With the public availability of Windows 7 approaching, I thought it might be a good time to give my thoughts on it (at least so far).
First off, I've never been one to jump into a new operating system as soon as it has been released. Going back to Windows 98, I can remember using it even after Windows 2000 had come into use. Once moving to Windows 2000 (after SP2), I found it to be a very stable operating system and was reluctant to move to Windows XP. After SP2 was released for Windows XP, I found it to be very stable and was then very reluctant to move to Windows Vista when it finally came out. While that opinion hasn't changed, I have found that Windows 7 is a much leaner and much more useable version of Windows than its predicessor. I'm quite happy to just skip right over Vista and move to Windows 7.
After downloading the Release To Manufacture (RTM) version I decided to install it on a few systems at work to see how it worked. After having no problems, I decided to take the plunge and install it on my new HP Laptop. So far I have not been disappointed.
With the retail version hitting the stores in less than a week, my recommendarion is to go for it. I'm actually impressed with this new release (which in my opinion is more like Vista 2.0 on a diet).
If you have any misgivings about it, put them to rest. Windows 7 is highly useable and seems to run much better than its immediate predecessor.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
To Toolbar or Not
Well, it's been a while since my last entry, but the world of IT in a public school system is ALWAYS busy at the beginning of a school year. This year has been no exception.
A number of topics have presented themselves since my last post, but this one seems to be a pet peeve of mine.
Toolbars. Google, MSN and Yahoo, just to name a few of the big ones.
They can be quite useful at times but at what price? While their usefulness includes searches at your fingertips, quick access to videos, news and almost everything conceivable, their price comes at the expense of system resources (aka, slow computer, sluggish Internet access, system instability) at the very least.
If you feel that you need a toolbar available for instant whatever, then by all means, install one. ONE. More than that and that slow computer I talked about could be yours. So why do I constantly see computers with 2, 3 or more toolbars installed?
The answer is browser helpers/add-ons.
Many times, the browser helpers that we install come with an added package. Included with the helper is usually some kind of toolbar. Unfortunately, the recommended action (recommended by the company you are downloading the helper from) is to install the toolbar. Some times, the extra package isn't even noticed because the recommended installation is an express configuration, which installs the toolbar without even asking.
OK. What is my point?
Toolbars can be helpful, if you actually WANT them installed. What can you or should you do? Always avoid the recommended action unless you are TOTALLY sure of what it is going to do. Do a custom installation, and watch for those little unwanted toolbars piggy-backing along.
So, the next time you want to install Flash, Shockwave, Java or some other browser helper, make sure to pay close attention to what you are actually installing. That slow computer is just lurking around the corner. Uninstall them and you'll really see my point.
A number of topics have presented themselves since my last post, but this one seems to be a pet peeve of mine.
Toolbars. Google, MSN and Yahoo, just to name a few of the big ones.
They can be quite useful at times but at what price? While their usefulness includes searches at your fingertips, quick access to videos, news and almost everything conceivable, their price comes at the expense of system resources (aka, slow computer, sluggish Internet access, system instability) at the very least.
If you feel that you need a toolbar available for instant whatever, then by all means, install one. ONE. More than that and that slow computer I talked about could be yours. So why do I constantly see computers with 2, 3 or more toolbars installed?
The answer is browser helpers/add-ons.
Many times, the browser helpers that we install come with an added package. Included with the helper is usually some kind of toolbar. Unfortunately, the recommended action (recommended by the company you are downloading the helper from) is to install the toolbar. Some times, the extra package isn't even noticed because the recommended installation is an express configuration, which installs the toolbar without even asking.
OK. What is my point?
Toolbars can be helpful, if you actually WANT them installed. What can you or should you do? Always avoid the recommended action unless you are TOTALLY sure of what it is going to do. Do a custom installation, and watch for those little unwanted toolbars piggy-backing along.
So, the next time you want to install Flash, Shockwave, Java or some other browser helper, make sure to pay close attention to what you are actually installing. That slow computer is just lurking around the corner. Uninstall them and you'll really see my point.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
An Apple a Day Keeps the PC Doctor Away
I'm sure some of you have experienced a sick computer; sick with some kind of infection. For those that haven't, consider yourselves lucky (or excessively cautious). Even I've gotten burned with a virus from time to time, not because of carelessness, but because of a new, undetected virus.
Keeping your computer safe from viruses (or more properly, virii), can be almost as simple as today's blog title, the apple being a daily update of your anti-virus amd/or anti-malware software. Most of these programs update themselves automatically and with the growing number of broadband connections at home, update without our even knowing it. But are they updating? How do you know? Does it tell you? Do you check?
Maybe you figure that your computer came with anti-virus software when it was new, so you're safe. Right? Or are you? Most new computers come with 90-day free trials of AV software. You are really lucky if you get a year of free updates. Maybe you feel that since you bought the latest version several years ago, you should be safe. Unfortunately, if you believe one of these statements above, your computer is probably either in danger of being infected very soon or already is. It is surprising how many users think that because they purchased software several years ago, they should be safe and up-to-date. Most anti-virus software comes with only one year of updates. After that, you will either need to renew your subscription or purchase a new version.
So, if your software doesn't give you an audible message, then it is probably a good idea to check every now and then to see that it is actually being updated. I have seen some that do and others that don't. Play it safe and check. Keep your computer safe and clean. A little dose of updates will go a long way to keep your computer running smoothly.
Comments welcome.
Keeping your computer safe from viruses (or more properly, virii), can be almost as simple as today's blog title, the apple being a daily update of your anti-virus amd/or anti-malware software. Most of these programs update themselves automatically and with the growing number of broadband connections at home, update without our even knowing it. But are they updating? How do you know? Does it tell you? Do you check?
Maybe you figure that your computer came with anti-virus software when it was new, so you're safe. Right? Or are you? Most new computers come with 90-day free trials of AV software. You are really lucky if you get a year of free updates. Maybe you feel that since you bought the latest version several years ago, you should be safe. Unfortunately, if you believe one of these statements above, your computer is probably either in danger of being infected very soon or already is. It is surprising how many users think that because they purchased software several years ago, they should be safe and up-to-date. Most anti-virus software comes with only one year of updates. After that, you will either need to renew your subscription or purchase a new version.
So, if your software doesn't give you an audible message, then it is probably a good idea to check every now and then to see that it is actually being updated. I have seen some that do and others that don't. Play it safe and check. Keep your computer safe and clean. A little dose of updates will go a long way to keep your computer running smoothly.
Comments welcome.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
One Phish, Two Phish, Three Phish, Blue Phish
Well, today finds me a little more rested from my 31 hour ordeal at work after wrestling with our mail sever. So I guess, this should be the last email centered post for now.
Phishing (pronounced like fishing) has become more common in recent years. I'm sure many of you have received a phishing email but just didn't realize what to call it.
If you've received an email from eBay, PayPal or a bank (yours or not) telling you that you needed to log in and re-verify your username and password or to apply some new security feature (with dire consequences if you didn't), then you've received a phishing email. These emails are doing just that; fishing for information.
Phishing is an attempt to steal your information (username, password) and possibly even your money. I personally know some people who were tricked this way when the emails first started appearing. Most of the original phishing emails were directed at PayPal and eBay. But, once the thieves saw that they could trick people into giving away their information so easily, they quickly turned to banks.
What can you do?
Two things.
First, NEVER follow the link in a Phishing email, even if you just want to go to the site and enter some bogus info to show that you're not falling for their trick. Some of these fake websites have been reported to also have spyware payloads automatically install (which can capture what you are typing on your keyboard), allowing the thieves to steal your information even though you didn't willingly give it to them.
Second, forward the email to the real company that the thieves are pretending to be representing. For instance, a PayPal phishing email should be forwarded to spoof@paypal.com. eBay also uses a spoof account for collecting these fraudulent emails. Some banks have their own address, but when I can't find one, I usually just forward it to abuse@thebanksname.com which gets it there.
By reporting the frauds, you are keeping other innocent users from falling into the thieves' trap. The sooner the legitimate company knows about the scam, the sooner they can start working on getting the web site shut down.
Following these simple rules with phising emails can help keep your information and money (as well as everyone elese's) safe.
Feel free to comment.
Phishing (pronounced like fishing) has become more common in recent years. I'm sure many of you have received a phishing email but just didn't realize what to call it.
If you've received an email from eBay, PayPal or a bank (yours or not) telling you that you needed to log in and re-verify your username and password or to apply some new security feature (with dire consequences if you didn't), then you've received a phishing email. These emails are doing just that; fishing for information.
Phishing is an attempt to steal your information (username, password) and possibly even your money. I personally know some people who were tricked this way when the emails first started appearing. Most of the original phishing emails were directed at PayPal and eBay. But, once the thieves saw that they could trick people into giving away their information so easily, they quickly turned to banks.
What can you do?
Two things.
First, NEVER follow the link in a Phishing email, even if you just want to go to the site and enter some bogus info to show that you're not falling for their trick. Some of these fake websites have been reported to also have spyware payloads automatically install (which can capture what you are typing on your keyboard), allowing the thieves to steal your information even though you didn't willingly give it to them.
Second, forward the email to the real company that the thieves are pretending to be representing. For instance, a PayPal phishing email should be forwarded to spoof@paypal.com. eBay also uses a spoof account for collecting these fraudulent emails. Some banks have their own address, but when I can't find one, I usually just forward it to abuse@thebanksname
By reporting the frauds, you are keeping other innocent users from falling into the thieves' trap. The sooner the legitimate company knows about the scam, the sooner they can start working on getting the web site shut down.
Following these simple rules with phising emails can help keep your information and money (as well as everyone elese's) safe.
Feel free to comment.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Would You Like Some Spam With That Email?
I've missed several days here since they've been spent at work (with our IT staff of 2, which includes me) transitioning from an old (and really slow) mail server to a new one with the latest and greatest mail software from Microsoft. While the "greatest" part is open for debate, it is the latest (2007) version of their Microsoft Exchange system.
Anyway, since I've spent the last several days around email, I might as well center this post around that subject too.
One of the biggest annoyances with email has to be spam. Everyone has gotten it at one time or another, but how do you avoid getting it altogether (or at least minimize it)?
First, be careful where you use your email address. Using it for public posting on blogs, web pages; using it for signing up for mailing lists or daily emails can really be the first step in being targeted for spam. The more people that see or have access to your email address, the more likely it will be picked up either by a spammer or some automated program (referred to as a bot) that will find it and add it to a list for spammers to use.
Second, be careful when you are signing up with a company (either for informational emails from them or when registering because you are buying something online). The majority of these companies allow you to select something like "Allow our 3rd party partners to contact you" or "Receive emails from related companies or for related services." Once you tell them yes, you have just allowed that company to provide other companies your email address. If that means selling a list, with your address on it, to another company (related or not), that's what they will do. I NEVER allow 3rd party companies to contact me. Sometimes I don't even allow the company I'm registering with to contact me.
Third, if you do receive spam NEVER, EVER, EVER reply to the email asking to be removed from the list even if they provide you a convenient link to do so. All you will be doing is telling the spammer, "Yes, I'm a real person and this is a valid email address, so please send me a lot more spam!" In fact, your email address has become a somewhat valuable commodity now that it has been confirmed as a valid address and that you actually OPEN spam to read it.
Fourth, don't ever buy from a spam email, even if it's something you like. Try to find it from a legitimate company (even if it costs you more). Whenever you buy something from a spam email, the web address (aka, the URL) is designed in such a way to tell the company that you found them through the spam email that they sent. You have just proved to them that it pays to send spam. If they don't make money from sending spam, they will stop using it for advertising. It's basically the reason that Super Bowl commercials cost so much. Millions of people will be watching it and the advertisers have a captive audience of sorts. If spammers don't ever get any business from their spam emails, they will change how they advertise (giving you less spam in your inbox).
Following these four simple rules might not keep you from ever receiving any spam, but it will greatly minimize the amount that you will see in your inbox.
As always, comments are welcome.
Anyway, since I've spent the last several days around email, I might as well center this post around that subject too.
One of the biggest annoyances with email has to be spam. Everyone has gotten it at one time or another, but how do you avoid getting it altogether (or at least minimize it)?
First, be careful where you use your email address. Using it for public posting on blogs, web pages; using it for signing up for mailing lists or daily emails can really be the first step in being targeted for spam. The more people that see or have access to your email address, the more likely it will be picked up either by a spammer or some automated program (referred to as a bot) that will find it and add it to a list for spammers to use.
Second, be careful when you are signing up with a company (either for informational emails from them or when registering because you are buying something online). The majority of these companies allow you to select something like "Allow our 3rd party partners to contact you" or "Receive emails from related companies or for related services." Once you tell them yes, you have just allowed that company to provide other companies your email address. If that means selling a list, with your address on it, to another company (related or not), that's what they will do. I NEVER allow 3rd party companies to contact me. Sometimes I don't even allow the company I'm registering with to contact me.
Third, if you do receive spam NEVER, EVER, EVER reply to the email asking to be removed from the list even if they provide you a convenient link to do so. All you will be doing is telling the spammer, "Yes, I'm a real person and this is a valid email address, so please send me a lot more spam!" In fact, your email address has become a somewhat valuable commodity now that it has been confirmed as a valid address and that you actually OPEN spam to read it.
Fourth, don't ever buy from a spam email, even if it's something you like. Try to find it from a legitimate company (even if it costs you more). Whenever you buy something from a spam email, the web address (aka, the URL) is designed in such a way to tell the company that you found them through the spam email that they sent. You have just proved to them that it pays to send spam. If they don't make money from sending spam, they will stop using it for advertising. It's basically the reason that Super Bowl commercials cost so much. Millions of people will be watching it and the advertisers have a captive audience of sorts. If spammers don't ever get any business from their spam emails, they will change how they advertise (giving you less spam in your inbox).
Following these four simple rules might not keep you from ever receiving any spam, but it will greatly minimize the amount that you will see in your inbox.
As always, comments are welcome.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Updates Faking You Out??
Lately, I have seen a lot of emails (supposedly from Microsoft) about an update for Outlook/Outlook Express. I sometimes receive as many as 4 or 5 of them a day.
OK, here's the straight answer. They are fake, plain and simple. Microsoft will NEVER email you about an update. So do the only thing you can. Delete the email.
Will it hurt to read the email or open it? Probably not. Your system should not be affected UNLESS you decide to click on the attachment (which is more than likely a virus or worm) or if for some reason your email program launches any attachments automatically. If it does, you're playing Russian Roulette with your computer. It will only be a matter of time before your computer is infected (or already is infected). Disable that feature ASAP.
Bottom line is this. Software companies will NEVER email you an update. When in doubt, visit the company's website by typing it into your web browser and download any updates directly from the website (or use the software's built in updater - software such as Adobe, Java, Windows). Don't trust the attachment or even a link in the email about the update.
Follow this little rule and you've already avoided a lot of possible problems with your computer.
Comments always welcome!
OK, here's the straight answer. They are fake, plain and simple. Microsoft will NEVER email you about an update. So do the only thing you can. Delete the email.
Will it hurt to read the email or open it? Probably not. Your system should not be affected UNLESS you decide to click on the attachment (which is more than likely a virus or worm) or if for some reason your email program launches any attachments automatically. If it does, you're playing Russian Roulette with your computer. It will only be a matter of time before your computer is infected (or already is infected). Disable that feature ASAP.
Bottom line is this. Software companies will NEVER email you an update. When in doubt, visit the company's website by typing it into your web browser and download any updates directly from the website (or use the software's built in updater - software such as Adobe, Java, Windows). Don't trust the attachment or even a link in the email about the update.
Follow this little rule and you've already avoided a lot of possible problems with your computer.
Comments always welcome!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Getting Started
Well, where to start?
This blog was actually started as a learning tool for using Blogger. However, in my journey through this learning process, I hope to make some relevant informational posts for those who haven't been "initiated" into the world of Informational Technology and all of its jargon and would like things explained in plain English. That's probably most of us.
If you have any relevant topics that you'd be interested in hearing about, please feel free to leave a comment.
This blog was actually started as a learning tool for using Blogger. However, in my journey through this learning process, I hope to make some relevant informational posts for those who haven't been "initiated" into the world of Informational Technology and all of its jargon and would like things explained in plain English. That's probably most of us.
If you have any relevant topics that you'd be interested in hearing about, please feel free to leave a comment.
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