Archives - Columns & Newsletters
In this space, we've archived some of the columns we've written and newsletters we've sent to our clients and friends. Here are links to the articles, which are listed below in reverse chronological order:
- Windows Security (10/04)
- A priority maintenance update (10/04)
- Follow these instructions (10/04)
- Help for IBM system owners (9/04)
- Help for Dell system owners (9/04)
- Fighting SPAM (7/04)
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| Microsoft® has also advised that they will limit their continued security updates to the Windows XP® platform. That means that if you still use Windows 2000®, Windows ME®, Windows 98®, or Windows 95®, you will no longer receive the benefits of the ongoing operating system security enhancements. Not saying you have to replace your aging PC now, just be careful how you use the internet--it's becoming a dangerous place for your computer! (October 2004)
Chris Gardner, Positek.net |
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| Chances are, if you are using Windows 95, 98, or ME, your computer is at least 3 years old. Since Microsoft will no longer provide security enhancements, the likelihood increases that your computer will get toasted by viruses, hackers, or spyware sooner or later. When that happens, you can choose to fix it yourself (if you're handy), or just go buy a new computer. We don't recommend paying anyone else to fix it, because the cost of repair is nearly as high (or higher) than the cost of a new CPU. You can certainly re-use your computer monitor (unless you want to upgrade to a new, sleek LCD flat-panel display), so just replace the CPU. It'll likely come with a keyboard, mouse, and speakers. You certainly don't need the fastest computer out there, and you probably won't want the cheapest box, so expect to pay about $400-500 for a replacement CPU - that's with an Intel Celeron processor or better, 256mb RAM, at least 40gb of hard drive space, a CD burner, USB 2.0 ports, and the usual stuff including Windows XP (likely the Home version). Once you do get your new PC, take the time to set it up correctly. We recommend you follow our handy setup guide. | ||
This is a priority maintenance update from Positek.net (10/04):
- There is a new type of virus being released on the internet, that is carried by graphics or photograph files (jpeg), and which can be processed by your computer simply by viewing web pages or html- formatted email messages. This new virus completely bypasses current antivirus technology, so your system is at risk. Positek.net recommends you update your computer system and protection programs as appropriate for your system.
- Microsoft has released Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, which has potential problems and can make your system unusable. Take steps to protect your data before you update.
- Microsoft has decided to limit future security updates to the Windows XP operating system family. If you run an older OS (such as Windows 2000, ME, 98, 95), you will not be protected from the inherent security vulnerabilities of these older systems. Not that you have to immediately go out and buy a new computer, but you should be careful how you use these older systems, especially on the internet.
- All users of personal computers running Windows operating systems should develop a routine system update practice and use system protection programs, to keep their computer performing well. This routine system update practice should not take more than a couple of hours per month. If you access the internet via dial-up (telephone modem) this time will be much greater, however most of the extra time will be spent waiting for programs to download (so you can do something else while waiting).
More detail on how to deal with these alerts can be found below.
This message was sent October 2004 to clients and friends of Positek.net LLC. The message was sent to both organizations and individuals with advice that recipients in a business, company, non-profit, or other organization should ensure their system administrator or other staff members were aware of these issues, and to take appropriate action within their organization.
Everyone running Microsoft Windows and/or Microsoft Office should follow these instructions asap (10/04):
Microsoft Windows Update:
Windows Update redesign now has 2 types of update functions: "Express Install" or "Custom Install". If you have already upgraded your Windows XP installation to SP2, your system should be set for automatic update. If you have not upgraded to SP2 or are running an older version of Windows, you should run the Custom Install procedure or "scan for updates" (on older systems) and install any updates it finds. One update has a detector for 3rd party programs that handle jpeg files--follow its advice about updating those programs! Windows Update is found on the Tools menu of Internet Explorer.
If you have Windows XP (Home or Professional), there is a new Service Pack (SP2) available, and the Windows Update site has changed. WARNING: about 10% of all computers that try to install this update experience problems--some are so severe that the system becomes unusable. Back up your computer before you attempt this update! For folks with IBM computers, use the latest IBM Rapid Restore Ultra program). If you run the SP2 update and your computer becomes unusable, simply press the blue "Access IBM" button on your Thinkpad, or the F11 key on your Netvista when starting up the system to bring up the Rescue and Recovery utility, where you can restore your system to the latest backup. If you have another brand of computer, you can use the built-in System Restore (Windows ME, 2000, or XP), or purchase a 3rd party program, such as Dantz' Retrospect, available at www.dantz.com or your local computer retail outlet.
If you have Windows XP, you may wish to defer installing SP2 until there is more information about the installation problems and solutions, or when Microsoft issues a new release that resolves the problems. However, if at all possible, you should install SP2 asap to provide your system with the best protection against operating system vulnerabilities. If you defer installation of SP2, please practice safe computing (see item #6 in smart computing guidelines at www.positek.net/smartcomp.htm.
Microsoft Office Update:
You should install all updates to your MS Office programs asap. If you follow the 2nd bullet above, Windows Update will advise you to do this if it hasn't already been done. Go to Office Update at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate/default.aspx and install everything it offers. You will need your original Office installation CD (or a copy) in your CD drive to complete the update process. ________________________________
In addition, everyone should make sure their computer system protections are completely up-to-date. Here is a list of Positek.net's recommended system protection programs and the current versions that you should have on your computer (open the program and check the program version, usually under Help|About). Always use the most current version of each protection program that is available.
Norton Antivirus 2004 or 2005 (do not renew your subscription online when it expires, buy the latest version from Staples, Office Depot, CompUSA, etc.). Never use a version older than 1 year. (also available online at www.symantec.com)
Zone Alarm Pro or Basic, version 51.033.000 (the program will advise you) (available from www.zonelabs.com)
Pest Patrol, version 4.4.324 (available from www.zonelabs.com or www.pestpatrol.com)
Spybot Search & Destroy, version 1.3 (available from www.safer-networking.org - free)
Ad-Aware SE Personal, version 1.05 (available from www.lavasoftusa.com - free)
If you have a computer network (home or office) that has a broadband connection to the internet, you should have a hardware firewall/router in place between your dsl/cable/T1 connection and your internal network.
Your organization may have specified different protection programs, and the list above is not meant to refute your organization's procedures. However, it is Positek.net's recommendation that every PC on this planet have active, up-to-date, and complete protection from viruses, hackers, and spyware/adware/malware.
If you are currently dealing with a system that seems slower than normal, or does not operate as it used to, your system may be compromised. Install and run the above protection programs and your system may return to its former self (or something like it!).
For Positek.net clients and friends with IBM Thinkpads and Netvista computers, these are some of the common programs that help you keep your system up-to-date (9/04):
Access IBM Message Center current version is: 2.101 2.
IBM Update Connector current version is: 6.1 3.
IBM Rapid Restore Ultra current version is: 4.0 (from the IBM(R) Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore(TM) for Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP version 1.00.0033)
Updates for your IBM Thinkpad or Netvista PC can be obtained by:
running the IBM Update Connector
following directions in the IBM Message Center
going to the IBM support website for your computer, finding, downloading and installing the appropriate programs for your computer. The website is at: www.ibm.com/support/us/ with a link to the Drivers and Downloads page which has an auto-detect program you can run that will identify your system to the support website.
You should periodically check the IBM support website to make sure you get all the latest drivers, firmware updates, BIOS updates, and any other program updates for your system. This is especially important before you attempt to update Windows XP to SP2.
To deal with problems with your IBM system, IBM Technical Support can be reached at (800) 426-7378 (have your system model and serial number available, which you can see in the System Information utility under Start|All Programs|Accessories|System Tools.
For Positek.net clients and friends with Dell notebook and desktop PCs (9/04)
You should visit http://support.dell.com <http://support.dell.com and obtain system and software updates for your Dell product. Be sure to have your Dell Service Tag number so the support system can advise you of updates particular to your system.
To deal with problems with your Dell system Dell technical support can be reached at (800) 822-8965. You will need your Express Service Code, usually found under Start|All Programs|Dell Accessories.
Fighting SPAM (7/04):
Protect yourself from unsolicited email by following these rules. Don't open strange-looking emails--fight your "curious" impulse. Don't ever respond to SPAM--ever! If you use Outlook, import or use this junk.txt, which is a list of junk senders. Keep your primary email address private from everyone but folks from who you definitely want email from--get a free online email account address and use it anytime a website or commercial vendor, etc. wants an email address. Don't post your primary email address on any website, news group, or other online place. If you use a junk mail folder (and you should), don't open any emails in it, just check the list for 'false positives' every once in a while and delete the rest.
We get upwards of 800 junk mail messages daily (we're on every spammer's list). Using the filter file above and the built-in anti-spam capabilities of Microsoft's Outlook 2003, all but a few are automatically sent to the junk mail folder. Once a week or so, a message makes it into the junk mail folder that isn't spam, and this is easily manageable by using the 'safe senders' list to keep Outlook from filtering your contacts, etc. This is much easier and less expensive than any 3rd party anti-spam programs we've reviewed, which do no better of a job (and usually much worse) at fighting spam.