PC Rescue Newsletter November 2008

One of the biggest computer issues for years is the proposal to filter Australian Internet access. This has upset computer users and the Internet industry unlike any other controversy. This month we look at the reasoning behind the idea.

Security is the other big issue. The last two months have seen an explosion in the number of security problems found in various software packages and the vendors have been racing to update their programs.

These security issues are a concern and we start with explaining why you should take them seriously.

Attack of the zombies

Security researchers are reporting this month is the worst ever month for attacks on websites. This is where vandals and crooks try to either break into websites or take them off line.

The most common form of attack is known as a Denial of Service (DOS) attack where a bunch of rogue computers swamp the target site with messages. This is similar to constantly calling a phone number so no-one else can get through.

These sort of attacks are carried out by zombie computers; computers that have been infected with a virus or similar that allows hackers to take control of them.

Once the bad guys are in control, they can use these computers to do things like traffic pornography, host pirate software or attack other computers.

So you have to take precautions against your computer becoming a zombie. We have instructions on our Protection Kit page and you'll need to use some common sense, run an anti-virus and make sure you keep your computer up to date.

Windows updates

Every second Tuesday of the month is Microsoft's "update Tuesday". This is when they send out updates for all their software packages and if you have automatic updates enabled, you'll find a message asking you to install them.

It's essential you do this. Every month there are serious security issues addressed and there are hackers out there actively using these weaknesses to get into people's computers.

This month there are four important Windows updates and two for Microsoft Office. We recommend installing all of them.

Computer services

Need a computer tech? We can get technicians to help you with your home and office computer problems anywhere in Australia.

If you need a new computer set up, a virus removed or would just like to make sure your computer is running as it should be, we can help you.

Call 1300 798 957 and our call centre can arrange a visit or online service.

Update blues

It's not just Microsoft affected by the current deluge of security problems. We've recently seen similar issues with Apple QuickTime, Real Player and Firefox.

Like Windows, many of these programs will automatically update and you should install those update when prompted.

However it can be difficult to keep up with what programs are up to date. The free Secunia PSI utility will scan your computer programs and tell you which ones should be replaced. We highly recommend this program.

We first mentioned the Secunia tool 18 months or so ago. Since then there's been a few updates to the program itself, so it's worthwhile downloading the new version.

The death of spam

Another use of zombie computers is to send spam. By using dozens of anonymous infected computers, the spammers can avoid detection and blocking lists.

The BBC this week reported the results of a US study on the profitability of spam networks. Seven researchers used a zombie network to send spam messages advertising a fake pharmaceutical website .

Out of nearly 350 million messages sent 28 people attempted to buy something which the researchers estimate would have returned about $US 100 a day. Not bad money, but hardly worth the effort of setting up a fake site, arranging the merchant facilities and getting on to the Storm botnet.

The return also assumes all the potential purchases were genuine. There’s a good chance many of them would have been fraudulent which would have further eroded the returns. If those returns are typical, then we’re probably seeing the end of the mass spam.

Computer books

Who says you can't get a good computer manual? Our Dummies books are available online. If you want to learn more about your computer, we have the answers.

The current version of PCs for Dummies covers Vista computers and the earlier version covers Windows XP. So we can help you get the most from both versions of Windows.

AVG problems

We've long recommended AVG as a free anti virus scanner but in recent times we've found the quality slipping with various update problems and some strange decisions about the features.

This week the update function hasn't been working properly and now we find one of their updates incorrectly reported a critical system file as being a virus.

Grisoft's reaction to this and the other problems has been poor and so we've decided to move away from AVG as our preferred free virus program. Our new preferred free program is Avast!

We'll still be listing AVG and AntiVir as alternative free anti virus programs in our links section as some computers may have problems with Avast!

If you are currently running AVG, please note we aren't recommending you uninstall it. If it is working for you and you're happy then by all means stick with it.

However, if you do decide to switch anti virus programs, don't run both at once as it will slow your computer and might be worse than the cure. You must uninstall the old program.

Ask a question

Our sister website, IT Queries answers common computer problems.

If your computer has a frustrating problem, have a look for an answer at IT Queries. If you don't find one, just ask on the IT Queries site and we'll get a solution for you.

Uninstalling programs

While its important to not to have multiple anti virus programs on your system, it's also good practice to keep all types old programs off your system.

Uninstalling software should be easy. Open the Control Panel by clicking Start, settings and Control Panel. In the Windows 95, 98, ME and XP Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs or in Vista choose Programs and Uninstall a Program.

In this screen you will get a list of programs that are installed on your machine. Click the one you want to remove and the uninstall process should start. You may have to answer some questions during the process.

That said, it isn’t always that easy. If the program is damaged, then it may not uninstall. Some programs are simply badly designed and won’t obey the rules. When that happens, you'll need to call for support.

e-Training

Want to learn more about your computers? Our e-training courses can help you in the comfort of your home or office. Courses include introduction to the Internet, Learning Microsoft Vista, Office 2007 and dozens of other specific topics.

Just contact us on 1300 798 957 and we can give you all the details. If you book one of our technicians for a computer service, you'll get 30 days complimentary access to the e-learning programs.

Internet Filtering

The issue that's focussing the minds of the IT industry at the moment is the proposal to force all Internet access to go through a government approved filter.

After a trial in Tasmania, the government is now looking at trialling it nationally. Optus and iiNet have agreed to take part in the trial.

This proposal is by far the most controversial issue in the Australian IT industry for years. The amount of venom on both sides has phenomenal with the minister, Senator Conroy, accusing opponents of the proposal as supporting child pornography recently.

The pros and cons of Internet filtering are quite substantial and we'll be looking at the issue on tonight's ABC Nightlife spot. If you can't tune in, we'll be summarising the issues on the web site in the next few days.

Speaking Services

If you're trying to navigate the shoals and traps of technology PC Rescue's Managing director, Paul Wallbank, can help your business or community group around the traps. Upcoming engagements are shown on the Speaking page. Topics include;

Future office: Where will our offices be in twenty years time
Web 2.0 for free: How to get on with the hype without spending a cent.
The elder guru; exploding the myths of the digital divide.
Ten ways to revolutionise your business IT
What does it all mean? cutting through computer jargon.

We can tailor a topic to your requirements. Paul also does a limited number of free presentations for community and educational groups. Contact us for more details.

A blacklist is something you've decided you don't want on your system. For instance, you can blacklist certain email address or topics from your email program so you don't see these messages.

Blacklist lie at the core of Internet filtering. The main technology proposed for the Federal government's proposed Internet filter includes keeping a blacklist of inappropriate websites to stop families inadvertently going to them.

Blacklists involve some work to keep up to date and this is one of the criticisms of the proposal.

ABC Radio Spots

The next Nightlife is on Friday, November 14 at 10pm where we'll be talking about Internet filtering. Our next Sydney 702 Weekend spot will be at 10am on November 23 where we'll be looking at wiping old computers.

Feel free to call in on 1300 800 222

If you'd like to offer any suggestions about topics or improvements to the shows please contact us.

Comments and suggestions

If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss on the websites, Smart Company blog or the radio spots please contact us.

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