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Internet is a huge world filled with information about virtually anything
you can possibly see in your mind's eye. But there are also a lot
of risks in that world, for the both the novice and the experienced user.
Use the links below to get a start on discovering how you can protect yourself
while exploring the millions of web pages available. |
SECUNIA
SOFTWARE INSPECTOR
You're conscientious about
updating your Windows operating system regularly, but did you know that
your application software can present an even greater vulnerability? WINDOWS
SECRETS NEWSLETTER - a weekly e-publication
chock full of tips, tricks, and security advisories (or, as the editors
put it, "everything Microsoft forgot to mention") brought this issue to
their subscriber's attention in August 2007. They also included a
link to the Secunia web site, for the Software Inspector free on-line service.
The scan engine locates applications with known security flaws for which
patches exist by inspecting version information. The on-screen report shows
your updated applications with a green check mark, and 'at risk' applications
with a red X. If you have multiple copies of a single application installed,
the report will list each version. It's fast - less than a minute
to check the most common applications. As the Software Inspector
uses Java to perform the task, you need to ensure you have the most recent
version of Sun Microsystems Java running on your computer. The instructions
provided by Windows Secrets Newsletter are as follows:
To update Sun Java:
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Step 1. In the Windows Control
Panel, launch the Java applet. You can also right-click the Java icon in
the Taskbar tray and choose Open Control Panel.
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Step 2. Click the Update tab.
Use the controls there to customize the update notification. Click OK.
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If you prefer to update Java
manually, uncheck the box for automatic updating. Then return to this dialog
box periodically and click Update Now at the bottom of the Update tab.
Once you've finished updating
the Java, use this link -- SECUNIA
SOFTWARE INSPECTOR -- and have
your system scanned. You'll likely find the results quite surprising.
After you've run the initial scan, and patched the applications with the
necessary updates, try the more in-depth scan by checking the "Enable thorough
system inspection" box ... takes a bit longer, but it's a real eye-opener. |
EMAIL
By far one of the greatest
tools developed in the 20th century. And also one of the most insidious
if you find yourself the victim of the ever-growing problem of junk mail. |
VIRUS
INFORMATION
If you're not running up-to-date
anti-virus software, you shouldn't be on the Internet. You're playing
Russian roulette with not only your computer, but also with the computers
belonging to everyone with whom you exchange email. |
COPYRIGHT
An old issue that just won't
go away. Some of the best web sites from the 1990's are no longer
on line because a few unprincipled people took far too many liberties with
copyrighted works. |
KIM
KOMANDO
New to computing and/or
the Internet? One of the best places to find information, fixes,
and tips is Kim Komando's web site. Her articles are written so that
even a novice can understand and successfully apply the information.
I find the "Help Me Kim" section to be especially valuable, with its alphabetical
listing to major hardware and software manufacturers, providing links to
their web sites and that all-important, often elusive, tech support phone
number.
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