Tech News
May Tech News Archive in Reverse Chronological Order
5-31-04
Apples Fix Does Not Fix All
John Gruber from Daring
Fireball continues to report that
Apple is more concerned with image than with substance and more importantly,
the last security fix from Apple does not address all the security issues
despite Appleís (and this columnís) assurances that it did address the
same. Furthermore, Apple claimed the latest fix included the previous security
fix release, but in-fact did not include the fix. This recent and real
threat to Mac people deserves attention. John recommends the free fix from Rubicode
Software that installs a system
preference panel to disable or change settings, and Leo
Laporte recommends Paranoid Android
to watch over the incoming internet traffic.
Mac Users Report More Troubles
As we have reported previously,
we have had no conflicts with the latest update but many users continue
to experience problems as reported by eWeek.
MaAfee Releases Virex 7 Update
.Mac members and McAfee
Security customers can find a new
update for their virus detection systems from the company website or by
opening your Virex application and begin a virus scan, it should prompt
you to update.
Linux and Windows Security Comparison
NewsForge has
an excellent article that compares the security of Linux and Windows that
is aimed at IT managers, but could also be useful to those contemplating
running an in home server.
The Top Five Windows Downloads From CNET
1. Ad-aware (kills
spyware)
2. Spybot-
Search & Destroy (another popular
spyware killer)
3. ICQ
4.0 ( a favorite chat client)
4. Winzip (opens
zip files)
5. iMesh (allows
users to search and share files)
Bonus! Limewire (gives
you more searching power)
5-28-04
Weekend With The Tech Guy Leo Laporte
If you want to learn more about
computers and have fun while doing it, tune in to the web broadcast from KFI on
the weekends. Leo answers your questions about tech stuff on Saturday and
Sunday from 12-3 PT. You can visit his website at Leoville.com and
find links to his spy cams. You will also find a link to the chat room
complete with links for software to join in with Dan the moderator and
many of Leoís friends. Leo also has show notes complete with links related
to the questions of the day. http://export.cnet.com/export/download/rss-hot-download.com.com.xml
Free Mail Washer
PC
World has the scoop on this free
mail washer to scrub the spam from your incoming mailbox. We have not tried
this, so checkout the information from the PC World's website and send
us your feedback to: contactus@multipleplatforms.com/.
Pear PC 0.1.2 Released
KevinRose.com reports
that the developers of PearPC, the OS system that allows you to run Apple
OSX on a PC has released a new update to make the system slightly more
functional. Kevin is stoked about this project and he is definitely on
the cutting edge, so visit his website and learn more about the Pear Project
and all the other mysteries in the Dark Tipsters world.
Call of Duty Free
for Mac
CNET
downloads reports that Apple users
can try a free demo-version of Call of Duty, warning: addiction to this
game will cost you $49.95!
PC Browser Firefox
is Free
PC surfers tired of the same
old browser can try Firefox from Mozilla.org free!
The browsers' features include popup blocking, tab browsing, a built-in
Google search bar, and best of all: and annoyance eliminator that promises
to rid you of those bothersome problems that occur when you are surfing
away.
5-27-04
64-bit Virus Bites
CNET reports
the first virus that affects 64-bit processors has been detected by security
experts at Symantec and it has been given the name W64.Rugrat.3344. This
virus was written to prove that the 64-bit system has flaws and not to
damage computers. It is not consider a high-risk virus at this time, but
the exploits are sure to follow. Keep the firewalls activated and the router
firmware updated!
Some Apple Users
Complain About Update
Several Mac people have had
issues with the latest updates and you can see a list of these issues at
the Accelerate
Your Mac website. Sean
King from Your Mac Life suggested waiting at least a week to update
to allow any bugs to be fixed by Apple on his weekly radio show. We were
brave and updated the G3s and G4s (no G5 yet, bummer) and have not experienced
any conflicts. Remember to repair permissions using disk utility found
in the application folder. Please read the next article for more on this
update issue.
Apple Security Update
Fails to Close Holes
Reuters reports
security experts at Secunia indicated that security issues remain for Panther
after the last update. Apple users and you should visit Daring
Fireball and read John Gruberís
article ìOunce of Preventionî. After downloading RC
Default you should follow Johnís
directions found on his website. We found that two other URI protocols
are assigned to Terminal, x-man-page and ssh. In a personal correspondence
with John, he indicated that these items would present a problem to 1 in
100,000 Apple users who had specially configured their Macs, but that these
two protocols could be disabled without influencing anything vital; as
John says, an ounce of prevention. Thanks to John for the great article
and the prompt reply!
Windows Looses to
Lindows
PC
World.com reports that a Netherlands court has ruled in favor of Linux
vendor Lindows and against Microsoft.
Although MS prevailed in a previous lawsuit, this ruling will allow Lindows
to keep their company name and continues a string of rulings against MS.
Yahoo Will Offer
New Spyware Toolbar
Yahoo is set to offer a new
toolbar that will help find and remove spyware and other damaging files.
It will be released in beta version to be tested by a limited number of
users beginning tomorrow according to reports by CNET.
Canadian Authorities
Arrest Suspected Virus Coder
CNET reported
another arrest was made in the continuing battle against virus writers,
and again this suspect is just a teenager. The teen is suspected of being
connected to the Randex attacks that spread through IRC chats and file-sharing
networks. No word if this teen may have been trying to boost business for
a relative in the computer repair business.
Free Connection
Keeper for Dial-up Users
Probably the worst part of having
dial-up is being disconnected by your ISP in the middle of a download.
This product claims to end those frustrations and it is free. Try the download
from Softpile.com and
send us your opinions. We have yet to try this product, as we do not need
it, so use it at your own risk and check for spyware after downloading.
Free Startup Control Panel for Windows Users
If you are a Windows user that
wants more control over your startup control panel then you should go to Mike
Linís Homepage. Leo
Laporte the Tech
Guy on KFI and often recommends
Mikeís free software. This application allows the user to control the start
up control panel without having to make registry changes.
Social Engineering
Works
MacIT.org and
the BBC reported
that a recent survey found 70% of those interviewed would give up their
password for a chocolate bar! Many also gave up their secret hints. Hackers
have been wasting time trying to crack into a system; they just need to
have a good supply of candy bars.
FreeBSD 4.10 Finally
Released
After a premature announcement,
FreeBSD 4.10 was released today according to Slashdot and
you can find links to mirror sites there to try the latest and long awaited
release.
California Senate
Passes G-Mail Bill
CNET reports
that the California Senate has passed a bill that puts limits on the scanning
of customerís emails. It was passed after removal of stronger restrictions
regarding consent of all users. The bill now must work its way through
the house before it becomes law.
Case Mods In Acrylic
For those who love to have something
besides the plain gray box, check out the pre-assembled acrylic cases found
at ThinkGeek.
Look for one of these cases in a future how-to build a PC article at multipleplatforms.com.
An Attitude We Like
We love the best parts of all
platforms and just use those applications that work well in that operating
system. That is why we loved the weblog entry by Justin
Gehtland entitled: ìWhy I am not
a platform zealotî, please read it and let us know how you feel about using
multiple platforms.
New On Multipleplatforms.com:
Virus Information from Sophos
Beginning today Multipleplatforms.com can
visit our daily updated page regarding the latest viruses and virus hoaxes.
Use this page as your starting place when you have been infected by a virus.
5-26-04
Apple Does About Face With New 10.3.4
Last week Apple told customers
that the security issue was not a threat and suggested that the frequency
of updates would be slowing in the future. Then there was a quickly released
update on May 21, 2004 that did not address all the security problems,
and on the heels of that update comes the release today of 10.3.4. Apple
claims that this release will address the following issues:
1. Improved file sharing and directory
services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
2. Improved OpenGL technology and updated
ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
3. Improved disc burning and recording
functionality
4. iPods connected via USB 2.0 are
now recognized by iTunes and iSync
5. Additional FireWire audio and USB
device compatibility
6. Updated Address Book, Mail, Safari,
Stickies, and QuickTime applications
7. Improved compatibility for third
party applications
8. Previous standalone security updates
The last item allows those who have
not been updating regularly to forgo the latest updates. MacFixit reports
that the standard and server versions are upgraded. Get the download by
clicking on the Apple on your task bar and selecting Update Software or
go to Apple Support.
New PC Worm Detected
Internetnews.com reports
that a new worm is attacking computers that have not been updated with
MS04-011 Security Fix issued back in April. The worm attacks the Local
Security Authority Subsystem Service and opens ports on your computer to
allow for virus writers. This worm has been dubbed the W32.Korgo.B (AKA
Padobot). If you know anyone with a bogged-down computer, they should use
the Sasser removal available at Microsoft Support.
Block Pop-ups Free
If you do not already use a
pop-up blocker, Major
Geek has a site offering a free
Smart Popup Blocker 1.01. We have been having good results with the Google
toolbar pop-up blocker.
KDE 3.3 Alpha 1
Released
KDE.news reports
that the KDE 3.3 Alpha 1 has now been released FTP servers but if you want
to use it, you must compile enable and debug it yourself.
Reason for SP2 Delay
Leo
Laporte reports in his TLR that
the reason MS delayed the release of SP2 was the effect it was having on
64-bit processors. It was turning them into 64-bit non-processors (AKA
toast). Sometimes it is good to wait until software is fully developed
and stable.
5-25-04
Free Download Tuesday
The free download from Appleís
iTunes Store this week is from
Breanna from the EP by the same name. Windows users
can also use iTunes and you can get free software to use iTunes from Apple
Support.
New Free Firewall Available From Zone Labs
Zone Labs released an updated
version for all their Firewalls including new features for the paid version.
Users of the FREE
version should check Zone Labs site
to make sure they have the latest version. This is excellent protection
for PC users that are not behind a router, and the price is right!
Mandrakelinux ISO
Now Available
Slashdot reports
that Mandrakelinux announced that ISO versions of Mandrakelinux
10.0 are now available for downloading
from FTP mirrors.
Test the Mozilla 1.8
If you want to try out the latest
beta release from Mozilla for Macs, you can download Mozilla 1.8a1
from the Apple Downloads website.
Apple Hasnít Plugged
Holes Yet
CNET continues
to issue warnings to Apple users regarding the security issues that this
column has been reporting on for the last week. If you have not disabled
or changed the defaults on: afp, disk, disks, ftp, telenet with the System
Preference Tool by RCDefault, and
changed the download options on your browsers you should visit the Daring
Fireball website and follow the
directions provided by John Gruber. We took another step today following
the advice from John and have not experienced any conflicts. We would rather
have suspenders and a belt, thank you.
Anonymous,
Based on your description it
sounds like you are having problems with Personalized Menus a feature activated
by default in Win2k. Go to our website for directions and links regarding
this PC problem: http://www.multipleplatforms.com/page4.html
5-24-04
Apple Update May Not Be Cure-All
MacMinute reports
that Secunia
security experts have determined
not all the security flaws were addressed in the Security Update Apple
released on 5/21/04. We installed RC
Default,a great fix you can find
at Daring
Fireball. Follow the excellent
directions provided at Daring Fireball and then the update by John
Gruber for this article and make your system safer; we have experienced
no problems since installing the fix on our G3s and G4s. Apple also released
a new Security
Update for OS 10.2 users to correct
the same issues.
Why All the Apple
News?
We have received some feedback
recently and that is greatly appreciated. This website is to provide information
for you, the computer users. Some of the feedback regarded the amount of
Apple News lately. PC users should not feel left out, for a change the
security attacks are not being aimed at MS operating systems as they have
been for the last few years. We view hundreds of sources everyday and look
at thousands of headlines trying to filter what is most important for you,
the average computer user who does not have the time to look at all this
techy stuff. Soon the PCs will be at the top of the news again, but the
goal of this website is to help people use the best of all the operating
systems to make your life better, hence the name: Multipleplatforms.com
5-21-04
Apple Issues New Security Update
After initially denying the
threat existed, Apple has issued a security patch for the latest Mac Attack
according to reports by
CNET. Click on your Apple icon
and select Software Update; then you can install the update and forgo the
great patch I installed this morning from a source other than the one previously
described in this column.
5-20-04
Farewell to Call For Help-Not to Leo
It will be a sad day tomorrow
for Call For Help fans as the last show is broadcast and the show for now
bids adieu. The show was an inspiration for many new and long-time computer
users and show host and creator Leo
Laporte made the show informative
and entertaining at the same time. According to the TLR,
Leo will continue to have his helpful hints on the Screen Savers, one of
the shows that are making the transition to G4. Call For Help may be purchased
by another network, but for now, the show will be gone as of Friday at
3pm PDST. Leo Laporte will continue on KFI on
the weekends from 12-3 pm, answering your calls on techy stuff and you
can listen no matter where you are on the web (or live in Southern California)
or you can see the show
notes posted after every show.
We will miss this show and wish the best for Leo, Cat, Roger, Dan, and
the whole crew of Call For Help. Leo also requests that we quit loading-up
the G4 mailboxes with our complaints regarding not carrying Call For Help.
Visit Leoville to
keep up with the mayor and to find links to other friends websites from
Call For Help.
Norton Security Update
MajorGeeks.com reports
that Symantec has released a new Norton Virus Definition update today,
make sure you keep your anti-virus updated or it cannot protect you.
Mac Attacks
Yesterdayís news is still relevant
today so make sure you go to our how-to
page to protect your Mac.
5-19-04
Mac Security Hole is Real and Fix is Easy
The security flaw in Apple browsers
is real and you should be proactive despite assurances by Apple that no
one has yet to exploit the flaw. MacMerc.com allows
you to try out the hack (but first follow the directions from yesterday
regarding changing preferences in Safari). Upon clicking on the ìhereî,
your system becomes compromised as Terminal launches and script from this
safe hack begins to execute. You should try it to convince yourself that
this is a real problem for Mac users. It is safe, you can stop this hack,
but you may not be so lucky in the next attack. Download More
Internet and follow the directions
from our how-to page. We tried
the hack again after corrections with More
Internet and changes we detailed
to Preferences and we were not hacked again. This is the best fix and surfing
with an account that has limited privileges will still allow your system
to be hacked, we know because we tried.
Another Variation of Sasser Strikes PCs
CNET reports
that a new variant of Sasser dubbed the Bobax worm uses the same security
flaw that itsí predecessor utilized. The difference with this worm is it
only targets XP operating systems. If a user is already infected with Sasser,
they may not even know the difference. Check for the latest
updates from MS and have Windows
check for updates automatically with
out how-to tip.
Increase the Download Speed of Safari
After you have visited More
Internet and followed the how-to directions for protecting your systems,
check out the tweak for Safari reported in MacIT to
increase you download speed. We have not tried this yet, so use it at your
own risk, but please let us know if you use it at Multipleplatforms.com.
Test Drive Office 2004
Get a free
thirty-day trial of Office 2004,
which should be released ìofficiallyî tomorrow. The top-tier package will
include Virtual PC for Mac and will be worth waiting for if you have an
interest in running PC applications on your Mac. Be forewarned, your system
need to have lots of RAM and a good chunk of space available on your hard
drive, or it will be extremely slow. The release of Virtual PC 7 is currently
delayed as reported here previously, presumably to correct compatibility
issues with G5 processors.
5/18/04
Free Download Tuesday From Apple
Today the download is
from Josh Rouse from the albulm 1972 entitled: James
Secunia Increases Threat Assessment of Mac Attack
Secunia security experts have
increased the threat from the latest Mac Attack to ìExtremely Criticalî
according to MacMinute. CNET reports
that the flaw was brought to Appleís attention in late February. The threat
upgrade occurred as many more exploits of the flaw were exposed in various
forums. The best protection is to run your computer behind a router, and
as usual keep that routerís firmware updated (coming soon: how-to keep
updated without trying). Another layer of protection, do not surf with
administrative privileges. A .Mac account includes anti-virus protection
that is looking more like a wise investment on a daily basis; read on for
more reasons to get a .Mac account.
Upgrades Are For .Mac Too
MacCentral reports
new upgrades are in store for Apple userís with a .Mac account. Some of
the new and upgraded features include: A free download from Symantec-Norton
Parent Software Control (parents: do you need anything more?), and new
features for your homepage that include enhanced downloading features to
make your iDisk using experience better. In addition, you can use programs
like Dreamweaver and Adobe GoLive to create your own website. As a .Mac
account holder, our only comment is: What took so long? We could have saved
$100 by not having to pay for this website. Sign-up for a free sixty day
trial at .Mac.
Many Apples Fall from the Tree and The Day is for the Apple Lovers
Apple released a plethora of
great looking free applications today including: iSpeak-we
have not been able to try this feature, but it promises to utilize the
text-to-speak functionality built into Panther. The user will be able to
convert websites and documents into MP3s/AAC file then they can burn it
or move it to an iPod. This should be a useful tool to vision impaired
individuals, students, and professionals alike, and it is free from Apple.
Apple also released a nice logo creation tool available for a free-trial today.
It is always a great idea to
try before you buy, so here
is your chance.
Apple released another Mozilla browser, Camino: Based
upon the latest string of Mac Attacks, new and Mozilla may be the wave of the
future for Mac
users.
Another cool applications released by Apple is Bike Route- this
program allows you to select a degree
a difficulty for your planned route, print the route out, and then calculate
actual mileage after you complete the ride.
The preceding applications were just released by Apple today, use at your own
risk (we have not had a chance to test them).
Recover Your Documents
Our practice is to not recommend
shareware products that we have yet to test. Having made that disclaimer: at
this time of the year, finals are an unpleasant fact for those in the academic
world, and for those computer users and everyone else, this could be a lifesaver
in the event of an of an application crashing. OfficeRestore recovers
your documents that were intentionally deleted or otherwise. If you are in
a desperate situation you might visit the site, or for the price, you may decide
to purchase this protection. When and if our budget allows for expenditures
on testing these applications, this will be the first program we try.
5-17-04
Another Mac Attack-IE/Safari
Browsers Target
No more laughing at the other people, this
is getting serious as yet another security flaw is plaguing Apple computers
according to MacCental.
This time the security flaw exploits the ìhelpî URI handler and can allow for
the execution of random local scripts. The Safari work around is accessed via
this path:
Safari/Preferences/General/; then make
sure the box that states: Open ìsafeî files after downloading in not checked. There
is no fix described for Explorer users
so a safe practice would be to not surf when logged in as a privileged user
(always a good practice, rarely used even in-house).
GarageBand Updated
GarageBand users can download version 1.1
now from Apple. It includes several upgrades and fixes. Follow this path: Apple/Software
Update and click. If you have not tried the iLife suite, you should it is well
worth the price. Coming soon in our how-to, new fun ways to play with iLife.
Beta Versions of Mozilla
1.7 Released
If you like living on the wild side, you
can try the beta version for Mozilla 1.7 RC2 just released for Linux, Mac,
and Windows. Remember beta version can be buggy, so users beware. Download
your beta version at Mozilla.org.
Another Security Flaw
for 802.11b
Computerworld reports
that irreparable security flaws exist in the 802.11b network protocol and fixes
are not likely to be forthcoming anytime soon if at all. The major impact is
a denial of service for the users. We only activate our wireless network when
necessary. We also only allow our MAC addresses to access the network, and
we do not broadcast our network ID.
The Ultimate Mod
Anyone who has built their own PC knows
the feeling of satisfaction almost every time you boot-up; but imagine how
satisfying it would be to boot-up and reach for a cold one at the same time.
That what this modderís claim to fame is now after combining a beautiful wood
case, a PC, and a refrigerator as reported by Gizmodo.
What will he add next; we are thinking a wet-bar (much better than the kitchen
sink).
5-16-04
Important Update For Norton Users
Symantec released an important update for their product according
to CNET.com.
If you still have Live Update version 1.4 you are especially at risk for
a Trojan Horse intrusion. You can update your software at Symantecís website,
do it now.
5-15-04
Apple Users Can Check for Trojan Hit
If you are nervous about the latest round of Trojan attacks aimed
at Mac users that have downloaded MP3s, you can get a free
Trojan detection tool according to MacDailyNews.
We downloaded the tool without problems, but have no MP3s that we have
recently downloaded to try it on. Let us know if you download the tool
and get any results.
The News is Slow; But Leoís Show is On the Go
There has not been a slew of new virus attacks or updates in the
past several days and that is a good thing. Lucky for us,
Leo Laporte ìThe Tech Guy on
KFIî always has good news, information and helpful tips on the weekends
from 12-3 pm (PDST). Tune-in to KFI if
you are in the LA area, or listen live via the KFI website and follow the
links to "Listen Live".
You can also find the show-notes for every show with details on the callerís
question, a link to Leoville.com,
and helpful answers from Leo with links to websites to help end your computer
annoyances. Call For Help is not yet one of the programs being continued
on G4/Tech TV because Comcast has
yet to come to their collective senses, please let them know that they
need to keep Leo Laporte on their network.
5-13-04
Another Mac Attack
The attack reported yesterday was not a hoax, but Apple gave
a low key response to the threat. Today MacDaily News is reporting a Trojan
attack they have dubbed Nugatory. This Trojan will erase all the files in iTunes.
Read the article at MacDaily
News for more information and beware of what you click-on!
Googlet Free for Apple Users
After warning you about downloading, here is one we have yet to try so use
with caution. Googlet allows
Mac people to search 10 search engines from one small browser. It looks good,
but use at your own risk, or wait until we try it out over the coming weeks
(on a back-up computer, isolated from our network, the way we should all try
out new stuff).
5-12-04
Mac
OSX Update
After repairing the permissions on our iMac and restarting, the problem with
Mac Mail disappeared. In fact, you should always repair permissions and restart
after any new update to your Mac. We knew that, but like everyone else, we
were in a hurry to put the computer back to work and skipped those two important
components of any new fix. Leo Laporte gave
a timely reminder on his spot on the Screen
Savers accompanied by a great
article. Other MacFixit users
are reporting the same fix works to cure most ailments.
Mac Security Warning
Do not attempt to download Office 2004 from any peer-to-peer network unless
you are willing to risk downloading a dangerous Apple Script applet. What can
happen then? According to security
experts at Intego, you could loose all the files in your current home folder.
The applet acts as a Trojan horse and is disguised as an Office 2004 logo with
a file size of 108 kb. The other Mac Attacks have proved to be hoaxes but to
be on the safe side, wait a few days; Office 2004 will be better than previous
versions but just buy a legal version, it is safer and if you wait, it will
include the now delayed version of Virtual PC 7 for Mac.
Another PC Virus Aimed At Windows Media Player
The latest mass-mailing virus is named ìWallonî
and if the victim clicks on the email link the virus is downloaded. The virus
is activated when the infected computer tries to access Windows Media Player.
The virus then emails itself to everyone in the address book and the infected
computer user will not see the media player. If you are hit, download MS Security
Update MS04-13 released on April 13th. You will also need to re-install Windows
Media Player. Another
Sasser copycat has also been detected, down load the update from May 11th
if you want to avoid this attack.
Spybot Releases New Version
Download the free Spybot
version 1.3 Final to keep spyware from slowing down your system. We provided
the wrong URL for Ad-aware previously,
our apologies. Ad-aware is
an excellent program and it does not hurt your system to have both, make sure
you keep them updated like everything else.
Download the Opera Browser for Mac
If you are tired of Safari, Explorer, or whatever browser you are using (we
have been happy with Safari and Mozilla) you can try Opera
available at Apple Support for free.
Virtual PC 7 for Mac Delayed
Another delay announced today, this time for Virtual
PC 7 for Mac. This will be included in the Office 2004 Professional for
Mac, so it might be worth the wait and the additional investment to upgrade
to Office Pro 2004.
New Update Available For .Mac Backup Utility
2.2
Apple released
an update for .Mac account users for the Backup Utility. You can download
it with Software Update (click on the Apple on your menu bar).
5-11-04
Another
Critical Update for Windows XP
After
assurances that PCs with the latest security update were immune to Sasser,
MS released more security updates on 5/10/04 in response to the latest
assaults from the variants of the new worm. We check daily for updates
and had multiple critical and service pack updates to download and install
when we checked the MS
Update site today. Please check for updates at the Windows support site
to keep your computers protected. To have your XP box check for updates automatically
follow the directions available here.
G4/Tech
TV Announcement
The
schedule that will be featured after the merger of Tech
TV (TTV) and G4 has been announced by Comcast, and while the Screen Savers
has been spared the chopping block, the best show on TTV has fallen victim
to corporate trimming: Call
For Help. There is no word if the Call For Help show host, Leo
Laporte will continue with the new network. You can still hear Leo on
the radio and over the internet as The
Tech Guy on KFI, and you can check out his website at Leoville.com.
Let Comcast know that Leo
is worth keeping, visit his website to
find more information on petitions to keep Leo on the TV screen.
More
About The OSX Update
This
may be a problem with our ISP, but since downloading the latest update we are
having trouble with Mail after the iMac has gone into sleep mode. Our primary
account is functional and the problem is only with one sub-account; we can
still check the problem account via the Comcast website, so it is just an irritation.
We will let you know if when we find the fix to this Mac Annoyance.
5/10/04
Mac OS X Update Continued
More problems that could be associated with the 5-3-04
security update from Apple have been reported by MacFixit, and their report
includes suggested fixes. Nothing
at the Apple Support website regarding
the issue at this time, but only some
users have reported issues; our Macs all handled the updates with no
problems.
Update
for new G4 iBooks
If you have a 12-inch (1GHz) or a 14-inch (1.2Ghz), Apple has a recommended update
available for your graphics driver. The update addresses compatibility
issues that might occur if applications use OpenGL. No reports on issues with
this update that was released 5/6/04.
Logic Board Recall Extended
This happened to our iBook, and it could happen to yours too: Scrambled or
distorted video and then the appearance of unexpected lines on the screen.
We had a bad logic board and after consulting with customer service at Apple,
we began the quick and easy process of having the logic board replaced. Being
prepared for emergencies like this counts, so make sure you follow the geeks
code if you currently have any computer, BUB
(backup, update, backup). Apple had the iBook back in three days and
we have been happy since. Other symptoms that might indicate a bad logic board
include: irregular video images, video freeze, and/or the iBook starts up to
blank screen. Apple Support has more information including the length of the
warranty extension and the iBook
models that can be effected.
New Sasser Strikes as Writer Confesses
Even as we speak took on a new meaning as investigators learned that another
variant of Sasser had been unleashed as they interviewed the suspected
author. The suspect apparently wrote the worm to help
his motherís business, and if you guessed that she owns a computer repair
shop, you would be right. It was a Mothers Day present she will never forget!
Check with the Sasser link
by MS for more information.5/9/04
Sasser Worm Writer Confesses After Arrest
According to
the BBC,
an 18-year-old German man has apparently confessed to writing the Sasser worm
that targets computers that have not had the most recent MS
security update. Officials are not sure if this young man is responsible
for all the versions of the Sasser worm and left open the possibility that
previous claims by the authors of Netsky are valid. Rewards offered
by MS might have been the key leading to the arrest of this suspect.
Some Complaints About Latest OSX Security Update
I have not experienced any of the
problems others are citing, but if you are having trouble with e-mail, and/or
wireless, you are not alone.
Some of the people reporting problems have had the symptoms disappear after
several restarts, and you could try to repair permission accessed from Applications/Utilities/Disk
Utility/. Select the disk you want to have permissions repair, and click repair
permission, make sure you have saved and closed all open applications before
you get started. It is a good practice to run repair disk permission every
week.
Can Mac and Linux Users Be Victims
Should non-Windows
users relax because they have yet to be hit by worms and viruses? According
to the experts,
we probably should not get comfortable. Although an attack on Linux or Apple
users would be slower to spread, it is a possibility. What should you do? Get
behind a router and sign-up for a .Mac account and you can be protected by
McAfee anti-virus protection. Just like any other virus protection, you need
to keep current with the updates, but McAfee will prompt you for this. Combined
with the off-site storage and the web site you get in addition, $99 is a bargain.
5-7-04Tech TV Fires Everyone
In
a move that everyone seemed to expect, Comcast has fired all the employees
of Tech TV. The Tech TV network was purchased by Comcast and
they already have computer gaming programs on their techy cable channel.
Comcast may keep the San Francisco studios open with a skeleton staff.
I hope that the cast and crew from Call for Help and Tech TV, and
all the other great programs the channel offered will be given new
opportunities with Comcast. Leo
Laporte is my inspiration for this website, and we can still
hear him as the Tech Guy on KFI,
but the TV screen will be without a good tech show hosts if someone
doesn't hire Leo and his friends soon. You can find petitions and
addresses to let Comcast know how you feel at Leoville.com.
Hot
Mail Down Today
Hot
Mail was down for the count today and millions of customers had no
service for several hours. If you got a server busy message when you
tried to log on, you
too were hit.
5-5-04
Sasser. Keeps InfectingThe Sasser. worm family keeps infecting Window users who arenít protected by a firewall, or router, and havenít downloaded a Windows update since April 13, 2004. The systems that can be infected are: Windows XP, Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows 2000 SP2, Windows 2000 SP3, Windows 2000 SP4Software Not Affected:Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003, Windows Serverô 2003, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition SP1,Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 98, Windows NTÆ 4.0 SP6aIf you have a friend that canít get their computer to boot-up, theyíre probably infected. Get the removal tool for them from Microsoft. Iím addressing this to you, because they probably canít get online long enough to download the tool themselves. The worm searches for computers that havenít had the MS security update related to MS security bulletin MS04-11, and arenít protected by a firewall or router. You donít have to click on an email attachment or visit a website; you just have to be online (broadband users) and unprotected, to be a victim.More Critics Slam Apples Security Update SilenceMore security experts jumped on the bandwagon in criticizing Apple for not being forthcoming in explaining their latest batch of security updates as reported here 5/1/04.
Meanwhile, Free Give Aways Help iTunes Music Store
A record
number of sales for the Apple Music Store this week, maybe they
should give away a free tune everyday.AVG-Free
Has New UpdateDownload the
update released today and run a virus scan when you are done. Have
AVG check for updates automatically using Preferences.Red
Hat Releases New Desktop LinuxThis
release is aimed
at the user with 10-50 boxes and could be a good alternative
for small to medium businesses; we will post links to reviews of
this product as they become available.
5-04-04
Sasser
is Serious
The
Sasser. worm family is spreading faster than originally suspected and
MS is taking the attack seriously. If you have downloaded the latest
security update from MS, you can check if you are infected.
If you are not sure if you have the latest update, check for the latest
Windows Update here.
You can also download a Sasser
worm removal tool from MS. If you have family or friends that do
not update their systems, download the removal tool and burn it to a
disk. Then if they get the Sasser worms, you will become SuperGeek when
you save their computer from the evil hackers! It would also be great
to include in that burn a free antivirus from AVG and
when you get their system virus-free go to ZoneAlarm for
a firewall, then go to Spybot
S&D and Ad-aware (it
really is beneficial to have to spyware programs working together) and
gently remind them of the geek motto: BUB (Backup-Update-Backup). If
you stay updated, have a router, then you can help take the joy out of
at least this part of hacking. Macs are not targets of Sasser according
to the BBC.
Mozilla ReleasesThunderbird 0.6 From the Release
Notes:
ìThunderbird is a full-featured e-mail and newsgroup
client that makes emailing safer, faster and easier than ever before
more.î More information about Thunderbird is available here.
New Variant of Faster Spreading Sasser, Coded by Netsky Authors?
The new variant of Sasser. B seems to be spreading faster than the earlier version, Sasser. A; and now based on their claims and credible evidence based on the coding, the authors could be the same group responsible for the Netsky worm. There are two other variants Sasser. C and Sasser. D that are similar to the first two Sasser. worms in that they attackWindows XP and 2000 users by establishing remote control of the victims computer. The worm turns your computer into an FTP server. You will probably notice a considerable decline in your performance and may not be able to shut down your computer. Keep your Windows system updated! If you downloaded the update as we suggested on 4/25/04 you should be safe, but it takes less than a minute to check Windows for updates. Remember to activate your built-in firewall, use third-party firewall software, or best of all get behind a router, even if you only have one computer.
Apple Also Has a New Security Update for 10.3.3
Apple seems to be jumping on the weekly security update wagon. Based on the previous story, this update could be important, because it addresses FTP issues. I have installed the update on my old iMac and haven't experienced any problems. I have only read of one negative report regarding issues with the update that was released today. I will update my other Macs after posting these articles and update this news item if warranted.
Scrub Those Important Files
This is news that needs to be repeated; when you sell your old computers or donate them to a school, make sure you remove all the data. I am not a hacker, but I picked up a Mac SE (perfect shape, runs great, and worth $15 to me) at a garage sale this weekend. When I fired it up, I found the previous owners tax returns, their social security numbers and plenty of vital information that a less than honest Apple collector could use for identity theft. I will not take advantage of this social engineering, but somebody else could. I will research methods to scrub your computers before disposal, and present your options in a future how-to article.
5/1/04
New Updates for OSX
Apple users will find new updates available for iTunes and QuickTime when they check for updates. Apple claims the QuickTime 6.5.1 update delivers many important improvements associated with new iTunes features. CNet news.com reports that the update corrects a flaw that caused QuickTime movies to malfunction and this flaw was reported earlier in the year to Apple by eEyedigital Security. Source:CNet news.com @ http://news.com.com/2100-1002_3-5203525.htmlTo check for software updates in OSX: Click on the Apple in your menu bar, and select "Software Update..." from the drop down menu. Choose which items to install by unchecking the boxes (the boxes are checked by default) of any updates you don't want, or click on install all. You can also get Apple updates at: http://www.apple.com/support/
