Recently in Windows Category
This is pretty cool. Rendezvous is a technology implemented by Apple in iChat. It basically allows for things like real-time chat (instant messaging) without having to connect to an actual server / service. It works over a LAN. Seems that Apple will be releasing this for Linux, UNIX, and Windows. That'll make intraoffice communications a little more interesting.
I've said for a long time that, no matter how good the anti-virus, anti-trojan, and anti-spyware on a computer is, it is up to the user to use these tools properly and have a good head on their shoulders if they want to avoid getting infected with something. This article compares technology to the users and says that the users need to be more aware of what they're doing and what's going on in order to avoid being infected.
Nobody is saying that you don't need these scanners when you're on the internet; nobody would dare assert that a human alone is perfect. But there are prevention methods. Sometimes you get infected before the scanner updates to see the virus you've caught. Sometimes the virus hardly counts as one to anyone outside a specific community. So here are some rules of thumb for those of you running Windows.
- Always run a modern anti-virus scanner, such as PC-Cillin, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
- Always run a modern anti-trojan scanner, such as The Cleaner, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
- Always run a modern anti-spyware scanner, such as Ad-Aware, and keep it up to date daily. Scan regularly.
- Run your Windows Updates every week and install everything critical or security related.
- Never open attachments you're not expecting; some virii come masquerading as attachments from your friends. Remember, your friends might get infected before you. Be prepared.
- Never run commands or follow instructions if you don't know exactly what they do. Some hoaxes will suggest that you delete windows critical files by saying they are virii, or ask you to type a command to give yourself some special power over your computer. These will really cause damage to your computer. Beware.
While these are good tips, they are far from all of them. You should make sure to educate yourself when online. Be as internet smart as you would be street smart.
Microsoft has released a public beta of the Windows XP Service Pack 2. I'd rave about all the great features this adds, but the register does a good enough job of it here. I can honestly say that, even as someone who has consistently disliked Microsoft products, I think this is a huge step in the right direction for this company.
This is why we bug you, our loyal users, to update Windows regularly and frequently. This article talks about a new variation of the Bagle virus that uses a very old trick. Some time ago there was a Microsoft vulnerability that allowed people to embed code in the body of an e-mail message. This version of Bagle exploits that vulnerability. That means that if you've been good and kept up to date with your Windows updates, you're immune. If not, go run your updates. What are you still doing on my page? Go!