This month's newsletter will give you tips to keep your data private, plus a cool download for timekeeping.
Here's a few things to watch out for as you browse the 'net...
1) VIRUSES!!! Another reminder- update that virus checker. Also update Internet Explorer to 5.5 and Outlook Express if you use them. Check for security updates on the Microsoft site. Never open email attachments unless you know what they are.
2) Internet "spying" is a growing concern. Some "free" programs add extra "features" that attach themselves to your Internet connection to send your browsing habits, etc. to a third person. Internet "cookies" can also collect information, but I tend to view them as basically harmless. These "other" programs, however, can cause slowdowns, instability, etc. and can be hard to remove. I strongly recommend a utility called "ad-aware" which can be downloaded free at http://www.lavasoft.de/aaw/ . Run it and delete the stuff it finds.
3) Road Runner and DSL users... you should have a firewall. Some of these services assign you a fixed IP (Internet) address that can open your computer to hackers. Most hackers are not interested in looking at your files. Their interest often is in "hijacking" your machine to use in an "assault" on another PC. If you remember the shutdowns of some major web sites last fall, these were done by many computers with fast Internet connections bombarding the target server with garbage. If you share your Internet connection with a specialty router, you are probably safe, since the box will "hide" your computer from the Internet. If you are a single user, there are software products from companies such as Symantic that give good protection.
For a cool time-keeping download, go to http://www.pawprint.net and check out Worldtime. It can set your PC's clock automatically and much more.
Handy Windows 98 utility... Go to START-RUN and type in MSCONFIG . This software will show you what items are loading and allow you to disable them if you wish. You might be surprised! Be careful in changing settings, though.
Our processor fan deal is still on... D & M Electronics, Inc. will sell you a replacement ball bearing (the best one, NOT sleeve bearings) Pentium Processor fan. (for a typical Pentium chip) for only $4.95 if you mention this newsletter. This is a $10.00 savings over Radio Shack's $14.95. This offer is good as long as supplies last and does not include installation. (We have several dozen in stock.)
That's it for this month... if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, just email me!
Until next time... Happy Computing !
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