Microsoft to Remove Music CD Copy Protection
Microsoft will update its security tools to detect and remove part of the copy protection tools installed on PCs when some music CDs are played. Microsoft engineers have determined that the "rootkit" piece of the XCP software on some Sony BMG Music Entertainment CDs can pose a security risk to Windows PCs. The Sony BMG software installs itself deeply inside a hard drive when a CD is played on a PC. The technology uses rootkit techniques to hide itself. According to Microsoft, the embedded software created to prevent illegal music copying and duplication can cause a security risk and leave open a “back door” for potential computer virus attacks.
Spyware – Definitions Vary
Now some companies are claiming that their software really isn’t spyware because it doesn’t fit their own definition of “spyware”. In my opinion, spyware is any program that loads at startup and connects to the internet without the user’s knowledge. Whether the purpose of the program is to update other installed software, monitor Internet usage, or gather marketing information doesn’t really matter. The software manufacturers should be notifying the end users of any programs that will be installed to run at startup. If not, what are they trying to hide? It seems more and more software manufacturers are taking advantage of the ability of Windows XP to handle true multitasking, while users of older operating systems (Windows 98/ME/NT) have to pay the price of decreased performance due to the amount of programs loading at startup, running in the background, and depleting the amount of available resources. If you do install new software, make sure to run a reliable spyware removal program after restarting your computer.
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.
This program works will all versions of Microsoft Windows. This utility shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Go to: http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html
Starter 5.6.1.45
This program works will all versions of Microsoft Windows. This utility is another auto start monitor that lists all the hidden registry entries as well as the common Startup Folder items. You can choose to safely disable selected entries, edit them or delete them altogether. Users can even add their own entries. The program will also list all the running processes with possibility to view extended process' information (such as used DLLs, memory usage, thread count, priorities etc.), and to terminate selected process. Go to: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/1066-starter.html
This program only works with Windows NT/2000/XP and allows you to view running processes and auto start programs. It also allows you to remove auto start programs that can be related to viruses and/or spyware. It will even notify you if another process is added to the auto start list.
Go to: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Autostart-and-Process-Viewer.shtml
Sending Jokes, Chain Letters, etc.
For some reason people fell almost obligated to forward jokes, chain letters, and other material to friends, family and co-workers. Unfortunately, not only is this unwanted and unproductive, it is potentially dangerous. Using the “To:” or “Forward:” options for email messages puts everyone’s email address at the mercy of the people on the email list. Computer Viruses (Trojans) and Spyware can “harvest” all of the email addresses and you’re soon added to a spam (unsolicited email) list. By simply opening Outlook Express, going to Tools, Add to Address Book, Everyone on the To List, you can harvest all of those unsuspecting email users and add them to your address book. If you can do it with a few clicks, then malicious software can do it without anyone knowing about it. If you feel compelled to send that joke, chain letter, or “the sky is falling” message to other people, use the “bbc:” option. That way, the email addresses aren’t sent to everyone with all that time to waste. By the way, don’t send any to me!
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
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http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )