Dave "Bytes"

Please remember to use your thinker, before you tinker!

January 15, 2005

A Periodic Newsletter for the Members of the Sarasota PC User Group and the World!!

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Here's An Internet Tip

When your browser retrieves a page you have asked to see, it stores the page on your computer. If you ask for the same page again five minutes later, the program doesn't have to retrieve the page again -- it can reuse the copy it already has. The space your browser uses to store pages is called its cache (pronounced "cash").

Some of us hardly ever exit from our browsers, which is probably not a good idea for our long-term mental stability. If you are one of us, however, remember that the pages your browser has cached aren't normally reloaded from the Web (they're taken from your disk) until you reload them.

If you want to make sure that you're getting fresh pages, reload pages that you think may have changed since you last visited. Your browser is supposed to check whether a saved page has changed, but because the check sometimes doesn't work perfectly, an occasional Reload or Refresh command for pages that change frequently, such as stock prices or the weather report, is advisable.
Click the Reload or Refresh button on your browser's toolbar, or press Ctrl+R.

BITS

BYTES

Clicking on Dave will take you to the

"Bits & Bytes"

site where you can listen to the most recent broadcast

Here's A Special Deal

Spy Sweeper normally includes a 1 yr subscription but if you go to www.webroot.com and click the
"Radio Listeners Click Here"
button you will get a 2nd yr at no additional charge!!

SpySweeper is $29.95

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Learn more about Spy Sweeper

Computer Term

Hardware /nm./: the part of the computer that you can kick.

At the February, 2005, General Meeting the PC Refurbishing Project will be offering a new, unopened eView 17f3 (17 inch) color monitor as a drawing item. Details concerning this monitor can be seen by clicking the wheel.

Tickets will be for sale for $1 each or 6 for $5.

An extra monitor is always good to have on hand or you can have a full-sized monitor for your laptop.

Year 2038 Bug Y2k All Over Again

The Milennium Bug dominated the news for several years prior to the Y2K clock rollover. Gloom, doom and disaster was the order of the day. Survivalists hid out in bomb shelters with dehydrated food, hoarded gasoline and predicted the end of the world as we knew it then. Then, at the first stroke of midnight, NOTHING happened. The power grid kept feeding us power, planes kept flying, our bank accounts were safe. Was it all a hoax? Or just good preparation well in advance? Read The Surprising Legacy of Y2K.

Well, get ready, because here we go again. In 2038, a similar bug will rear its ugly head and has the potential to be EVEN WORSE than Y2K!!! ;-P Here’s the scoop, straight from the source - the 2038 bug website:

The precise date of this occurrence is Tue Jan 19 03:14:07 2038. At this time, a machine prone to this bug will show the time Fri Dec 13 20:45:52 1901, hence it is possible that the media will call this The Friday 13th Bug.

We only have 33 years to prepare for this, so better start stocking up on the dried beef and bottled water…

You know you're on the computer too much when...

You know two or more parcel delivery truck drivers by their first names

You pay for all software to be delivered "next day air"

You know your package "tracking numbers" by heart

All your friends and relatives give you blank CD-R's for presents

Your wife names your computer as the co-respondent in the divorce papers

You refuse to delete programs that you haven't used in two years

You order a new hard drive when you get less than 200 MB of free space

You subscribe to more than three monthly computer magazines

You get copies of programs from your friends and never use them

You can't carry on a conversation without changing it to computers

You start figuring "must have" computer upgrades into the family budget

You get up at 2 am to go to the bathroom but turn on the computer instead

You have at least one more computer than people who live in the house

The telephone numbers of all the computer stores are on speed dial

You upgrade software as soon as you get notice of one

You take your computer on vacation with you, even if you go camping

You miss more than five meals a week downloading files or games

You wake up and the first thing you do is get online before you have coffee

Here's A Quicken Tip

Backing Up Your Quicken Data

You'll never have to worry about losing your data if you follow these simple steps to back up your Quicken files:

Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk into your floppy drive.

Verify that the file you want to back up is active.

Display the Register tab and make sure that it displays one of the accounts in the file you want to back up.

Start the backup operation.

Choose File, Backup from the menu bar.

Quicken displays the Quicken Backup dialog box.

Identify the backup floppy drive.

Select the Disk option button. Then verify that the disk letter shown in the text box is the one you want to use for backing up. If it isn't, click the Browse button. When Quicken displays the Browse for Folder dialog box, select the current disk.

Click OK.

You see a message on-screen that says, "Aye, Cap'n, I'm working just as fast as I can" (or something to that effect).

Then you see a message that says the backup is complete. You may see a warning message if the file you want to back up is too large. In this case, shrink the file, use a different disk, or use multiple disks.

The "Bytes" Beg, Bargain & Barter Basement

Got something "computer related" to sell? Looking for that rare peripheral? If it's computer related you can submit a short classified ad for exposure in Dave "Bytes". Be sure to include your name and e-mail address in the ad. You can also include a picture of the item. Now some would suggest that there be a charge for this feature but alas, since my bookkeeping skills leave much to be desired I've determined that this will be a free service to all SPCUG members in good standing. "Bytes" is currently sent to almost 1500 homes in the area. Ad requests will be included as soon as possible. I assume absolutely no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of supplied info. All transactions are between consulting adults which leaves me entirely off the hook. Please let me know by clicking HERE when your merchandise is sold so that I can remove it from the listing. I will try to run each ad for a month.

Click Here To Submit Your Ad

SPCUG member Dick Taylor is looking for a genealogy program called Brothers Keeper v4.5 which can run on Win 3.1. Needs the full program
.

Dick Taylor
377-3038
rwt2@juno.com

And Now

Dave's Cool Downloads

The wait is over. Firefox 1.0 empowers you to browse faster, more safely and more efficiently than with any other browser. Join more than 12 million others and make the switch today — Firefox imports your Favorites, settings and other information, so you have nothing to lose.

Switching is Easy

Firefox imports your existing settings from Internet Explorer. An import wizard will run when you first install Firefox (and is also available later through the File menu, File > Import), and it imports your Favorites, options, cookies, stored passwords, and a variety of other data. This saves you time customizing Firefox to fit your needs.

Click the Logo to download

IE on steroids — Maxthon is what IE 7 should look and act like

If you've tried browsers like Opera and Netscape but for some reason keep coming back to Internet Explorer, no doubt you still miss some of the features these alternatives provide. Users of these non-Microsoft browsers point to niceties like tabbed browser windows, ad pop-up blocking capabilities, and support for customizable skins as features that the aging IE 6 browser should include.

Fire up the IE-based Maxthon and you'll get to enjoy not only a multi-window interface but also a compelling list of extras that can make your online experience more productive and enjoyable. Oh, and did I mention it's free?

Click the Logo to download

WinPatrol

These days all users face a real risk of malicious programs secretly installing themselves on your computer. Anti-virus and anti-spyware products help reduce the chance of infection but you can really enhance your protection by installing WinPatrol, which provides a vital "last ditch" defense layer by telling you when a product is trying to change any of the critical settings on your PC such as the registry and auto-start areas. WinPatrol simply throws up a dialog asking whether you want to allow the change or not. It's simple but highly effective. The only downside is the messages can confuse some inexperienced users. That reservation aside, this is a product that should be on every PC. (785KB)

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (*Beta)

Benefits

Detect and remove spyware

Improve Internet browsing safety

Stop the latest threats

•	Easily detect spyware on your PC. Quickly and easily find spyware that can slow down your computer, display annoying pop-up ads, change Internet settings, or use your private information without your consent.
•	In-depth spyware removal returns your PC to normal. Straightforward operation and thorough removal technology make it easy for people of all skill levels to eliminate detected spyware. If you inadvertently remove any programs, you can easily get them back.
•	Maintain your PC with regularly scheduled spyware scanning and removal. Regularly scheduled spyware scans help maintain your PC. They can be run when it's convenient for you: on-demand or on any schedule you set.
•	Stay in control of what's running on your PC. Quickly discover and remove unwanted programs that may have been installed without your consent. If you inadvertently remove any programs, you can easily get them back.

•	Help stop spyware in its tracks with continuous protection. Windows AntiSpyware improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways Web sites and programs can put spyware on your PC.
•	Protection that doesn't distract you from using your PC. Windows AntiSpyware works in the background, automatically handling spyware based on your preferences. This enables you to use your PC with minimal interruption.
•	Undo unwanted changes to Internet Explorer settings. Easily restore Internet settings that are persistently changed by spyware, including your home page or the default search engine.

•	Stop new threats faster with SpyNet™. The voluntary, worldwide SpyNet™ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. SpyNet™ participants help to discover new threats quickly so everyone is better protected. Any user can choose to join SpyNet™ and report potential spyware to Microsoft.
•	Spyware expertise you can rely on. A dedicated team of Microsoft researchers scours the Internet to discover new spyware and develop methods to counteract it.
•	Automatically stay up to date. Updates to counteract new spyware are automatically downloaded to your PC, helping to keep you protected from the latest threats.

*beta version

In the development of hardware and software, a version of a product released to a group of testers.
Beta software often is available on the Internet, where users can download it at no charge.
Developers want users to report any problems so they can be fixed before the product is released in the general marketplace. Beta software usually has most of the capabilities of a final release, unlike rougher alpha versions, but it usually has a set of known bugs that makes it unsuitable for a professional setting.

Who Says There's No Humor In Computing?

Bill Kaiser

At our January 2005 meeting we honored a special individual who has worked many years for SPCUG. Bill joined our organization in 1992 and has been our Treasurer for over 11 years. His dedication to this job has kept up in good graces with the IRS and he makes sure that the Board of Directors keep on the straight and narrow, financially speaking that is.

Bill is a graduate of Brown University and continues to be active in the Brown Club and Ivy League. He has two children, Marty and Ann and just celebrated his 5^th wedding anniversary to his lovely wife Joannie.

Bill has been an avid sailor and had his own sailboat. He has been a Sarasota resident for 30 years and is a CPA for Nathenson and Company where he continues to exercise his talents.

We are quite fortunate to have had Bill as our Treasurer for this extended period. We honored him with the name of Treasurer Emeritus, presented him with a beautiful plaque and thanked him for his dedicated service to our group.

From the "It Had To Happen Eventually" Department

Phishers catch Firefox

Browser open to URL spoofing

A security flaw in the increasingly popular Firefox browser is exposing millions of users to phishing scams, security experts have warned.

Jakob Balle, security specialist at Secunia Research, said that the vulnerability in Firefox and Mozilla allows malicious hackers to execute phishing scams by spoofing the source URL displayed in the browser's Download Dialog box.

"The problem is that long sub-domains and paths are not displayed correctly, which can be exploited to obfuscate what is being displayed in the source field of the Download Dialog box," he said.

A Secunia Research advisory stated that the "less critical" vulnerability has been confirmed in Mozilla 1.7.3 for Linux, Mozilla 1.7.5 for Windows, and Mozilla Firefox 1.0. It added that "other versions may also be affected".

"Currently, no solution is available. However, the vendor reports that this vulnerability will be fixed in upcoming versions of the affected products," Secunia stated.

Balle urged users not to follow download links from untrusted sources.

Why not give the gift that keeps on giving all year round? I'm referring to a subscription to either Smart Computing, PC Today, CE Tips or CPU Magazines. If you are a current subscriber and order a gift subscription, the folks at Smart Computing will add 2 additional issues to your current subscription at no charge. And remember that even gift subscriptions will be credited to the SPCUG account so that we can accumulate free subscriptions to give away to our membership. If you aren't a subscriber you should be. These publications are geared towards the very same thing that caused you to join a PC User Group which is easy to read and understand computer information for folks at any level. If you already subscribe, be sure to use the appropriate SPCUG code when you renew !!!

To order call 1-800-733-3809 and be sure to give the following Code Numbers so that SPCUG gets proper credit.
Smart Computing (11607) CPU Magazine (272)

PC Today (146) CE Tips (219)

Free Tech Support

Many people view “free” as one of the nicest words in the English language. “Tech Support,” however, may not be such a positive term to computer users, especially if it evokes memories of the hours they’ve spent on the phone trying to get help for various computer problems.
The thing is, there’s a lot of troubleshooting we can do ourselves without relying on tech support reps, but we just need a little nudge in the right direction. Well, that’s what SmartComputing.com’s Tech Support Center tries to do: help people fix their own problems.

On SmartComputing.com’s Search Options page, combining a phrase and a category search can produce more targeted results.

For instance, if you keep seeing an error message appear on-screen that doesn’t make sense, you can take advantage of the Tech Support Center’s alphabetized, searchable list of error messages to get both a translation of the error and a possible resolution.

The Security & Privacy area and the daily Weblog keep you current on the latest malware (software created for malicious purposes) news. The Preventative & Regular Maintenance section should be required reading for all computer owners, and the Driver Education area helps you find device drivers online. But don’t go anywhere yet; the Tech Support Center offers much more. Need a list of file extensions? Trying to find info about eliminating viruses? Want to know more about stopping spam? Tech Support Center addresses all of these questions and more.
Plus, it’s not just a resource for solving problems; you can use it on an ongoing basis to learn more about preventing computing problems.
Spend 10 minutes a day at the center for a few months, and you won’t have to call your brother for help again; heck, he may even start calling you.

Ready for the best news? If you’ve exhausted all of the site’s resources, including the Q&A Board (see the next section), you can call the Web Services staff at (800) 368-8304, and someone will try to help you with your problem. And it’s still—there’s that nice word again—free.

SPCUG WEBSITE WINS HONORABLE MENTION

FROM THE

ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER USER GROUPS

Congratulations to our Webmaster

Gary Schweinshaupt

Please Sign The Dave "Bytes" Guestbook

Click Image to Sign

While Wandering The Web

Quiz Your Friends

This site is a lot of fun! It allows you to create a multiple-choice quiz about yourself.

You make up the questions and answers. Of course, you can create questions like, "What is my favorite color?" But it's more fun to ask something silly like, "Which CD would you not find in my car?"

Once you create your quiz, e-mail your friends a link to it. After each person takes the quiz, you can see how they answered. I'm not sure what was more fun--creating the quiz or seeing how everyone answered.

Click Here To VIsit

Pause For Thought

"The problem with computers is they do what you tell them."

Here's A Windows XP Tip

You can get rid of the Windows XP error report messages if you don't want to send another one in. Start the System Configuration Utility:

•	Click Start, and then click Run.
•	Type msconfig to open the System Configuration Utility.
•	Click the Services tab.
•	Clear the Error Reporting Service check box, and then click OK.
•	Hit Restart to reboot your system.