"Take 5"

KCNET NEWSLETTER
08/28/05
TECHNICAL PAGE


TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
VIRUS AND OTHER STINKY STUFF
INTERESTING SITES

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING:

           We'll start with a Langalist suggestion that most anyone can do.

Reader Finds Simple Fan Noise Fix 
Hi Fred, I switched my front fan with my back fan, and it sounds like it's much quieter.
I read somewhere today that it's a good idea to check the fans with the case open and make sure they're blowing the right way, so I did that.  I wonder if maybe either both fans were mistakenly blowing in or out, and if that was causing one of the fans to vibrate loudly.
In any case (no pun intended :) , I think it's a good idea to do a final check as someone suggested.  ---Steve 

Thanks, Steve.  Yes, generally, you want "flow-through" ventilation in a PC.  If you have more than one fan, generally you either have them both blowing out (with an opening somewhere else in the case supplying cool air) or one blowing out and one blowing in.
The usual reasons for vibration, though, aren't from pressure effects but from simple mechanical things: Loose fasteners; crud on a fan blade, making it imbalanced; worn motor bearings; etc.  Any one of those items could have been ameliorated by your moving the fan--- you may have tightened a loose fastener; knocked some crud off a blade; re-oriented a fan so pooled lubricant flowed back into the bearings; etc.  Whatever the problem was, you found how easy it is to fix.  In fact, fans are so easy to move, tighten down, or replace--- they're often under $5--- there's really no reason to put up with excessive fan noise.  My simple rule of thumb: If you can hear a PC from across the room; or if it bothers you
*at all* when you're sitting next to it, it's too loud!
See "Getting The Grunge Out Of Your PC:"
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=60403472 
"Cool And Quiet:"
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=21401323

This one from Worldstart...

What is Virtual Memory?
Virtual memory is non-physical memory (yeah, that helps).
Windows uses virtual memory when it doesn't have enough "regular" physical memory to perform a task. When it does this, Windows uses your hard drive to store information that normally would be put into your RAM memory. Here's an overly simplified example:
Let's say you have 32 meg of RAM available. Now, you load a program that takes up 20 meg, and another that takes up 22 meg. You need a total of 42 meg, but you only have 32 meg of actual RAM memory. However, both programs still run. What's happening?
Windows is using 10 meg of hard drive space to supplement your physical 32 meg of RAM (don't worry, this 10 meg will be erased once Windows is done with it).
I know what you're thinking. Why bother to add extra RAM to my computer if it can use hard drive space instead? Main reason - RAM is much faster.
Whenever you're using a lot of virtual memory, you're slowing your computer down (way the heck down). The best work around is to get more physical memory. I recommend 64 - 128 meg, depending on how many programs you run simultaneously.
Oh, one more thing. If you don't have a lot of hard drive space left (I recommend a minimum of 100 meg) and you're experiencing lots of problems, lack of virtual memory may be why. When Windows runs out of memory (virtual and non-virtual), it just doesn't run all that well.

  Here's how to adjust that virtual memory.

Adjust Virtual Memory
If you have two hard drives in your computer and your C: drive is about full, you can tell Windows to use your other drive for virtual memory.
OR—if you have one hard drive that is faster than the other, it's probably better to use that one for virtual memory, since your data is retrieved faster.
In any event, if you want to change the drive Windows uses for virtual memory, here's how:
A word of caution first: If you mess something up with virtual memory (you know, like change the amount Windows can use or shut it off altogether), it can stop your system from functioning properly. So be careful!

For Windows 95, 98 & ME
1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties from the resulting menu.
2. Next, click the Performance tab and click the Virtual Memory button.
3. By default, Windows manages your virtual memory. Select "Let me specify my own virtual memory settings".
4. >From the "Hard Disk" drop box, select the drive you want to use.
That's it. Hit the OK button and you're all set.
Again, if you feel the need to mess with any other settings, you do so at your own risk.
Windows XP hides the VM adjustment—probably because they don't really want you messing with it.
1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties (or hold down the Alt key and double-click "My Computer")
2. Click the Advanced tab then under Performance, click "Settings".
3. There will be another Advanced tab to select in the "Performance Options" window. Down where it says "Virtual Memory" click Change.
4. Finally, we get to the screen we're looking for.

You will see a window with available drives where you can select the drive you want (if you have more than one). Notice that it also shows how much space you have available on that drive. You can specify a Custom size, or let the system manage the size for you. After you've made your selection, click Set and OK.
Those Worldstart Folks are really good.  They have newsletters for techies, Grins, Life's Adventures, Software, others.
Sign up at 

      Here is a good Tech site - Thanks to Bev Womeldorf

Windows Fix Zone
http://www.winxpfix.com/

     Got a Kim Komando find for the readers.

To each his own Web browser. 
We reviewed this little program in the last Advanced Class and agreed that this would work dandy for those multi family members using same computer problem... default browser choices.  (Mike)

 Four people use our home PC, running Windows XP.  Some of us like Internet Explorer, some like Firefox.  Is there a way to ensure we each get the one we like when we sign on?

So, we have a case of two foxes chasing four rabbits who decided to split hares.  Ha-ha-ha!
Windows allows you to set your own default Web browser.  So you don't have to use Internet Explorer.  In general, it's easy to change the default browser.
To change the default, click Start>>Control panel.  Double-click "Add or Remove Programs." Click the "Set Program Access and Defaults" button.  Under "Choose a configuration," select Custom.  Under "Choose a default Web browser," select your preferred browser.  Then click OK.
But on a shared computer, you'll have a problem.  Windows gives every user profile the same default browser.  That’s bad.  If you change your default browser, all other profiles are also changed.  That’s worse.
For unique profile defaults, I found a quick fix.  Fortunately, there is a program that can do the job.  It's called DefaultBrowser.  It also happens to be free.  I love that price.  DefaultBrowser's list of compatible browsers is small.  But it does include both Internet Explorer and Firefox.
To use DefaultBrowser, log in to your Windows account.  Double-click the DefaultBrowser icon.  Under "Default Browser Configuration," select the browser that you prefer.  Click Apply Changes.  Then click Exit.  Your selection won't affect the defaults on the other accounts.

Join the Kim Komando Newsletters at: http://www.komando.com/

 
Another Worldstart Tip.

Filmstrip View in XP
When Windows ME came on the scene it featured a cool folder view called "Thumbnail View" that displays all images as little thumbnails to make them easier to manage. Win XP expanded this feature, allowing us to add a picture to a file folder icon in thumbnail view (see archive for 7/31/03). In addition, XP has another view mode for pictures called "Filmstrip View".
In the My Pictures folder, and its subfolders, you can see a "filmstrip" of images that scroll from left to right at the bottom of the window. In the upper part of the window is a preview pane where the image can be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise.
The thumbnails in the filmstrip work just like they do in thumbnail view. This saves having to open an image file in Picture viewer or some other imaging software to see a larger version of it. In addition, you can drag the corner of the window to make it bigger (or click the "Maximize" button)—the larger you make this window, the bigger the picture in the preview pane.
Yet another little treat from Uncle Bill.

 
      Ohhh!!!That Google does another.  Remember it is still bets but looks really interesting.

Google unveils instant-messaging entry   By Elinor Mills, Staff Writer, CNET News    Published: August 23, 2005

Google has launched an instant-messaging program that allows text chat and computer-to-computer voice connections, a move that highlights the search giant's increasing competition with Yahoo, Microsoft and America Online.

Google's Web site late Tuesday provided a link to download Google Talk and stated that the software "enables you to call or send instant messages to your friends for free-–anytime, anywhere in the world." Google's messaging program is linked to the company's Web-based e-mail program, Gmail, and both are in a beta, or test, phase.

While Google Talk was expected, some industry observers questioned what innovation Google could add to lure loyal users and their millions of buddies away from established instant-messaging applications.

One advantage to Google Talk could be its ability to connect with users of competing services. The service is based on the Jabber open-source standard, which allows consumers to connect with other messaging systems that work with Jabber, such as Apple Computer's iChat, GAIM, Adium, Trillian Pro and Psi.

Google Talk currently works only on Windows, according to Google's Web site. Users need a microphone and a speaker to take advantage of the voice capabilities. 
More on the subject:   http://news.com.com/Google+unveils+instant-messaging+entry/2100-1032_3-5842254.html?tag=nl.e498
Take a peek at the interface graphics

        Is your cell phone number for sale?   By Kent German of CNET   August 23, 2005

Will your cell phone number be released to telemarketers any minute now? Will you be flooded with cell phone spam calls that will cost you and your family money, taking food right off your table and out of the mouths of your children, just like that e-mail forward says? The short answer is this: it's an urban myth. Kent German explains and answers your other cell phone questions in this week's On Call. 
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3504_7-6303464-1.html?tag=nl.e501

 
VIRUS AND OTHER STINKY STUFF:

      Quick work on this one.

Two men arrested in connection with worm which hit high profile media companies, Sophos reports
Message on Financial Times website
The Financial Times published a message on its website about the worm to its readers.

Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have welcomed news reports that authorities in Morocco and Turkey have arrested two men in connection with computer worm attacks that hit organizations such as CNN, ABC Television, The New York Times and the Financial Times last week.

According to media reports the FBI has confirmed that police arrested 18-year-old Farid Essebar a resident of Morocco born in Russia, and 21-year-old Atilla Ekici in Turkey on Thursday. The men are said to have gone by the handles "Diabl0" and "Coder", which are mentioned in the code of W32/Zotob-A.

The Zotob worms and related variants hit computers running Windows 2000 at a number of high profile companies by exploiting a security loophole in Microsoft's software.

"It appears that the computer crime authorities have moved very quickly in this case, and it will be interesting to see how the case progresses," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Because these men will be prosecuted in their countries of origin, rather than necessarily in the countries where businesses were hit, many will be interested to see how the investigations and cases brought against these men compare with incidents in other parts of the world."

Since the first Zotob worm emerged on 14 August, a series of variants and other malware have taken advantage of a critical security hole in Microsoft's software: the MS05-039 Plug and Play vulnerability.

"Astonishingly the time between virus outbreak and arrest is less than two weeks. The authorities were able to investigate quickly and co-ordinate internationally to affect arrests in Morocco and Turkey," continued Cluley. "Unfortunately, since the Microsoft security hole became public knowledge it has become a standard part of many virus writers' armory to include exploitation of the flaw into their malicious code. All companies need to defend themselves with security patches, up-to-date anti-virus software and firewalls for the highest level of protection." 

 
          Worldstart for this one.

Phishing for Faxes

Phishing has been around for a while now, I would say everyone has a pretty good grip on how this scam works. If not, you should think about reading our phishing scam article form earlier in the year.

One thing that has been a constant in the phishing game is the attacks usually attempt to lure you in with a fake email that attempts to pose as a legitimate website in order to capture personal information.

Well we've discovered a new species of Phish—the Fax Phish—whose domain isn't the Internet, but rather your fax line.

The scam uses the guise of Pay Pal. No big surprise—next week it will be Ebay. It seems like these are the two online entities that attackers like to use.

Here's a run down of how this scam works: first you get a general email supposedly form Pay Pal with the following message"

Dear Paypal Customer,
Unauthorized person tried to reset the password from your paypal account. We would like to ensure that an unauthorized third party did not access your account. Because protecting the security of your account is our primary concern, you have to complete the affidavit form. Click here to download the form. Please send a fax in the next 24 hours to [number removed] with affidavit form completed.

Of course there was no account infiltration, your account with Pay Pal is fine, unless you fill out this affidavit and fax the information back.

In light of all the phishing attempts and identity theft lately, people may actually feel safer faxing information off to a seemingly reputable site in order to take care of an issue than sending it off in an email. The truth is, neither of these are secure practices, and you invite trouble by performing either. Email is not very secure and should not be used to send sensitive data, unless security services are put into affect. Faxing information out to a number based on an email is even worse. It's easier to fake being a company when you don't need to create even a bogus website to appear authentic.

As far as staying away from these threats, there's no guarantee, and remember to use common sense whenever your personal information is being asked for. For instance, if you do get an email and are genuinely concerned about an account or whatever they are using as bait do not reply by fax or email. If this happens to you, open your web browser and navigate to their website (do not link out of the email), this is the only way that you will know that you are at the site you are supposed to. If there is any legitimate issue with your account you should see it at the site or you can usually call customer service or at least send there customer support an email asking if something is wrong with your account.
Stay safe out there,

THE TALLY:
Friday, August 11 -- Thursday, August 18
According to Sophos, a leader in Anti Virus Software development, 23 new/improved viruses, which required Anti Virus upgrades were released into cyberspace via email. 
&
KCnet's anti virus program caught and "defanged" 2,576 email viruses in addition to sending 178,374 non spam and non virus messages and refusing 217,210 spam messages.  

 
 
Have you updated your anti virus program lately? 
If not, may I recommend that you do it now?

**********************************************************************************************************************

Free Virus Scans
Best done with The Internet Explorer Browser.
Computer Associates, a reputable and reliable anti virus developer introduced a new free program  which allows anyone to do a virus scan without downloading any software or registering for an anti virus program.  You must use Internet Explorer for access to Computer Associates and to perform the scan.  This is a good one and very simple to operate  The address is http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

Trend Micro, more commonly referred to as Housecall, offers free virus scans and in most cases can fix damage down by a virus or worm that your computer may have contacted.  The program works well.  The first time one uses the free program it is necessary to download a small program. Trend Micro walks you through the process.   Then the virus scans are quite simple for each return.  Go to http://housecall.antivirus.com/  then choose the link   "Scan without registering".  Follow the directions.

You should disable any anti virus program that you have running.  If you do not have a virus program I recommend that you use one of the programs offered above first and then download and install one of the free programs listed below or install any anti virus program you have purchased.

*********************************************************************************************************************
Free Anti Virus programs for download.   Quite a few KCnet members use these programs and like them.
Be careful if you download a virus program and you already have one installed on your computer.  You need to at least disable the program already installed.

TRY ETRUST BY COMPUTER ASSOCIATES
1 year free trial of eTrust or 2 years for $19.95.
http://home.ca.com/dr/v2/ec_main.entry25?page=PYPCTrialPage&client=ComputerAssociates&sid=35715&CID=185351

AVG Free
AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product! Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high-level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Avast
Avast has been "anti virusing" for quite awhile.  The following info comes from their download page:   Avast! Home is now free of charge for HOME users for NON-COMMERCIAL use. You can find more info here.
http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
Note: This product is free for home non-commercial use after registration!
HINTS:   Click on the English Version Link and download the installation file.  Then click on the installation file and follow the directions.  You will need to return to the download page and click on the link to get the registration key.   It will be sent to you in an email after you provide some registration information.  This will give you 14 months of coverage including any updates which can be set to auto download.  You can reregister for additional free coverage at the end of the 14 months.
You will want to browse around and choose from the many options available for operation.  This process will take some time and digging.

Another good free program is:
http://www.free-av.com/
This one installs a bit easier than Avast.

**********************************************************************************************************************
Weekly Top 5 Most Prevalent Global Malware (from August 12 to August 18, 2005) from Trend Micro.

   1. WORM_NETSKY.P
   2. HTML_NETSKY.P
   3. JAVA_BYTEVER.A
   4. TROJ_BAGLE.BI
   5. WORM_SOBER.S
 

True Viruses and Warning Letters of Impending Doom.
Believe it or not, the amount of harm done by sending false computer virus alarms and letters of impending doom to your thousand closest friends can be just as damaging as the alleged virus (if it even exists!);  if you remember the story of the boy who cried wolf, you understand why.
If you think you've got the scoop on the latest new devastating virus or latest doom warning, check it out at the Web sites below before taking it on yourself to alert the world.  If the virus is as terrible as you think it is, odds are the virus fighters already know about it and -- good news here!  -- your anti virus software provider probably knows about it too and already has an update for it.
Sophos supplies this current information about actual hoaxes.  Look at them. Read about them.  If you are sent one of them, delete it.

Here are a few sites of many that can help you determine if an email is a hoax or real.

http://www.quatloos.com/
http://www.snopes.com/
http://vil.nai.com/VIL/hoaxes.asp
http://kumite.com/myths/
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
http://www.scambusters.org/VirusHoaxes.html
http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes/
http://www.truthorfiction.com/
 
INTERESTING SITES:

America the Beautiful  Herb Larson wrote, "This is 'awesome'...........enjoy!"  Thanks Herb.
http://llerrah.com/america.htm

      Gary N' Patti suggestions for this week:

GIS: Getting Started
    * What is GIS?
    * Why use GIS?
    * What can you do with GIS?
    * Get answers with GIS
    * Demo: What is GIS?
http://www.gis.com/

USP—United States Pharmacopeia
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the official public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and other healthcare products manufactured and sold in the United States. USP sets standards for the quality of these products and works with healthcare providers to help them reach the standards. USP's standards are also recognized and used in many other countries outside the United States. These standards have been helping to ensure good pharmaceutical care for people throughout the world for more than 185 years.
USP is an independent, science-based public health organization. As a self-sustaining nonprofit organization, USP is funded through revenues from the sale of products and services that help to ensure good pharmaceutical care. USP's contributions to public health are enriched by the participation and oversight of volunteers representing pharmacy, medicine, and other healthcare professions as well as academia, government, the pharmaceutical industry, health plans, and consumer organizations.
http://www.usp.org/aboutUSP/

ConsumerLab.com
ConsumerLab.com, LLC ("CL") is the leading provider of independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals evaluate health, wellness, and nutrition products. It publishes results of its tests at www.consumerlab.com — which receives nearly 2 million visits per year, in its acclaimed book ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins & Supplements, and in special technical reports. Its research is cited frequently in the media, books, and at medical meetings. As a certification company, CL enables companies of all sizes to have their products voluntarily tested for potential inclusion in its list of Approved Quality products and bear the CL Seal. In the past five years, CL has tested more than 1,200 products, representing over 250 different brands and nearly every type of popular supplement.
INDEPENDENT TESTING OF PRODUCTS:
Types of Products Tested:
CL evaluates consumer products relating to health, wellness, and nutrition, including:
Health & Nutrition Products:
- Herbal Products
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Other Supplements
Sports & Energy Products
Functional Foods
Foods & Beverages
Personal Care Products
http://www.consumerlab.com/index.asp
 
 
Treatment for early stage kidney failure
 Appropriate treatment and management in the early stages of kidney failure, also known as chronic kidney failure, may slow or even stop the usual progress to complete failure (end-stage renal failure or ESRF or end-stage renal disease ESRD).
When your kidneys start to fail waste products and extra fluid will accumulate in your blood. A measurement of the amount of creatinine, one of these waste products, clearly indicates the extent of kidney failure.
By carefully managing your diet you can minimize the accumulation of waste products and extra fluids in your blood, and thus help your kidneys. By paying attention to what you drink you can do some of the work that healthy kidneys do in maintaining the right fluid balance in your body. A dietitian will advise you on changes you may need to make to your diet and fluid intake. 
http://www.renalinfo.com/us/display/treatment-for-kidney-failure/treatment-for-early-stage-kidney-failure/

       This gem will assist the traveling interneter, from Amanda.

Cyber Cafes
Well, are you looking for a place with coffee, some snacks, and internet access? Now you can find cyber cafés from all over the world, and go to the one that suits you.
You can use the City search, or the more advanced Country Search.
I did a city search: typed in Toledo, clicked "search", and found out that there is one cyber café listed for my town. The city search is for within the USA—use the Country search for elsewhere like England, France, Germany, etc.
You can also search by clicking on the continent on the map and choosing the country or state that you are trying to find a cyber café in.
What is really nice is many have websites you can look at.
Check it Out!
http://www.netcafes.com/

           Elvis Presley and Graceland...

Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, holds tantalizing secrets. The 2nd floor is private. It's so private that no tours, no television specials nor any photographs have ever been released to the public. It is the one thing, the last thing, regarding Elvis Presley that has yet to be revealed. It was Elvis' secluded sanctuary where he lived and loved. Upstairs at Graceland is a puzzle and a temptation, a fascinating locked-room mystery that draws in the imagination of millions.
After 29 years of being held from view, fan curiousity has been brought to a full boil.  The desire to know has reached a breaking point.
By far the most-asked question on Elvis' Mansion tour is...
WHY CAN'T WE SEE UPSTAIRS AT GRACELAND?
http://www.linkydinky.com/graceland/

 
WildFinder is a map-driven, searchable database of more than 30,000 species worldwide, with a powerful search tool that allows users to discover where species live or explore wild places to find out what species live there. Containing information on birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, WildFinder is a valuable resource for scientists, students, educators, travelers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Enter the site and start exploring!
http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildfinder/

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