Computer Tips -Tech Info

Yes, this is legitimate and officially sanctioned. Microsoft is releasing the beta version of Vista Ultimate for download. This page gives details on the download. It is also possible to request a dvd. (The download is a dvd iso – a bit over 3 GB). It will expire June 1, 2007 (I assume Vista will […]

This is bad – whose defending the defender? eEye security has a bulletin announced that regards a remotely exploitable vulnerability in Symantec Antivirus 10.x and Symantec Client Security 3.x They say other versions MAY be vulnerable they’re waiting for information from Symantec. Now, Symantec is probably the biggest selling antivirus package out there. It looks […]

How many times have I had this kind of phone call…. “my computers not working”… “the light on the monitor is on, but there aren’t any lights on the keyboard. everything seems connected, but there’s nothing on the screen.” Usually, my first question is along the lines of… “have you tried turning it off and […]

This sounds like a serious vulnerability. The SecurityFix is reporting on a very serious vulnerability in AOL. The problem affects AOL version 8.0, AOL version 8.0+, and AOL version 9.0 Classic. The vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to take control of a users PC. Basically, all that would be needed is for the AOL […]

The security fix has some news today on some bogus security software makers (the wolves in sheeps clothing as I tend to think of them…) Anyway, they’re settling deceptive trade practice chargers that were brought by the FTC. SpywareAssassin and Spykiller were facing a civil suit over their ads which invariably found infestations on a […]

There are all sorts of rumors circulating about Google’s product announcements tomorrow at CES. There are still stories floating around about a Google PC running linux and there are stories about pay-download videos and a software bundle. No official word on these from Google. (They had denials about PC talks from some of the retailers […]

Spyware Confidential has the top 10 tips to keep that new pc spyware free. Some good tips here and these should be on the checklist when setting up a new pc any time of the year… Paraphrased here….    Send article as PDF   

There’s a joke that many people bring out when new Windows viruses hit big…. it goes along the lines of, “download a fix here” and the link points to a knoppix linux livecd download, or a Mandriva download disk, fedora/etc… Some say linux isn’t affected by as many viruses because it lacks market share, I […]

Alright, so you’re still reading this series and you’re thinking. Look, I’m not protecting national security secrets. All I’m doing is (running a business|emailing my grandkids|using the web for research). True, good point. You’re not at the defense department. OK. Let’s say you just use your computer for email and web browsing. That’s low priority […]

Brian Krebs at the securityfix has a good article for those that are getting a new pc for Christmas (or those that know someone who is.) He has a nice outline of setting up limited privilege user accounts, installing windows updates, using a firewall and using antivirus. This is a nice concise guide to get […]