SeaMonkey

When I was a child there was this produced you could play with called SeaMonkeys. Actually, I do believe you can still purchase them at your local pet store. Now since you buy them at a pet store, you know were my frame of mind was as I was reading an article this morning. The article was for multiple vulnerabilities for Mozilla Web Browsers. When I seen the SeaMonkey listing I thought it was a typo. Not wanting to be left out of the loop, I went and did a Google search on the product and found there really is a SeaMonkey Internet Browser.

The browser was originally designed on the concept of the original Netscape Communicator. If you like to be a little different, or just want to use a browser that is not on the hacker’s priority list. I would suggest looking into this suit or some other low profile browser. There are plenty out there to choose from. I am still testing the Firefox one on my PC with some difficulty. It seems that because it is a newer browser; it is not compatible with all of the sites I need to use for schoolwork. So if you are going to try a new browser, do not disable the one you are using now until you are confident the new one works as well.

New Trojan

There is another bogus, AV Software floating about the Internet called Antivirus 2009; I unfortunately got caught by it the other day. This virus that got me had an HP log on it; I had just got done updating my computer, so I was of course click happy. It turned out to be a Trojan, and it kept installing all kinds of junk on my system. It took some work, but I got part of the problem fixed using AVG, then had to use two other software products to clean up the rest.

I have all kinds of software on my PC for problems like this, because I have been testing to see which ones work the best. However, this is the first time I have ever had to use three products to take care of one bothersome Trojan. PCWorld .com has descent instructio on how to remove this particular virus problem.

AVG Problems

Oops, apparently AVG has mistakenly labeled one of the Widows system files as malware. The AVG program recommends users to delete the user32.dll file, “The warning was Trojan Horses PSW.Banker4.APSA or Generic9TBN”. Users that have followed these instructions have been having major problem. Computers are either not booting up or continually restarting. If you were one of the users how have deleted your system file; you will have to use your recovery disks to fix the problem.

Firefox Vs. IE

Someone told me today, I was not a real IT person if I did not use Firefox. Well first of all, the person knows way more then me about computers, but I think he is full of himself. Not wanting to argue today I shrugged most of his comments off, but came home to do a comparison on my own computer. I normally use IE, so that is what I am comparing the other browser to. I have use Firefox in the computer labs at school and I personally think it sucks, but I thought I would try it at home and see if I felt any different about the browser.

Before I tell you my over all feelings I should tell you I did browser tests for both IE and Foxfire; both pasted with the same results. I have also used both browsers to surf the net today; I have had problems with both. Foxfire keeps asking me for plug-ins, “That it will not install” probable because I already have them on my computer; it also does not display all of my graphics. IE does run slower than Foxfire, but I can see the whole page I am looking at. I could sit here and tell you why you should use one over the other, but I wont. It all comes down to personal preference. I am going to compare these two browsers for a few more days, but at this time I still think Firefox sucks.

Hackes Hit Pharmaceutical Records

Hackers are at it again, now they are holding peoples pharmaceutical records hostage. I do not know about you but I am pissed. It is a shame that you can not even take a pill in private without someone trying to make a buck off of it. Apparently the thieves are going to release private patient record; if Express Script does not meet their demands. What a joke; I do not want my information plastered all over the place but, I would not pay them. I would rather Joe Schmo know I have PMS before I gave them a dime.

According to the article millions of patient records are at risk. The FBI is investigating and with luck the culprits will be caught before any real harm is done. I would hope that once the FBI goes to arrests these hackers. That they have a bucket of broken rotten eggs to let them carry to the jail house. I normal do not wish anyone ill will but, they deserve being green around the gills for a few days.

Wireless Networks

Wireless network are great but need to be protected. If you are using a wireless network in your home you should be using a network security key. When you neglect to set up a network security key your computer is vulnerable. Other users can us your connection; even view your computer contents via the wavelengths sent out by your system. Today most computers come with a nice built in feature to help you set up your pass phrase. If you do not feel confident in doing so, I suggest you call your service provider and have them help you secure your network ASAP.

I had not thought this was something that I was going to have to talk about. However I have just come back from seeing my son, with the knowledge that this is a big problem. It seems that unsecured networks are a dime a dozen were he lives; leaving only a small part of the population actually having legitimate internet connections. Everyone else is borrowing the neighbors, care free saving money. This is economical but not wise to say the least. If you need more information about your wireless network you can go to your help and support option on you computer.

Click start and to the right you will see Help and Support
In the search engine type in Securing Wireless Network

Public Compter Saftey

Safety tips for using public computer at the public library or work. Using an available computer might seem convenient, but is not always the safest thing to do. To insure privacy using a computer for your personal use, you should practice the following suggestions.

• Do not safe your logon information. Always log out of a site by clicking on the log outbutton.
• You should disable the automatic login feature that saves your name and password.
  
• The web browser on a computer will save information such as passwords.
• To clean your password out of this feature
• Click Tools, then Internet Options
• Click Content tab, then Auto Complete
• Click to clear both check boxes having to do with passwords
• To delete temporary Internet files
• Click Tools, then Internet Options
  
• Go to the General Tab, find and click on Temporary Internet files, then click Delete files,also delete your Cookies.
• If you are at school and need to delete files go to the
  C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp
• Do not enter sensitive information into a public computer.
• Keep in mind other people use these computer and could have installed sophisticated software on them to steal information.