January Tech News Archive in reverse chronological order

1.31.05 Windows Flaw Squashed

CNET is reporting that the major flaw discovered in MySQL database has stopped spreading after the servers responsible for the infection were isolated. The worm is called MySQL bot or SpoolCLL and cannot infect other computers without access to the servers according to security experts interviewed by CNET.

Problems With Latest Apple Update

Reports of problems with the latest update from Apple continue to trickle into MacFixIt, and some visitors are experiencing problems launching various applications after installation of the update. If you are experiencing problems after installing the update, please visit MacFixIt to learn about the suggestions for a work-around.

Free Tool For Multiple Platforms Users

MacWorld has a link to a free OS X kernel extension that allows you to use a Windows keyboard with your Mac. The program is also handy even if you are not yet a Multiple Platforms user, as it allows you to reconfigure the keyboard in a number of ways.

Look For Podcast Tomorrow

Please visit this website tomorrow afternoon for the latest edition of “Life in a Multiple Platforms World”. Hear the latest tech news and the topic of the week for all of us trying to survive in this Multiple Platforms world.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released updates bulletins for these open source systems: Gentoo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and Fedora.

Apple and PC Tip of the Day: Open PDF

A file format that is available for Multiple Platforms users is the Portable Document Format, most commonly referred to as a PDF. However, this file format is only universal if you have the reader available to view the document. It you do not have Adobe’s Free Acrobat Reader visit their website to download a free copy.

What is a PDF file?

This week we will start looking at Multiple Platforms files in support of the how-to tips and today Wikipedia has this explanation for PDF, “Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format developed by Adobe Systems for representing documents in a manner that is independent of the original application software, hardware, and operating system used to create those documents. A PDF file can describe documents containing any combination of text, graphics, and images in a device independent and resolution independent format. These documents can be one page or thousands of pages, very simple or extremely complex with a rich use of fonts, graphics, color, and images. PDF is an open standard, and anyone may write applications that can read or write PDFs royalty free. Free readers for many platforms are available for download from the Adobe website, and there are several free open source readers, including Xpdf for POSIX-like systems with the X Window System; GPdf, a derivative of Xpdf for GNOME; GSPdf and ViewPDF, for GNUstep; and front-ends for many platforms to Ghostscript.”

1.28.05 New Worm Attacks Windows

A new attack on Windows systems may have already infected up to 8,000 computers according to a story carried by CNET. This worm is named “MySQL bot” and attacks Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. The worm cracks the system administrator’s password and then begins to take control of your machine.

Bagle is Back

The Bagle worm is back just like a bad dream that you keep re-visiting. According to PC World, the new versions have been given the name Bagle.AZ, and the worm is spreading across the globe. A copycat version dubbed Bagle .AY has also appeared. The naming of these plagues is a source of confusion as some of the security firms refer to these worm as the “Beagle” family of viruses.

A Few Issues With Apple’s Security Update

MacFixIt is reporting that some people have had problems installing the recent Apple update using Software Update. If you are experiencing this type of issue, you can visit the Apple software download page and then download the ‘standalone’ 2005-001 update. Other reports regarding the update include slow startup of applications like Mail. app and problems with Safari. The article also reminds Apple users about the best technique for installing updates. Remember to repair Disk Permissions. I have not installed the update on any of my Macs because of time constraints.

Tips for Linux Newbies

If you are looking for a how-to on migrating to Linux, PC World has a great article published this week. I found the link to this story from Linux Today.

Open Source Update

The following open source systems have updates available according to Secunia: Debian (1, 2, 3), Gentoo, Red Hat, and SuSE.

Apple Tip of the Day: Apple Won’t Go

Today’s tip is the type of thing you need to know about before the situation occurs, how to make your Mac go when it does not start up. Apple provides various fixes at the Apple Support site and if you do not read it now, you will not know what to do if the day comes that your computer does not start.

PC Tip of the Day: Command Line 411

The PC tip of the day is a listing of all the command lines for Windows. Microsoft also provides an explanation of the command and a sample of the code most often associated with the command.

What is a Ping?

We wrap-up the week’s definitions from Wikipedia with following: “ping is the name of a computer network tool used on TCP/IP networks (such as the Internet). It provides a basic test of whether a particular host is operating properly and is reachable on the network from the testing host. It works by sending ICMP packets to the target host and listening for replies; its operation is analogous to active sonar in submarines, in which an operator issues a pulse of energy (a network packet) at the target, which then bounces from the target and is then received by the operator, hence the name.

The tool was written by the late Mike Muuss.

The usefulness of ping in assisting the diagnosis of Internet connectivity issues was impaired from late in 2003, when a number of Internet Service Providers filtered out ICMP Type 8 (echo request) messages at their network boundaries. Internet worms such as Welchia flooded the Internet with ping requests as they sought to locate new hosts to infect, causing problems to routers across the Internet.

Related network tools include traceroute and on unconventional Windows operating systems, pathping.”

1.27.05 Beware of Phony Microsoft Email Message

CNET was on the receiving end of an email message/phishing attempt that used this message line: ‘MS Window/ Critical Error’. As usual, numerous mistakes in the text of the message help reveal the true nature of the message. Microsoft never sends updates via email. To update any MS product you will need to visit their web site, or have your box configured to download updates automatically.

Missing Data from iDisk Account

Apple notified .Mac users of a routine system maintenance event that was scheduled for this past weekend and somewhere in the process, something malfunctioned resulting in lost data for some .Mac users. If you try to synchronize your Mac with the iDisk and receive error –39, error –43, or Error= 49 messages you may have a problem. Visit MacFixIt and post your issues if you are having similar conflicts. Unfortunately, Apple no longer provides phone support for the .Mac accounts.

What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been

If you followed the route chosen by Microsoft’s MapPoint for travel between two cities in Sweden, it really would be a long and strange trip; one that leads through Germany, London, and the U.K and then back to Sweden. Check out the map at CNET.

Check Out the Podcast

Click on the podcast logo below to hear this week's tech news and learn about Multiple Platforms and how the Mac mini will help the evolution of Multiple Platform converts. When you click on the logo a mp3 file will launch and your media player.

Open Source Updates

Secunia announced updates for these open source systems: Fedora (1, 2, 3), Conectiva (1, 2), Debian, Mandrakelinux (1, 2), and Gentoo.

Apple Tip of the Day: Start in the Safe Mode

There are times that you need to start your Mac without all the normal startup programs firing up too. To start in the safe mode hold down the shift key when you hear the startup chime. Visit the Apple web site to learn more about this issue.

PC Tip of the Day: Start in Safe Mode, Too

PC users can start their Windows machine in the safe mode by pressing F8 while the machine is starting up. Microsoft has more on the subject at their web site.

What is an IP Address?

Wikipedia has the following for the is definition of the day, “An IP address is a unique number, akin to a telephone number, used by machines (usually computers) to refer to each other when sending information through the Internet using the Internet Protocol. This allows machines passing the information onwards on behalf of the sender to know where to send it next, and for the machine receiving the information to know that, it is the intended destination.

An example IP address is 207.142.131.236. Converting to such numbers from the more human-readable form of domain addresses, such as www.wikipedia.org, is done via the Domain Name System. The process of conversion is known as resolution of the domain name.”

1.26.05 Lineage Gamers Beware

The security firm Sophos is reporting a new worm dubbed LegMir-Y is targeting gamers playing the online fantasy game Lineage. The report carried by CNET states that the Trojan horse attempts to obtain sensitive information from players and can disable any security software running on their PC.

Apple Releases Security Update

Apple announced the release of Security Update 2005-001 for the Panther and Jaguar operating systems (OS X 10.3.7 and 10.2.8, respectively). For a detailed report on this update you can visit MacFixIt and for an overview of the patch surf to the article in CNET. Many experts like Sean King from Your Mac Life (catch the show Wednesdays evenings) recommend waiting seven days before installing these patches in case of problems. I will monitor MacFixIt for any conflicts and keep you posted. If you decide to install the update, remember to repair permissions first, backup, and disconnect any Firewire devices before installation.

Pirated Windows Won’t Get Patches

PC World reports that Microsoft is lowering the boom on pirated copies of XP and the company will start requiring verification of ownership before allowing updates to be downloaded. The program will begin in three countries and expand to the rest of the world by mid-year according to an article on the same subject in CNET.

Free Download From Apple iTunes

You can download a free tune by Ellie Larson (no relation) from the Apple iTunes Music Store. Just click on the iTunes logo to the left and download the song available to Multiple Platforms users.

Recover Music from iPod

Kirk McElhearn, Apple author and Mac guru, has a great how-to article on recovering your audio files from an iPod in the event of an accident on your computer. Visit Kirkville for the scoop on this handy tip.

Open Source Updates

Secunia released the following updates or security bulletins for open source systems: Mandrake (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Debian (1, 2), Fedora (1, 2), and Gentoo.

Apple Tip of the Day: Convert Audio Files

You can convert audio files and reduce the file size at the same time using the built-in capabilities of iTunes. First, open the program and follow this path: iTunes/ Preferences/ Importing. Then from the drop-down menu for the field ‘Import Using’, choose the encoder option of your choice. From the drop down menu for ‘Setting’, you can choose the quality of the encoding. You can leave the other boxes on their default settings or change them if you desire. Now go to the file that you want to convert, right-click then select ‘Open With’ and choose iTunes. The file will open in iTunes and then you need to select ‘Advanced’ from the toolbar. You will see an option that will allow you to convert the file to the format you selected during the preference setup. If you selected the WAV option, you will see ‘Convert Selection to WAV’ double-click on that and the file will begin to convert (you will see the activity icon in the source column. When it is done converting, right-click on the file in the Song Name field and selects ‘Show Song File’. You will then see the converted file with the new file extension. Then you can move the file to the desktop or wherever you store your music files.

PC Tip of the Day: Convert Audio Files, Too

PC users can use the free iTunes program to convert audio files too, and this was recently a question from a Multiple Platforms reader. For the complete directions, visit our ‘Answers’ page.

What is a Host Name?

According to Wikipedia, “A hostname (occasionally also, a site name) is the unique name by which a computer is known on a network. The hostname is used to identify a particular computer in email, Usenet news, or other forms of electronic information interchange.

On the Internet, a hostname is an ASCII string, e.g. ‘en.wikipedia.org’ that consists of a local part ("en") and a domain name ("wikipedia.org"). The hostname is translated into an Internet address either via the /etc/hosts file, NIS or by the Domain Name System (DNS) or resolver. It is possible for one computer to have several hostnames (aliases) though one is designated as its canonical name.

It is often possible to guess a hostname for a particular institution. This is useful if you want to know if they operate network services like anonymous FTP, World-Wide Web or finger. First try the institution's name or obvious abbreviations thereof, with the appropriate domain appended, e.g. ‘mit.edu’. If this fails, prepend ‘ftp.’ or ‘www.’ as appropriate, e.g. ‘www.data-io.com’. You can use the ping command as a quick way to test whether a hostname is valid.

The folklore interest of hostnames stems from the creativity and humor they often display. Interpreting a site name is not unlike interpreting a vanity license plate; one has to mentally unpack it, allowing for mono-case and length restrictions and the lack of white space. Hacker tradition deprecates dull, institutional-sounding names in favor of punchy, humorous, and clever coinages (except that it is considered appropriate for the official public gateway machine of an organization to bear the organization’s name or acronym). Mythological references, cartoon characters, animal names, and allusions to SF or fantasy literature are probably the most popular sources for site names (in roughly descending order). The obligatory comment is Harris's Lament: ‘All the good ones are taken!’”

1.25.05 Latest Patch Still Not a Fix

Security experts claim that the latest patch issued by Microsoft has not fixed all the issues. A problem still exists with the ActiveX component of Internet Explorer. Crackers could take advantage of this hole to place spyware on your PC according to a story carried by CNET. You can take this security worry of your list if you stop using Internet Exploder and switch to another browser like Firefox from Mozilla.org/.

Crackers Find New Targets

PC owners are not the only targets of crackers and Computerworld has a story on the latest objective, breaking into phone networks to steal our sensitive information. The avenues of entry are varied and one expert said securing sensitive information in this manner was like ‘stealing candy from a baby’. The information obtained is generally sold by the cracker to a third-party that uses the information to ruin innocent peoples credit and lives.

Ready to Strike Back at Spammers

Project Honey Pot is after spammers that use a technique called email address harvesting and their efforts are but one of those reported on at the Spam Conference at MIT according to Wired. Those attending the conference included an executive from Microsoft and the presentation of several academic papers on the subject of spam. Project Honey Pot has been successful in gathering information that is used to prosecute spammers for their activities. The key to the project is a trap set within a web site to snare spammers and does not effect how the web site appears to the normal visitor.

Thirteen Ideas for Using Mac Mini

O’Reilly Network is a great web site for technical information and they have the link for a story carried by Technology Review.com regarding thirteen ways you can use a Mac mini. Some of the suggestions are interesting including using the mini as a SCADA system (Systems Control and Data Acquisition) to control monitoring systems, and as a hardware firewall for laptops. The article also cites our idea of using a KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch and use the Mac mini to start living in a Multiple Platforms world.

Podcast Delay

A trip to the dentist today will cause a slight delay in the podcast schedule. Trying to produce a podcast would have resulted in a lisp-cast.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released bulletins for these open source systems: Gentoo (1, 2, 3), Mandrake (1, 2, 3, 4), Debian (1, 2), SuSE and Fedora.

Apple Tip of the Day: Compress a File

Today the tip is from the Apple Pro Tip of the Week and provides instructions on how to compress a file. The end of the tip has another handy item, just double-click on a zip file and Panther will automatically open the file.

PC Tip of the Day: Format iPod for PC

The PC tip of the day is for iPod owners that want to format the music player to work on a PC and you can switch formats on an iPod by following this technique. The first step is to load the iPod Updater and the instructions from the Apple site have similar directions for both platforms.

What is DNS?

Wikipedia has this definition for DNS, “The Domain Name System or DNS is a system that stores information about host names and domain names in a kind of distributed database on networks, such as the Internet. Most importantly, it provides an IP address for each host name, and lists the mail exchange servers accepting e-mail for each domain.

The DNS provides a vital service on the Internet, because while computers and network hardware work with IP addresses to perform tasks such as addressing and routing, humans generally find it easier to work with host names and domain names, for example in URLs and e-mail addresses. The DNS therefore mediates between the needs and preferences of wetware and of software.”

1.24.05 Internet Explorer Loses More Users

Internet Explorer continues to lose their share of the browser market according to a report carried by PC World. Most switchers cite the continuing security threats aimed at IE as the reason for moving to an alternative browser. Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI mentioned on his Sunday show that IE is no longer the dominant browser used by visitors to his web sites. At Multiple Platforms.com, IE is still the number one browser, but their dominance is diminishing. Here are the top ten browsers used by visitors to Multiple Platforms: MS Internet Explorer 46.7 %; Mozilla 16.2 %; Safari 14.2 %; OmniWeb 10.2 %; Unknown8.4 %; Netscape 2.9 %; LibWWW 0.3 %; Opera 0.2 %; Firebird 0.1 %; Konqueror 0.1 %. By comparison, the statistics from my other web site CaliforniaFairsandFestivals.com reveal that a whopping 78%of the visitors continue to use Internet Explorer. The two possible explanations for this discrepancy are more Apple and open source users visit this web site because of the Multiple Platforms theme, and return visitors to this site have been heeding our cry regarding switching to a safer browser like Firefox from Mozilla.org/.

Targets Sells Mac mini

How mainstream is the Mac mini? You can now order the latest Apple offering from Target’s online store according to MacNN. Several other web sites that carried this story had input from readers regarding discounts available from Target applicable to the Mac mini. If you are interested in ordering a Mac from Target, please help support this web site and order your new computer through our Target link to the right, thanks!

Switching as Told by Linux Newbie

I have featured articles from tech experts making the change between open source systems, but the author of the article highlighted by LinuxToday is more characteristic of you and me. This Linux newbie gives some valuable insight to those contemplating a switch to the open source world.

New Podcast Tomorrow

I will have a new podcast ready for release tomorrow. Have you checked out the podcasts yet? Just click on the podcast logos below or on the archive page to hear an mp3 recording from this web site.

Have A Question?

Do you have a computer problem that is bugging you? My original intention for establishing this web site was to help people use their computers more effectively. If you are having a computer experience that is less than satisfying because of a bug or annoyance, email me and let me try to solve your problem. It worked for these visitors: “Yet again, you have got it sorted!! I am very impressed!!” and “You have got my iPod working again...Thanks a million for your help...I can barely express how gracious I am…”

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released the following updates and security bulletins for open source systems: Gentoo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), SuSE, and Red Hat.

Apple and Windows Tip of the Day: Restore iPod

The Apple and Windows tip of the day is for owners of iPods that might need to restore their music player to the factory settings. The Apple web site warns of the differences between an update and restore. The latter is a rather drastic measure that erases all your songs and files and you should back them up before attempting to restore the iPod. Most often, you are going to restore the settings when something you did not expect has occurred and you might not have the opportunity to backup first. Learn how to accomplish the restoration with either platform, visit the Apple web site.

What is a Domain Name?

This week we will focus on web related terms for the subject of the ‘what is’ section and Wikipedia has this definition for domain name: “A domain name is the unique name of a computer on the Internet that distinguishes it from the other systems on the network.

Every website, email account, etc, on the Internet is hosted on at least one computer (server). Each server has a unique IP address that is nothing but a set of numbers, such as ‘207.142.131.235’. To access a particular Internet service, one can specify its IP address in an appropriate application, such as an FTP client; however, because it is difficult to remember numbers, an IP address can be associated with a fully qualified host name (a domain name), such as "www.wikipedia.org". Domain names also provide a persistent address for some service when it is necessary to move to a different server, which would have a different IP address.

Each set of letters and numbers between the dots is called a label in parlance of the domain name service (DNS). There are some rules about the size and make up of labels. Each must start with a letter or number, and then may be made up of letters, numbers, and hyphens, to a maximum of 63 characters. These are the rules imposed by the way names are looked up ("resolved") by DNS. Some top-level domains (see below) impose more rules, like a minimum length, on some labels. Fully qualified names are sometimes written with a final dot.

Translating numeric addresses to alphabetical ones, domain names allow Internet users to localize and visit websites. Additionally since more than one IP address can be assigned to a domain name, and more than one domain name assigned to an IP address, one server can have multiple roles, and one role can be spread among multiple servers.”

1.21.05 Office and Excel Data Protection Or Not

The data protection element of Microsoft’s Word and Excel applications may not be providing the maximum level of protection based on a report in CNET. A cryptographer from the Institute of Infocomm Research, Hongjun Wu, claims that critical code was not applied correctly in the encryption portion of these programs and they could by accessed by crackers. A report in eWeek highlights the fact that Microsoft is downplaying the threat and they do not consider this a critical flaw. If security of your documents is imperative, you may want to consider further encrypting methods.

Microsoft Will Issue Media Player Security Patch

Microsoft acknowledges the threat to PCs from the flaw in Windows Media Player is worthy of a fix and they will issue a patch within 30 day according to PC World. The article also includes reminders from MS to users regarding exercising caution when downloading Windows Media Audio (WMA) files. PC World provides Windows users with advice on changing settings until Microsoft updates the security for this problem.

Ducks Aren’t the Only Ones Migrating

Tech expert Walter Mossberg believes that the Mac mini will provide the impetus for Windows users to make the jump to Apple according to a report from MacNN. Mossberg cites affordability, and the increasing security threats that are plaguing PC owners as reasons for making the change. We say, why replace your PC when you can just supplement your life and increase your enjoyment by adding the Mac mini to your computer world.

Phisher Follow-Up

Our email address is not the only one being targeted by phishers and a report in CNET confirms that millions of us are being bombarded with requests to ‘update accounts’. The story likens the new wave of phisher to an organized crime syndicate. The new phisher has discovered spell check and includes legitimate looking links.

Open Source Updates

Secunia released these open source security and update bulletins: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Fedora Core 2/3 (1, 2), Gentoo (1, 2), and Conectiva.

Apple, Open Source, and PC Tip of the Day: Multiple Platforms Answer for Safe Emailing

I have not had an opportunity to try this program on the all the Macs and PCs yet, but Wired.com has and they have a positive review for Ciphire Mail; and it could be your solution for email authentication (AKA security). I have used it on my old iMac and it works as easily as advertised. The software is free and provides an email authentication to the receiver of your message. I have struggled with trying to implement email authentication before this program and Ciphire Mail is a definitely easier to use than the other options currently available.

What is WAV?

You can find it while you are surfing and according to Wikipedia, “WAV (or WAVE), short for WAVEform audio format, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing audio on PCs. It is a variant of the RIFF bitstream format method for storing data in "chunks", and thus also close to the IFF and the AIFF format used on Macintosh computers. It takes into account some peculiarities of the Intel CPU such as little endian byte order. The RIFF format acts as a "wrapper" for various audio compression codecs. It is the main format used on Windows systems for raw audio.

Though a WAV file can hold audio compressed with any codec, by far the most common format is PCM audio data. Since PCM uses an uncompressed, lossless storage method which keeps all the samples of an audio track, professional users or audio experts may use the WAV format for maximum audio quality. WAV audio can also be edited and manipulated with relative ease using software.

As file sharing over the Internet has become popular, the WAV format has declined in popularity, primarily because uncompressed WAV files are quite large. More frequently, compressed but lossy formats such as MP3, Ogg Vorbis and Advanced Audio Coding are used to store and transfer audio, since their smaller file sizes allow for faster transfers over the Internet, and large collections of files consume only a conservative amount of disk space. There are also more efficient lossless codecs available, such as FLAC, TTA or Apple Lossless.”

1.20.05 Is Your Wi-Fi Network an Open Door?

According to CNET, most of the home Wi-Fi networks in the United States are virtually leaving the front door open for data theft. The security experts interviewed by CNET claims that crackers can steal your information with ‘no real training’. My neighbor has a wireless network and all I have to do to use his bandwidth is to turn on my iBook’s Airport Card and not have my wireless router turned-on. Securing your Wi-Fi network is not always an easy task, but a simple method to protect yourself part of the time is to turn-off your wireless router when you are not using it.

Free Online Tax Filing

Three software companies are collaborating with the Internal Revenue Service to offer free online tax filings. CNET is reporting that Intuit, TaxAct, and eSmartTax will offer no-cost online filing to all their customers. Other companies offer limited free filing services, but with software tax maker Intuit entering this realm, look for others to follow. I have used Intuit’s TurboTax for the past three-years and love the product, it almost makes paying taxes fun (emphasis on almost).

Apple-heads Snatching Up the iPod shuffle

The iPod shuffle is being snatched up as soon as they hit the Apple stores, and the financial advisors at Merrill Lynch estimate the demand may exceed the supply. Considering that Apple has ordered 500,000 units per month from the manufactures, that is an astounding prediction. The story in MacNN also notes that the shuffles began shipping on Tuesday. MacWorld has an in-depth review on the two versions of the iPod shuffle and they give both devices 4 1/2 stars out of five stars. The major drawback to the shuffle seems to be the lack of an additional LED to determine the status of the battery level. If you have received your iPod shuffle already, make sure you read the Multiple Platforms’ Tuesday Apple Tip of the Day.

Bring Back Call For Help

Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and host of Call For Help/ Canada is calling for your help. Leo hosted the same show on TechTV (TTV) before the acquisition of the TTV by Comcast. The cable company stripped the best parts of TTV away and combined what was left with their gaming network. Leo landed on his feet in Canada and is hosting Call For Help there and after adding Australia to their feed, the gang at CFH wants to bring the show back to the USA. You can help by visiting their web site and filling-out their petition; other nations are encouraged to participate too, with a special form for available for you.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released the following update or security bulletins for open source users: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), Mandrake (1, 2, 3), KDE, Conectiva, Fedora, and Red Hat (1, 2, 3).

Apple Tip of the Day: Find Serial Number of iPod

The serial number for the iPod and iPod mini are located on the back case of the player, on the lower portion of the case. You can see the engraved numbers just above the ‘CE’ logo. You can also retrieve the serial number from the About screen by following this path: Settings/ About/ and the serial number will be on the bottom of the dialogue box. If you have an iPod shuffle, visit the Apple web site to learn more about your serial number location.

PC Tip of the Day: AntiSpyware Advice

I finally had a chance to try the new Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta1 application and I am impressed. I keep my PCs clean and only download freeware and shareware applications to Virtual PC for a test run, but the AntiSpyware from Microsoft found two toolbar plug-ins to Internet Explorer present on one of my machines that Ad-aware and Spybot S&D had missed. Lucky thing I only use Internet Exploder when contacting Microsoft for updates! The program also provides a much better explanation of the spyware encountered than the Ad-aware and Spybot and provides real-time protection. The tip for today is, download and install this application from MS, and hope that they continue to offer it free. If you have had a different experience with this beta-ware, please email us.

What is an Apple Lossless File?

Wikipedia has the following definition for Apple Lossless. “Apple Lossless (also known as Apple Lossless Encoder or ALE) is an audio codec developed by Apple Computer for lossless encoding of digital music.

Apple Lossless data is stored within an MP4 container with the filename extension.m4a. Contrary to popular belief, Apple Lossless is not a variant of AAC, but a totally new codec. iPods with a dock connector and recent firmware can play Apple Lossless encoded files. It does not utilize any DRM scheme.

Apple claims that audio files compressed with its lossless codec will use up "about half the storage space" that the uncompressed data would require.

The Apple Lossless Encoder was introduced as a component of QuickTime 6.5.1 on April 28, 2004 and thus as a feature of iTunes 4.5.

This codec is also used in the AirPort Express's AirTunes implementation.”

1.19.05 Mass-Mailing Worm Poses As Removal Tool

A worm dubbed Baba-C is circulating through the email via an attachment that purports to be an “Evidence Cleaner”, but in fact will do just the opposite. The subject line contains the following: “Important! XXX sites found on your computer! ®”. Do not open this attachment, if you are worried about spyware and viruses you can find links to free applications at the bottom of this page. Read more about this threat in The Register.

More On Mail

I received a blatant phishing attempt from a Florida company claiming that they are unable to process our order and they provide a form to update our billing information. Although this could be a legitimate error on this company’s part, it set of bells-and-whistles in my mind. Never respond to these types of queries even if you regularly have business transaction with a company. Pick up the phone in response to these types of issues before giving out sensitive information to an online data collection form that could be a hook from phisher’s. What about this inquiry smells? First, we have not had any business dealings with this company; second, a ‘bot’ generated the message, it includes two grammatical errors, and there is no way to contact the company by phone or mail. I used a ‘whois’ search to learn more about the company, and plan to follow-up on this issue; I will keep you posted.

Source Code Flaw Exists in Mac OS X

CNET reports that a recent audit of Darwin, the open-source operating system that is the backbone of Apple’s OS X contains four flaws that could lead to security issues. Security experts at ImmunitySec uncovered the flaws that were initially found last June, but just published their findings this week. The flaws will probably not be an issue to most Apple users according to the report from CNET. To read more about the technical aspects of this problem you can visit Secunia’s web site.

Apple iTunes Music Store Offers Free Download

Apple and Pepsi are launching another promotion to give away 200 million tunes in specially marked Pepsi products and the event is set to launch during the Super Bowl according to MacDailyNews. You do not have to wait until then to get a free download from Apple, just click on the logo to the left and get the free tune of the week from the iTunes Music Store. You can help support this web site by purchasing your music from iTunes through our link, thanks!

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released the following update or security bulletins for open source users: Debian (1, 2, 3, 4) and Red Hat.

Mac mini and iPod shuffle Orders Shipping

Apple has started shipping the first Mac mini and iPod shuffles according to a report from MacNN. My iPod shuffle hasn’t shipped yet and is promised on or before February 8, a date that can’t come soon enough for me.

Apple Tip of the Day: Updating iPod shuffle

The Apple tip of the day is for those who already have a iPod shuffle in hand; If the light on the front of the iPod shuffle is flashing orange do not to disconnect the device. Apple advises that users not disconnect while updating or restoring the shuffle. Removal of the shuffle may result in a player that won’t function. They further advise that you not disconnect the iPod shuffle while syncing or if the device is in the disk mode. Visit the Apple web site for more on this issue.

PC Tip of the Day: Fix MDATA.DAT Error Message

Error messages that popup during start up are often more of an annoyance than an indicator of a serious problem, and that is the case with an MDATA.DAT error message. A regular reader was getting the error message every time he started his PC. The message is related to the mouse in your house and the fix is relatively simple. If this error message is annoying you, visit our Answers to your Questions page for the fix.

What is Ogg?

Our exploration of audio files continues today with this definition for an Ogg file. Wikipedia has the following: “The Ogg bitstream format, spearheaded by the Xiph.org Foundation, has been created as the framework of a larger initiative aimed at developing a set of components for the coding and decoding of multimedia content which are both freely available and freely re-implementable in software.

The format consists of chunks of data each called an Ogg Page. Each page begins with the ‘OggS’ string that can be used to identify the file as Ogg.

A serial number and page number in the page header identifies each page as part of a series of pages that make up a bitstream. Multiple bitstreams may be muxed in the file where pages from each bitstream ordered by the seek time of the contained data. Bitstreams may also be appended to existing files, a process known as chaining, to cause the bitstreams to be decoded in sequence.”

1.18.2005

Worm Poses As Plea for Tsunami Victims

Sophos is reporting what seemed inevitable; a mass email worm is spreading using the tsunami disaster as cover according to CNET. Security experts predicted that unscrupulous crackers would utilize the tsunami disaster as a tool in their never-ending quest to make PC users miserable and now that the virus has appeared in the wild, you should exercise caution particularly if the subject line contains the following: “Tsunami donation! Please help!” If you open the attachment named: “tsunami.exe” your PC will begin to infect others. Secunia recommends: “If you receive this or a similar message, please do not forward it to your friends and colleagues. Forwarding unsolicited chain letters wastes time and bandwidth.”CNET reports that one suspect has been arrested for this swindle and planned to use the money for car repairs.

Internet Explorer Flaw 202

The security bulletins keep flowing from Secunia regarding Internet Explorer, sometimes affectionately referred to as Internet Exploder. This issue is rated ‘non critical’ and can affect PCs that have SP2 installed and updated. Secunia recommends: “Disable Active Scripting support for all but trusted sites.” You can also download install another browser like Firefox from Mozilla.org/.

David Vs. Goliath?

The Mac-head and web master of Think Secret is worried about being sued by Apple regarding the leaking of trade secrets and is seeking legal advice on the same as reported by CNET. The problem is that Nicholas Ciarelli is a student and I can assure you that he is not getting rich as a web master. Although not named in the suit, Ciarelli is rightfully concerned; upon hearing this news initially, I felt Apple was trying to send a message to their employees because Ciarelli is not singled-out in the filing by Apple. Others apparently feel the same as online petition are circulating demanding that Apple drop the suit. If you think Apple has made their point and should stop this legal action, visit the link above.

Gamers Should Beware of Third-Party PSP Software Program

PC World is carrying a report regarding Sony’s PlayStation Portable and PSP system software available on third-party gaming sites that causes conflicts. The file is not ready for final release and contains improper data, some PlayStation owners have had to return their PSP to Sony for repairs and the company is charging for the service.

Update to Picasa

Google has updated the free photo software program Picasa according to PC World. The update allows PC photo fanatics to edit, organize, and burn their digital pictures. It is not a multiple platform application but it is free for all of Windows platform from 98 to XP, and Internet Explorer 5.0/. You can download the software from Google or from Version Tracker.

Open Source Update

Secunia released the following bulletins for open source systems: Debian (1, 2, 3), Mandrakelinux, and SuSE Linux.

Apple Tip of the Day: Be A Dock Jock

Today the tip for Apple users is from the Apple Pro Tip of the Week web site and will enlighten you on a way to access the Dock preferences. You are a control-click away from running your dock like never before, first click on the Apple link, and then learn the secrets of the Dock jocks.

PC Tip of the Day: Visit The GodFather

This GodFather isn’t like the legendary figure in Mario Puzo’s famous novels, it helps organize chaos, not create it. The free application is a favorite of Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and he recommends the software to help you organize your audio files no matter what the format, mp3, ogg, mpc, aac, or aiff; to find out what the latter format is, read the definition below.

What is an AIFF File?

Wikipedia has the following definition for an AIFF file: Audio Interchange File Format is a file format standard used for storing audio data on PCs. The format was co-developed by Apple based on Electronic Arts Interchange File Format (IFF) and is most commonly used on Apple Macintosh computer systems.

An AIFF file is divided into a number of chunks. Each chunk is identified by a chunk ID known as a OSType.”

1-17-05

Windows Media Player Allows Spyware

The new pathway to plant spyware on your PC is through a flaw in Windows Media Player according to Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI and CNET. Leo discussed the issue during his shows this weekend and recommends installing Service Pack 2. Leo has directions on how to install the update with the least amount of pain. Remember to clean your system; removal of spyware is imperative to a trouble free update. Next backup and verify that the backup is readable. Then set a Restore Point; for more details on this important security fix, visit Leo’s site. In the CNET article, Microsoft denies that the hole is a risk; so is this how MS forces us to use their spyware removal tools, by denying that a serious spyware hole in WMP is not a threat? On the other hand, maybe MS is behind the… the conspiracy theory arises from the ashes.

Problems Are Few for iTunes Update

I promised to monitor MacFixIt for problems associated with the latest iTunes update, 4.7.1 and the reports so far are few and related to dropping issues and Airport Express. This of course could be caused by numerous other sources and the appearance of the same could be coincidental. I have not experienced any problems and cannot wait to try out my new iPod Shuffle with iTunes update, stay tuned for that report.

Introduction of iPod Shuffle and Mac Mini is Apropos

John Gruber has a great piece on Apple’s introduction of the iPod Shuffle and the Mac Mini on his web site, Daring Fireball. Although he sounds cool to the Shuffle, he brings to light the reasoning behind the pricing, timing, and features of the latest releases from Apple. John’s web site is informative and thought provoking, if you haven’t visited Daring Fireball, you should.

Fedora Core 4 Releases Scheduled

Linux News has the word on the release schedule for Fedora Core 4. The first test is scheduled for February 21, the subsequent tests are scheduled for March 21, April 18, and the final release is slated for a May 16.

Open Source Updates

Secunia released update or security bulletins for the following open source systems: Gentoo Linux 1.x/, and Sun Solaris 9.

Apple Tip of the Day: Get a Little Snitch

Mac-heads don’t have to worry as much about Internet security as PC owners, but there are reasons you might want to protect your Mac. A product that provides security for the Apple community is Little Snitch and you can try a demo-version free. If you like the comfort and security, the full version is priced at $24.95.

Don’t Use Cocktail If Dreamweaver is Installed

Last week I recommended you try Cocktail for routine maintenance but you should not use it if you have Dreamweaver installed; apparently there is some type of conflict that prevents Dreamweaver from starting after running Cocktail. There are two fixes for this problem, email me if you need advice.

PC Tip of the Day: Update AVG Free

If you use AVG AntiVirus 6.0, you need to upgrade to AVG Free Edition 7.0.3 within the next week, or risk the consequences. I just completed the installation and ran the program and the verdict is no virus found. The update is PC Worlds’ most popular download of the week. You can visit PC World or launch your program and update from within the application.

What is an MP3?

This week the 'what is' section will explore the various types of audio files. Today Wikipedia has the following definition for an MP3, “MP3 (or, more precisely, MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3) is an audio compression algorithm capable of greatly reducing the amount of data required to reproduce audio, while sounding like a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio to most listeners.”

1.14.05 New Worm Plays Tetris

The latest worm roaming in the wild plays Tetris with you while it infects your PC and any other computer it can wiggle into according to CNET. The worm has been dubbed ‘Cellery.A’, and the security firm Sophos warns network administrators to be wary of allowing the downloading of games now that this new avenue of attack has been successfully exploited.

Review of Microsoft AntiSpyware

PC World features a review of the antispyware software now available from Microsoft and they give the product a positive spin. The applications includes some nice advance features like browser hijack restore and provides you with the ability to monitor your bandwidth to make sure you’re computer is only working for you.

PowerBook RAM Problems

The MacMegasite reports that some 15-inch PowerBook G4s recently delivered from Apple are not recognizing RAM in the lower DIMM slot. The problem could be related to a logic board issue as simply switching or replacing the RAM has failed to resolve the problem. Make sure you check how much RAM you have running, I have repeated a previously published Apple tip of the day in the event that you missed it (see below).

More Info On Mac Mini

CNET and the David Pogue from the New York Times have excellent round-ups of the new Mac Mini and why it might be the next computer purchase you make. The article by CNET provides prices comparisons with several configurations of PCs. Remember that you can use a KVM switch to simplify your desktop and get around the ‘lack-of’ a keyboard, video, and monitor component of the Mac Mini. I’m thinking that an iPod Shuttle might be my next purchase.

Update Your Wacom Driver

If you use a Graphire 3 Wacom Tablet there is a reason your mouse and pen are attacking strangely, you need to update your driver. Visit Wacom for the latest driver update for the Graphire 3 here, or if you are not sure which Wacom tablet you use, click here. If you haven’t used a Wacom tablet, you should they make photo editing, drawing much easier and the mouse provided by Wacom is very comfortable to use.

Listen to Leo at New Time

For a first hand account of the events in San Francisco this week you can catch Leo Laporte’s show, The Tech Guy on KFI. Leo is answering questions on all thing digital at the new time of 11-2 pm PDT; and he will have plenty of news from MacExpo. Listen to Leo at AM640 or on the Internet using links from Leo’s web site.

Updates for Open Source

Secunia has released update or security bulletins for the following open source systems: Linux Kernel 2.6.x/, Redhat (1, 2) SuSE Linux, Conectiva Linux 9 (1, 2, 3), OpenBSD, Gentoo linux (1, 2), Fedora Core 2/3, and Debian (1, 2, 3)

Apple Tip of the Day: Find Out What’s Up

If you need to know what version of OS X you are running, or you want to verify that the RAM you just installed is present, this Apple tip of the day is for you. To check what you have under the hood of your Mac just click on the Apple in your Toolbar and choose About This Mac. In addition to the aforementioned information, you can also check for software updates and find out which processor powers your Mac (Re-published for the benefit of PowerBook owners).

PC Tip of the Day: Turn Off System Restore

The tip of the day seems somewhat counter intuitive, but there are times you might actually want to disable System Restore on your XP, and you should always turn it off when using a disinfection program according the Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI. To access System Restore and turn of the same use this path: Start/ Control Panels/ Systems/ System Restore. From there you will be able to turn off the System Restore or adjust the amount of disk space usage allotted for System Restore.

What is WAV?

According to Wikipedia, “WAV (or WAVE), short for WAVEform audio format, is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing audio on PCs. It is a variant of the RIFF bitstream format method for storing data in "chunks", and thus also close to the IFF and the AIFF format used on Macintosh computers. It takes into account some peculiarities of the Intel CPU such as little endian byte order. The RIFF format acts as a "wrapper" for various audio compression codecs. It is the main format used on Windows systems for raw audio. Though a WAV file can hold audio compressed with any codec, by far the most common format is PCM audio data. Since PCM uses an uncompressed, lossless storage method which keeps all the samples of an audio track, professional users or audio experts may use the WAV format for maximum audio quality. WAV audio can also be edited and manipulated with relative ease using software.”

1.13.05 Mozilla Has Flaws

Secunia is reporting a spoofing flaw deemed ‘not critical’ has been discovered in most versions of Mozilla and Firefox and effects Windows users. Keep the popup blocker activated and according to Secunia, “Do not take positive actions on dialogs from untrusted sources.”

Analysts Predict Mac Mini Will Boosts Apple Market Share

Although the experts are not predicting that the Mac Mini will turn all PC users into Mac-heads, they are predicting an increase in the number of homes with multiple platforms, according to a report in eWeek. Steve Baker, an industry expert states in the eWeek article, “It's aimed squarely at the consumer adding multiple PCs to the house and who want a small form factor.” Don’t forget, you heard it here first; when you use multiple platforms you get the best of both worlds.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition v7.3

PC World reports that the top download of the week at their site is free software from Grisoft, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition v7.3/. This program has a long record of accomplishment inkeeping your system clean, but it is up to the PC owner to keep the application current; if you do not update a program, especially firewalls, spyware, and anti-virus applications they are worthless.

Apple Updates iTunes to Fix Flaws

Apple has released an update for iTunes, iTunes 4.7.1 and according to the report in CNET the patch is in response to a security flaw that exists in the 4.7 versions of iTunes. Apple claims that the update is to accommodate the recently introduced iPod Shuttle. A patch is available for multiple platforms. I installed the update yesterday and haven’t experienced any problems; MacFixIt readers have not reported any problems so far, but I will monitor the situation and keep you posted if problems occur.

Open Source Updates

The security experts at Secunia have been busy and the following updates are available for open source systems: Gentoo Linux 1.x/. Mandrake (1, 2), Debian, Fedora Core 2/3, OpenBSD 3.x/, and Redhat (1, 2, 3, 4).

Apple Tip of the Day: Sync That iPod

The Apple tip of the day is aimed at iPod owners who need to master the art of synchronization and applies to Windows iTunes users too. To learn how to sync your iPod with your computer visit the Apple web site. You can sync from the Mac to the iPod or you can sync from your iPod to Mac or Windows PC.

PC Tip of the Day: Configure Remote Desktop

If you have a PC with Windows XP Pro, you can access the computer remotely and that is the tip of the day. First, follow this path: Start/ Control Panels/ Systems/ Remote and then you can click on Allow users to connect remotely to this computer and Select Remote Users. The Windows Firewall automatically configures itself to allow your selected remote users connect. There are some limitations to Remote Desktop including the lack of control over the monitor of the PC being remotely accessed. The host PC, the computer that is being controlled, cannot see what you are doing and a learning opportunity can be lost.

What is an AAC File?

Toshiba has this definition for AAC: “Acronym for Advanced Audio Coding. Digital Audio Encoding Method used by the MEA110, and recently selected by BMG and Universal Music as the preferred platform for digital music delivery. Advanced Audio Coding is highly compatible with digital copy protection protocols and watermarking; requires 25% less bandwidth than MP-3, and delivers a higher quality audio signal than MP-3.”

1.12.05 Secunia Releases Highly Critical Bulletin for Windows

Secunia has released a security bulletin rated highly critical regarding a flaw that, “… is caused due to an unchecked buffer in the indexing service. This can be exploited to execute arbitrary code through a malicious query.” The flaw affects Microsoft Windows XP and 2003 systems and Secunia recommends applying patches. What patches should you apply? Read on.

Microsoft Releases Patches for Windows

Microsoft has released patches that repair several security holes that are present in Windows XP. According to PC World, Microsoft also offers their new Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) and the early reviews have been positive on the latter. Although I previously warned you about beta applications, Giant has actually tested this beta version before being acquired by Microsoft.

Roundup of Apple’s New Products

First, a correction from yesterday: the new Apple music player is the iPod Shuffle, not the iShuffle as I stated. I was getting the news from the MacMerc chat room and with so many contributing to the chat, while the keynote speech was being delivered and it was difficult to ascertain exact information. Then I encountered difficulties with Dreamweaver and wasn’t able to correct the error. Sorry. For the best information on the releases, visit the Apple Hot News web site.

Multiple Platforms Gets a Boost

With the terrific bargain offered by Apple with the release of the Mini Mac, the world of Multiple Platforms just received a big boost. How so you ask. I use my computers for the activities they are best suited for, the Macs are used for creative endeavors, compiling information for the tech news, building and maintaining web sites, and opening all my email. I use my PCs to communicate with those in the business world that only have Windows platforms, I use if for programs only available for PC operating systems, and I use my PCs to dabble in the open source world. With the availability of an inexpensive, compact Mac Mini you can too can add a second platform to your world, and with the addition of a KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch you can use one keyboard and monitor for your new Mac and your PC. It really is beneficially to be fluent in multiple platforms, as you can have the best of all worlds!

Open Source Updates

Secunia released update bulletins for these open source systems: Gentoo Linux 1.x (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), Debian (1, 2), and Mandrake Linux.

Apple Tip of the Day: Invest in a .Mac Account

If you were influenced by yesterday’s Keynote speech by Apple’s Steve Jobs and purchase a new Apple product, please allow me to further influence you by suggesting that you spend the additional $99 and include a .Mac account to your new purchase total. Here are some of the ways a .Mac account can help you: offsite storage, your own web page, email accounts with massive storage space, inside information and software only available to .Mac members.

PC Tip of The Day: Check Your Automatic Updates Status

If you have installed SP 2, you can check the status of your Automatic Update follow this path: Start/ Control Panels/ Systems/ Automatic Updates. From here you can determine your current update status and change it if necessary. I keep our PCs set to Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them. Then when I’m ready to install the update, it is available and I don’t have to waste time waiting for a download.

What is a WMA?

Today our definitions of audio files continues with this explanation from Wikipedia, “Windows Media Audio (WMA) is a proprietary compressed audio file format developed by Microsoft. It was initially a competitor to the MP3 format, but with the introduction of Apple's iTunes Music Store, it has positioned itself as a competitor to the Advanced Audio Coding format used by Apple. It is part of the Windows Media framework. An initial reason for the development of WMA might have been that MP3 technology is patented and has to be licensed from Thomson for inclusion in the Microsoft Windows operating system. A WMA file is almost always encapsulated in an Advanced Systems Format (ASF) file. The resulting file may have the filename suffix "wma" or "asf" with the "wma" suffix being used only if the file is strictly audio. The ASF file format specifies how metadata about the file is to be encoded, akin to the ID3 tags used by MP3 files. ASF is also patented in the United States. Files in this format can be played using Windows Media Player, Winamp and many other alternative media players. The FFmpeg project have reverse-engineered and reimplemented the WMA format to allow its use on POSIX compliant operating systems such as Linux.”

1.11.05 New Mac Will Retail for $499

Hot news from the Keynote in San Francisco: Steve Jobs has announced there will be a new Apple added to their lineup, the Mac Mini and the starting price is $499 and it will be available on January 22. Jobs also announced a new flash drive music player , the iPod Shuffle. Apple’s software lineup will have a new addition, iWorks; the iLife and Keynote suites have also been improved. The Apple Store web site was off-line shortly after the big announcements.

Long Delay For Short Post

I received a surprise today after performing routine maintenance the software that I use for the web site no longer functioned with my iMac. After several attempts to correct the matter failed, I loaded the application on my iBook and the news today will be confined to the above. Sorry.

Apple Tip of the Day: More Info…

With yesterday’s tip, we confirmed the version of OX X installed on the Mac, the amount of ram, and the processor power and the tip today will build on that foundation. To find out the intimate details of your Mac, click on the Apple in your Toolbar and choose About This Mac. Then select More Info that will launch the System Profile and from this window you can view the intimate details of your Apple.

PC Tip of the Day: Can I See Some ID, Please?

To check the name of your Windows XP computer, or if you would like to change the name of the PC follow this path: Start/ Control Panels/ Systems/ Computer Name. From this window you can see the computer description and if you want to change the name you can select the Change box and follow the prompts.

What is an Ogg File?

The definition today is for an Ogg file and Wikipedia provides this explanation, “The Ogg bitstream format, spearheaded by the Xiph.org Foundation, has been created as the framework of a larger initiative aimed at developing a set of components for the coding and decoding of multimedia content which are both freely available and freely re-implementable in software. The format consists of chunks of data each called an Ogg Page. Each page begins with the "OggS" string which can be used to identify the file as Ogg. A serial number and page number in the page header identifies each page as part of a series of pages which make up a bitstream. Multiple bitstreams may be muxed in the file where pages from each bitstream ordered by the seek time of the contained data. Bitstreams may also be appended to existing files, a process known as chaining, to cause the bitstreams to be decoded in sequence.”

1.10.05 Best of Electronics Show

Everything about the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas is gone but the hangovers and blisters, however PC World has captured the best of the show in pictures and they provide a wrap-up of the same at their site. The theme of the show seems to be a smaller package with a larger punch, or a big screen with an even bigger price. Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI has reviews from several tech experts covering the show including Kevin Rose and Patrick Norton.

Big Week for Apple

The rumors will be confirmed or refuted tomorrow when Steve Jobs presents his keynote speech, but expect many announcements today and throughout the week about new applications and cool add-ons for Mac-heads. First up in new applications includes a new beta version of a desktop search tool from blinkx, blinkx 2.0 according to MacNN. I have not had a chance to check this tool out on the Mac, but it worked well on the PCs (although not as well as Copernic). In a story on the same product, MacMinute states that the company calls the process “Smart folders�? and the folders are updated when new information is available. Another release aimed at Apple users and featured by MacNN is a release from MacWeb.com, iApp Server 1.0/. This will help FileMaker Pro 7 users post data to their web sites. In another announcement, AquaMinds’ announced an update for their organizing application, NoteTaker 1.9/. According to MacCentral, the update includes new plug-ins for freehand drawing, diagramming, and more.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released bulletins for the following open source systems: Debian (1, 2), Linux 2.4.x/ 2.6.x/, Fedora Core 2/3, and Gentoo Linux 1.x/.

Apple Tip of the Day: Find Out What’s Up

PC Tip of the Day: Check Your Vital Stats

The PC tip of the day is the method you use to check the status of your XP operating system. Although this is a basic tip, you would be amazed at how many people can’t tell me if they’ve updated their PC to Microsoft’s Service Pack 2. Begin by clicking on Start and choose Control Panel; then select System and the General tab will contain the version of your operating system and which Service Pack is installed. If you haven’t installed SP 2 you should follow the directions provided by Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI. The take-home message is to install SP2 on a clean system, free of spyware.

What is a MP 3?

This week we will focus on the types of audio files used in the tech world and today the definition is courtesy of Intel: “The file extension for the audio layer (layer 3) of a MPEG file is MP3. This layer uses perceptual (what can be heard) audio coding and psychoacoustic compression to remove redundant or irrelevant sound signals. It then adds a filter bank known as a Modified Discrete Cosine Transform (MDCT), which increases the resolution of the frequency. The resulting file is shrunk by a factor of 12 (from 1411.2 kbps to 112-128 kbps) without sacrificing sound quality. MP3 files are small enough to easily transfer across the Internet.�?

1-07-05

New Flaw in Internet Explorer

Secunia released a security bulletin for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 6 that is rated ‘Extremely critical’. The flaw even effects PCs with Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed and updated. Secunia recommends: “Use another product. Alternative workarounds:

1) The vendor recommends that the ‘Drag and drop or copy and paste files’ option is disabled.

2) Set security level to high for the ‘Internet’ zone.�?

Secunia has a test available to check your browser security at: http://secunia.com/internet_explorer_command_execution_vulnerability_test/

CES Dominates Headlines

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas continues to dominate the tech news headlines and two great sources for pictures and descriptions are PC World and Gizmodo. PC World’s lead photo is a prototype of a battery-operated DLP projector that fits in the palm of your hand. MacCentral has the scoop on a 5 GB MP3 player from Audiovox that will be Mac-compatible. We recently acquired an iRiver MP3 player that is also compatible with Macs. Look for a review of the iRiver in the future.

Microsoft Shakes Up Antivirus World

Industry watchers expected it, but the announcement by Microsoft on Thursday regarding their new product, Windows AntiSpyware resulted in a drop in stock value for security software vendors and signaled to those companies that the competition is increasing. PC World reports that Microsoft is also releasing a free all-in-one software tool that will remove Blaster, MyDoom, and Sasser worms. Yesterday, I neglected to include the link to Microsoft in the event that you would like to try the beta-ware: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Gadgets for iPod

Gizmodo also has the link to a roundup of the accessories debuting for the iPod at the CES in Las Vegas. Playlist, a cool web site for PCs and Macs (AKA Multiple Platforms) has an article with pictures and descriptions of the latest toys to add your iPod enjoyment.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released security bulletins for the following open source systems: Debian (1, 2, 3), Gentoo Linux 1.x (1, 2, 3), Mandrake (1, 2, 3), Fedora Core 2/3 (1, 2), and Conectiva Linux 9.x/.

Apple Tip of the Day: Have a Cocktail

You don’t have to wait until after five o’clock to have this Cocktail if you are a Mac-head. The Apple tip of the day is a re-direct to the web site of the creators of Cocktail. If you already use this application, an update is available for you, and the company offers a demoware version of the product for new users. This utility not only performs a variety of maintenance tasks that are usually not performed on your Mac unless you keep it running 24/7, but it also allows you to control a variety of other settings. A single license can be yours’ for $14.95; you can try a demoware version but beware if you try it you will more than likely be spending $14.95.

PC Tip of the Day: Remote Desktop

If you have XP Pro installed on a PC, you can access that computer from a remote location with a few simple tweaks. Tina Haak from Colorado State has an excellent how-to article on this subject complete with screen shots. I use Remote Desktop to control my PCs with my iMac and I can even drag-and-drop and copy from the clipboard from the Mac to PC.

What is Demoware?

According to Wikipedia, “Demoware is a term of distinction used to differentiate between types of shareware software. Other types of shareware include nagware, crippleware, freeware, adware, and even spyware.

Demoware is commercial software released by way of a free download in a version, which is limited in one (or more) of the following ways:

*Remains functional for a set number of days from installation.

*May only be launched a set number of times.

*Is limited to a set number of "days of use".

*Program execution terminates after a set time period (typically between 5 and 60 minutes).

In addition, the software hides code somewhere on the computer system (in Microsoft Windows, somewhere in the registry) that prevents removal and re-installation of the demo in an attempt to reset the trial period. Once the trial period is complete, the user must either uninstall the software or purchase a registration code.

1-06-05

Huge Compact Flash Cards in Vegas

You’ll be saying Viva Las Vegas if you are a digital photographer that is tiring of swapping compact flash cards in your camera as Seagate Technologies has introduced a new card with a whopping 5GB storage capacity. PC World reports that a ‘smaller’ 2.5GB card will also be available, but no price has been released for these little gems.

CES Tales Of Woe

Even tech geeks have problems and that is the case with those IT people in charge of the Wi-Fi connections at CES. Some of those covering the show have had to use plan B to file their reports according to Tech: Knowledge. In addition, according to the same source, Bill Gates experienced the blue screen of death while giving his presentation!

Microsoft Releases Beta Version of AntiSpyware

Microsoft has released the beta version of their new Windows AntiSpyware application that should help protect PC users from pop-up ads and Internet tracking according to a report in CNET. Industry experts predicted that MS would use the technology they gained when purchasing Giant Software in December to release a security package for Windows users. You can visit the MS web site to try the beta version, but you shouldn’t use a beta version of anything on your main machine. If you must use beta applications, make sure you backup all you important files or suffer the consequences.

Spybot Search and Destroy Update

MajorGeeks.com has the link for an update for Spybot Search and Destroy that was (PepiMK Software AKA Safer) released on 1-7-05. You can visit the geek's site, or activate your program and update from within the application.

Thirteen Free Tunes From Apple

The MacMegasite has the scoop on an offer from Apple for iPod owners; you can receive 13 free tunes when you purchase a new iPod. There is a tip on how owners of iPods that aren’t exactly new can also take advantage of this offer.

One Free Tune For Sure

You don’t have to purchase an iPod to receive free music from Apple, just click on the Apple iTunes Music Store logo to the left and you can get a free copy of a tune from Owsley. If you purchase any music from iTunes, please use this same link and you will help support this web site.

Boost in iPod Mini?

We don’t do rumors at Multiple Platforms.com/, but there is one floating about regarding the 4GB iPod Mini. The story claims that Apple will boost the mini’s storage to 5GB and that those who have already ordered a mini will receive the same upgrade: just in case they are, we have included a link to Amazon.com for this little beauty.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released security or update bulletins for the following open source systems: Gentoo Linux (1, 2, 3), Debian (1, 2, 3), Redhat (1, 2), Connectiva Linux 9,x/.

Apple Tip of the Day: Save Safari Bookmarks

To save your Safari and most other browsers’ bookmarks you can download and install a great tool from Ellipsis Productions, Safari Bookmark Exporter. The preview from MacUpDate states: “Safari Bookmark Exporter is designed to do one thing and do it well: export bookmarks from Safari (now isn't that intuitive?). You simply launch the application, click "Analyze Bookmarks", select your desired browser, click "Export Bookmarks", and then save the bookmark file to the desired location. Safari Bookmark Exporter is also smart enough to know where the default location of the bookmark files are, so you don't need to figure that out in order to have your desired browser recognize your new set of bookmarks.�? I can second the ease of use statement and it will backup most browsers used by Mac-heads. If you don’t have a .Mac account you should definitely check out this freeware for backing up your bookmarks, you’ll be glad you did in the event of an accident.

PC Tip of the Day: Rip It Good

You can rip CDs quickly using Windows Media Player 10 by following the directions from Microsoft’s Support Site. Another great application to use as a CD ripper is Nero and you can take Nero 6 for a test drive by visiting the Nero web site.

What is Adware?

What is adware? Wikipedia defines adware as, “Adware or advertising-supported software is any software application in which advertisements are displayed while the program is running. These applications include additional code that displays the ads in pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. Adware helps recover programming development costs, and helps to hold down the price of the application for the user (even making it free of charge)—and, of course, it can give programmers a profit, which helps to motivate them to write, maintain, and upgrade valuable software.

Some adware is also shareware, as such it may be used as term of distinction used to differentiate between types of shareware software. What differentiates adware from other shareware is that it is primarily advertising supported. Users may also be given the option to pay for a "registered" or "licensed" copy, which typically does away with the advertisements. Other types of shareware include demoware, nagware, crippleware, freeware, and even spyware.�?

Some adware programs have been criticized for occasionally including code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center [1]. Other adware programs do not track a user's personal information.

A number of software applications are available to help computer users search for and modify adware programs to block the presentation of advertisements and to remove spyware modules. To avoid a backlash, as with the advertising industry in general, creators of adware must balance their attempts to generate revenue with users' desire to be left alone.?�?

Check out our podcast for today:

1-05-05

U.S. District Court Seeks to Delete Spam King

The U.S. District Court in Concord, N. H. has forced two companies owned by Sanford Wallace, SmartBot.Net and Seismic Entertainment, to stop surreptitiously planting spyware and pop-up ads on Internet users PCs according to a report from CNET. This should begin to crack the wall of defenses used by spyware creators and their applications, some of which have morphed into browser hijackers. The aforementioned companies attempts are particularly deplorable as it practically disables a PC while pointing the browsers toward fixes sold by Wallace, fixes that often made the PC’s problems increase. CNET reports that, “The software then hijacks Web browsers, causes CD-ROM trays to slide open, and slows down computers or causes them to cease working altogether, all the while displaying a torrent of pop-up ads urging consumers to buy programs called Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter to clean up the mess.�?

Tech World Pauses for Tech Shows

The tech news has slowed, but the rumors have been increasing as the two big electronics shows approach their debuts. First up is the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. CNET reports that the focus this year will be moving high-definition from the living room and into the rest of your life. PC World predicts that this year’s show will draw in excess of 120,000 tech-crazed geeks. Look for more reports on this show in the coming days and tune into Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI over the weekend for live reports from Leo’s friends covering the show. PC World has posted pictures of the first new cool electronic tools introduced at the show including a slick new jump drive from Lexar. The following week will feature the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco and I am hoping to attend at least one day of that show. You can also get live feeds from MacMerc’s senior editor Rick Yager during the keynote speech by Steve Jobs and feeds from the Tech Guy Leo Laporte. Rumors abound as to what will be revealed by the Mac Boss, but if half of the tales are accurate, it will be a smoking year for Apple.

No Rumors Here, Leo Is Moving Up

Speaking of Tech Guy, Leo Laporte has announced that his show will now air from 11am to 2pm on the weekends on KFI AM 640 in Southern California and via the Internet from links found at Leo’s web site. I learned about podcasting listening to Leo’s shows and you can check out the results by clicking on the podcast icon below.

Slate Reviews Desktop Search Tools

Slate, a company owned by Microsoft reviewed the recently released desktop search tools and the top pick is our favorite too, Copernic. These programs function by indexing the data on your hard drive, and I found that Copernic was the least intrusive when performing this task. A majority of the indexing is done upon initial installation, but if you have a slower (AKA older) machine, you don’t need anything impeding your progress. Read about which features earned Copernic the top rating at Slate.com/.

Open Source Updates

Secunia has released update bulletins for Fedora Core 2/3 (1, 2).

Apple Tip of the Day: Check Those Safari Bookmarks

The Apple tip for the day is a handy tool to check your Safari bookmarks. Safari Bookmark Checker will check all the URLs from your bookmark and notify you of the sites that have an invalid URL.

PC Tip of the Day: Cleanup the Desktop

If you are like me, your desktop becomes cluttered with new programs that you are sure will get a multitude of use when you first install it; and what about those documents that you felt you were going to need sooner rather than later. You can clean that cluttered desktop up by using Windows XP Desktop Cleanup Wizard. Just right click anywhere in an open Finder window and select Arrange Icons By and then you can choose the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard option. The wizard will provide you with prompts through the rest of the steps as it rates how frequently you access that new (not so great) program.

What is Abandonware?

This week we are exploring the various –wares and today Wikipedia has the following definition for abandonware, “Abandonware is computer software which is no longer being sold or supported by its copyright holder. Alternately, the term is also used for software that is still available, but on which further support and development has been deliberately discontinued. The most common abandonware is old video games, either computer games or older video game console or arcade games that are played through emulation. Many people think that various older games are more fun than newer games (hence old school gamers), in part because their designers had to concentrate on game play features other than graphics, so these games have gained a second life by being distributed through the Internet. Old school gamers are responsible for the popularity of console emulation. An abandonware fan is a video game player who thinks that video games that are no longer on the market are more fun than video games that are still on the market.�?

1-4-05

Flaw of the Day Strikes Mozilla

Secunia released a security bulletin for users of Mozilla 1.7.x and Firefox 1.x warning of a “less critical�? threat from web site spoofers. The problem has been confirmed in Mozilla 1.7.3 for Linux and Mozilla 1.7.5 and Firefox 1.0 for Windows. Secunia advises using caution when navigating to “untrusted sources�? for the PC users affected by this flaw and that bit of advice could be extended to users of any browser and platform.

This Guru Will Bring Only Zen

They are not competing with Google, at least that is what this new start-up reference service claims according to a report by CNET. Apparently, this phrase is no longer reserved for just Microsoft. The new service enables surfers to search the information sources at GuruNet using their web site Answers.com/. The site specializes in the who is/ what is category of questions. A query of multiple platforms provided this definition: “multiple platforms-- Two or more operating environments, which typically include the CPU family and operating system. For example, if versions of a program run on Windows and the Macintosh, the software is said to support multiple platforms. That application is also known as a cross platform application.

A program that runs on all versions of Windows (3.1, 95, 98 and NT) is sometimes said to support multiple platforms. Although Windows operating systems all stem from the same core, 32-bit Windows programs (95, 98 and NT) will not run under Windows 3.1, and many Windows 3.1 programs behave poorly under 95, 98 and NT. See cross platform.�?

Beware of Tsunami Scams

CNET is carrying a story about a teenager that had good intentions but no affiliations with the organizations he claimed to be raising funds for; no funds were exchanged but this is just the first example what security experts fear maybe the latest trend in phishing expeditions that exploit natural or man-made disasters. No such schemes related to the tsunami catastrophe have been detected, but it will happen soon so beware of email solicitations on behalf of any cause. Please donate to the relief efforts but make sure your funds are directed to a recognized non-profit organization.

Year of the Blog

While the Chinese calendar recognizes 2004 as the Year of the Monkey, PC World is calling 2004 a big year for the blog. Blogs have played a prominent role in the recently concluded elections in the United States and they continue to be relevant today through first-person accounts from the tsunami disaster zone. I use three different blogs in an effort to increase visibility of this web site, but most surfers have yet to discover blogs according to PC World. While blogs are big, the next giant on the block might be podcasting, read more in the following stories.

Wouldn’t You Like to be a Podcaster Too?

A picture is worth a thousand words, but if you don’t have a picture, who has time to write a thousand words? In fact, why write when you can podcast. What is podcasting? Wikipedia has this definitions for podcasting, “The term podcasting was coined by former MTV VJ Adam Curry to describe succinctly the technology used to push audio content from websites down to consumers of that content, who typically listen to it on their iPod (hence the "pod"), or another audio player that supports the MP3 format, at their convenience.�? I have used the term as a ‘what is’ word of the day, but I haven’t had the time to learn much more than the definition. That has changed over the holidays and I have found lots of new toys and technology to play with and learn about. To read more about podcasting visit Wired.com for an introduction on the subject and then check out the story below for links to software for podcast listening and broadcasting.

Podcast Software

There are several applications you can use to receive and listen to podcasts and Leo Laporte, The Tech Guy on KFI recommends the following: “ I currently recommend iPodderX for the Macintosh, and Doppler for Windows.�? I am using a trial version of iPodderX but they also have a free version. After you install iPodderX, you will have a choice of available podcasts and you can add additional feeds that you find. You then listen to the MP3 files using iTunes or your platform’s media player.

How Can You A Record Podcast?

If you are a Mac-head and you have iLife, you can just use Garage Band to record a podcast. Another alternative for multiple platform users is from Audacity. According to their web site, “Audacity 1.2.3 is a new stable version of the free Audacity sound editor. This release fixes a bug that interfered with long recordings on some Windows systems, and another bug that causes random crashes on Mac OS X. It also includes several updated translations, and some other minor bug fixes and improvements.�? I tried this application on my Macs and it is very impressive and probably easier to use the Garage Band; it is certainly cheaper as Audacity is freeware (see yesterday’s what is definition).

Listen To My First Podcast

Click on this logo to download the MP3 file:

Apple Tip of the Day: MailVoiceClip

Today the tip for Apple users is another type of podcasting, MailVoiceClip allows you to send a recording of your voice by email using MP3 files that can be received by Windows and Mac users. We tried it out, it works and it is a simple easy to use interface. You can record your baby’s first words and then email them your family, or just tell that special person how much you care about them in your own words. Thanks to MacCast, a podcasting Mac geek for the tip of the day.

PC Tip of the Day: AVG Free

The PC tip of the day regards the ending of support for Grisoft’s free AVG 6.0 antivirus program and the options available for personal use; the company is offering AVG Free Edition 7.3 for home users and I will be upgrading to this application today. You can visit MajorGeeks.com to download the latest version of AVG Free Edition.

What is Shareware?

Yesterday the definition of the day was freeware and today the word is closely related and Wikipedia has this answer to what is shareware: “Shareware is software that is distributed without payment ahead of time as is common for proprietary software. Typically shareware software is obtained free of charge by downloading, thus allowing one to try out the program ahead of time. A shareware program is accompanied by a request for payment, and often payment is required per the terms of the license past a set period of time (although some consider this requirement to cause the software to be not shareware but a demo). The term shareware was coined by Bob Wallace to describe his word processor PC-Write in the mid-1980s.�?

1-3-05

Relief Efforts Grow

The relief effort is increasing worldwide in a report carried by the BBC and that is encouraging news albeit late-in-coming some eight days after the tsunami disaster in Southeastern Asia. The link at the bottom of this page is repaired and Amzon.com has been receiving record donations thanks to the generosity of the global Internet community. If you haven’t donated yet, please consider using the link below or another of the many available non-profit organizations accepting donations.

Did You Shop Online?

If you did some of your holiday shopping online you are not alone according to PC World. The story states that not only did more of us shop online; we spent 12 percent more per transaction than last year. The other phenomenon observed regarding holiday spending was an increase in gift certificates that extends the seasonal consumer spending into the new year; cha-ching!

Make Firefox Faster

The slim, trim Firefox browser is already fast but you can kick-it-up a notch by following a simple little adjustment to the configuration of the application. It is an easy and educational little hack and if something goes wrong, you can trash the application and re-installing the program again. Visit Insanely Great Mac for the best directions on this adjustment.

Hey Mikey, It Works!

If you have been having difficulties installing iTunes on your PC, please visit our answer page for a work around. It worked for one of our readers who writes, “Hi there, I would just like to say thank you so much for helping me get iTunes working!! The advice you gave me helped me install it first time! I will be eternally grateful to you!�?

No thanks necessary, I’m glad I could help…

Open Source Update for Debian

Secunia has released update bulletins

Popular Topics

January Tech News Archive in reverse chronological order

1.31.05

Windows Flaw Squashed

Problems With Latest Apple Update

Free Tool For Multiple Platforms Users

Look For Podcast Tomorrow

Open Source Updates

Apple and PC Tip of the Day: Open PDF

What is a PDF file?

1.28.05

New Worm Attacks Windows

Bagle is Back

A Few Issues With Apple’s Security Update

Tips for Linux Newbies

Open Source Update

Apple Tip of the Day: Apple Won’t Go

PC Tip of the Day: Command Line 411

What is a Ping?

1.27.05

Beware of Phony Microsoft Email Message

Missing Data from iDisk Account

What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been

Check Out the Podcast

Open Source Updates

Apple Tip of the Day: Start in the Safe Mode

PC Tip of the Day: Start in Safe Mode, Too

What is an IP Address?

1.26.05

Lineage Gamers Beware

Apple Releases Security Update

Pirated Windows Won’t Get Patches

Free Download From Apple iTunes

Recover Music from iPod

Open Source Updates

Apple Tip of the Day: Convert Audio Files

PC Tip of the Day: Convert Audio Files, Too

What is a Host Name?

1.25.05

Latest Patch Still Not a Fix

Crackers Find New Targets

Ready to Strike Back at Spammers

Thirteen Ideas for Using Mac Mini

Podcast Delay

Open Source Updates

Apple Tip of the Day: Compress a File

PC Tip of the Day: Format iPod for PC

What is DNS?

1.24.05

Internet Explorer Loses More Users

Targets Sells Mac mini

Switching as Told by Linux Newbie

New Podcast Tomorrow

Have A Question?

Open Source Updates

Apple and Windows Tip of the Day: Restore iPod

What is a Domain Name?

1.21.05

Office and Excel Data Protection Or Not

Microsoft Will Issue Media Player Security Patch

Ducks Aren’t the Only Ones Migrating

Phisher Follow-Up

Open Source Updates

Apple, Open Source, and PC Tip of the Day: Multiple Platforms Answer for Safe Emailing

What is WAV?

1.20.05

Is Your Wi-Fi Network an Open Door?

Free Online Tax Filing

Apple-heads Snatching Up the iPod shuffle

Bring Back Call For Help

Open Source Updates

Apple Tip of the Day: Find Serial Number of iPod

PC Tip of the Day: AntiSpyware Advice

What is an Apple Lossless File?

1.19.05

Mass-Mailing Worm Poses As Removal Tool

More On Mail

Source Code Flaw Exists in Mac OS X

Apple iTunes Music Store Offers Free Download