FCC Approves New Internet Phone Tax
The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to require all voice over Internet Protocol services that connect to the public-switched telephone network to contribute to the Universal Service Fund. The $7.3 billion fund subsidizes telephone service in rural and low-income areas. It also runs a controversy-plagued program called E-Rate that provides discounted Internet and phone service to schools and libraries. Right now, only telecommunications services, including wireless, pay-phone, traditional telephone and DSL providers, are required to contribute a fixed percentage of their long-distance revenue to the multibillion-dollar fund.Opera 9 Web Browser
Many people are looking for alternatives to Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape to browse the Internet. Opera 9 is the latest release of the web browser created by Norway’s largest telecom company. It boasts of many features including “tabbed browsing”, content blockers, pop-up blocker, fast forward browsing, and more. For more information and your free download, go to: ( http://www.opera.com )
You can perform a variety of on-line security checks by going to the One on One Computer Consultants Home page at: (http://www.1on1cc.com) and clicking on the link to Symantec Security Check. You can perform a Virus Check, Security Check, and/or Trace a Potential Attack on your computer system.
People are receiving a cell phone text message informing them that they have joined a dating web site and a charge of $2.00 will be added to their cell phone bill unless they go to the web site and unsubscribe. The unsuspecting person will try to be persuaded to download a program containing a Trojan virus. A variant of a program dubbed "Dumador" will be installed. It turns the computer into a "zombie," allowing it to be remotely controlled by the hackers. Your best bet is to ignore the text message and don’t go near the web site.
Spamhaus
Spamhaus tracks the Internet's Spammers, Spam Gangs and Spam Services, provides dependable real-time anti-spam protection for Internet networks, and works with Law Enforcement to identify and pursue spammers worldwide. Check out their top ten list of the worst spammers. You’ll be surprised at the “legitimate” companies (like Comcast) that have resorted to this under-handed process.
The Spamhaus Block List (SBL)
is a real-time database of IP addresses of
verified spam sources (including spammers, spam gangs and spam support
services), maintained by the Spamhaus Project team and supplied as a
free service to help email administrators better manage incoming email
streams. The
Exploits Block List
is a real-time database of IP addresses of illegal
3rd party exploits, including open proxies (HTTP, socks, AnalogX,
wingate, etc), worms/viruses with built-in spam engines, and other types
of trojan-horse exploits.
Go to: (
http://www.spamhaus.org )
What is the right Anti-Virus Software for You?
Unfortunately, there is a vicious cycle between computer hardware and software manufacturers. As computer hardware becomes more powerful with faster processors and more memory, software manufacturers are loading up their products with more and more features. As an end-user, it means that you can either update your existing anti-virus software subscription or install the latest version of their software. Most software companies are offering a “deal” if you upgrade to their latest version. But, before you consider it, make sure that you carefully read the “system requirements” for their product. They will usually list the minimum and suggested requirements. Whatever they list, add about 30% to the processor speed and memory. Most of the major anti-virus software is loaded with additional programs that load during startup. They offer more protection, but those added programs can bring an older operating system, or computer, to a grinding halt. My suggestion, if you’re satisfied with your current software, is just to update your subscription for another year.
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )