255,tk,hsx,00.asp DivX Video for Windows Watch movies that have been compressed using DivX, and create your own DivX files from DVDs or other digital video files saved on your PC. DivX uses MPEG-4 format, which allows videos to be compressed to about 15 percent of the size of a standard DVD. This lets you fit your videos on a Zip disk, burn them on a CD, upload them to a file sharing network, or play them over the Web. Because of MPEG-4's ability to compress video so powerfully, some call it "the MP3 of the video world." This latest release features a DivX Player. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7978,tk,hsx,00.asp Pop-Up Stopper Pop-Up Stopper prevents pop-up and pop-under windows from displaying. You can have sounds notify you when a pop-up has been blocked. The program also allows you to briefly disable the blocking by double-clicking the system tray icon or by pressing Shift or Ctrl when following a new link. This version features a new ad-blocking technology, an improved interface, and more sound and visual options to play when an ad is blocked. Free http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,8060,tk,hsx,00.asp From LockerGnome Icon Restore Win9x/2K/XP FREE http://users.rcn.com/taylotr/icon_restore.html I always knew when tech support messed with my computer. The desktop icons would be out of place. Being the neat freak I am, I notice the slightest things. It's a curse because with three kids, the house gets messy and it makes me crazy. Too bad I can't click House Restore like Icon Restore to get everything back in place! Right-click on a system icon (Recycle Bin, My Computer, Network Places, etc.) and select Save Desktop Icon Layout. According to the site, WinXP users may have to click on Recycle Bin to make it work, but I was able to get it to work on all system icons. I moved a few icons around and then right-clicked on Recycle Bin > Restore Desktop Icon Layout, and everyone marched back to their regular spot. Thank you, icons! Now, if only the kids were as cooperative. GMIP Get My IP Address v1.0 Win98/2k/XP FREE http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=7489 GMIP is a useful tool for people that need to access their PC from a remote location, but have a dynamic (frequently changing) IP address. It will e-mail your IP Address to you whenever it changes, or can even message you on IRC. In addition, it offers access to your IP address via the author's Web site. GMIP can optionally log all IP changes, and displays the LAN IP as well as WAN (external) IP address, even if you are behind a router. The program sends e-mail via an external SMTP server, and does not support custom SMTP configuration. All-in-One Secretmaker v3.7.8 Win98/2k/XP FREE http://www.secretmaker.com Most of us have multiple programs for fighting spam, stopping pop ups, clearing cookies, erasing trackers, and catching worms. All-in-One Secretmaker has seven tools built-in to accomplish all of these tasks. There is another tool you can download to stop messenger spam. See the download page for known problems. Meet the masked man who will be your crusader against all the e-meanies. I have a spam program I use and Secretmaker caught most of the same things my spam program caught. The help file is well done and steps you through the process. The spam filter works with Mozilla mail without any set up though it doesn't include instructions on how to specifically set up the filters, although it's possible to follow the instructions for the other mail clients (Outlook, The Bat!, and Eudora) and apply them to yours if you're comfortable. I checked and double-checked - no ads, spyware, or any of that. The masked man walks the talk. AirSnare v0.6.7 Win9x/2k/XP FREE http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4091.html AirSnare will alert you to unfriendly MAC addresses on your network as well as to DHCP requests. If AirSnare detects an unfriendly MAC address, you have the option of tracking its access to IP addresses and ports or of launching Ethereally. File Sharing Sentinel v1.0 Win98/2k/XP FREE http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=7536 File Sharing Sentinel is designed to prevent the installation of popular file sharing clients such as Kazaa, Morpheus, Bearshare, and others. It works by intercepting the installer and canceling the installation as soon as it starts. We tested it with all 3 applications mentioned above and were not able to install either of them while File Sharing Sentinel was running. The program runs in a hidden mode as an icon in the system tray and is password protected AutoPatcher v4.2.29 Win2k/XP FREE http://www.autopatcher.com Instead of going to Windows update and updating patches and updates, AutoPatcher does it in one shot. Before running this program, you'll need Service Pack 1 (SP1), which you can get from Microsoft. The program comes with 182 updates, upgrades, and bonus features (like the PowerToys). When starting it, you'll have the option to select which features to install. Yes, the WinXP version is 202 megs. I had trouble downloading even from the sites that were up. I tried again later and had no problems, so you may have to do the same. After rebooting, I've yet to find a problem with my system. It took a while to run, but my system isn't a little thing. The people behind the patcher release a new version on a monthly basis. ~~~ Closing Humor Mom’s the word. Enjoy the answers given by elementary school age children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers? 1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. To help us out of there when we were getting born. How did God make mothers? 1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. 2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring. 3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts. What ingredients are mothers made of? 1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. 2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string. I think. Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? 1. We're related. 2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me. What kind of little girl was your mom? 1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff. 2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3. They say she used to be nice. What did mom need to know about dad before she married him? 1. His last name. 2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores. Why did your mom marry your dad? 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot. 2. She got too old to do anything else with him. 3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on. Who's the boss at your house? 1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goofball. 2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed. 3. I guess Mom is, but only because she! has a lot more to do than dad. What's the difference between moms and dads? 1. Moms work at work and work at home, and dads just got to work at work. 2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. 3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's. What does your mom do in her spare time? 1. Mothers don't do spare time. 2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long. What would it take to make your mom perfect? 1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. 2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue. If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be? 1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that. 2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me See you soon! The information in this bulletin is compiled from a variety of public sources. Replies or comments should be sent to: newsbytes@lvpcug.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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