New Computer Technologies and General Information

Microsoft “Longhorn”

The new operating system, scheduled to be on PC’s for the 2006 holiday season, boasts of all of the bells and whistles including fancy graphics and the ability to handle multiple video streams. The good news is that the new operating system will run on “older” computers (with at least 128 Meg of Memory). The bad news is that on machines with less than a 3.0GHz CPU and 512 Meg of Memory, it will probably perform like the current Windows XP. There are at least four different levels of graphics for the new Windows. Two of them--Aero and Aero Glass--will have new composite graphics, with the high-end Glass shell adding more three-dimensional effects and transitions. But, you’ll only be able to use the feature with a higher-end computer. As of yet, Microsoft has not released the final “Ready for Longhorn” hardware specifications.

Virus/Spyware Warning  & Updates

Instant Messaging the Latest Security Threat

A recent consortium reported that security attacks, through instant messaging services, have increased over 250 per cent in the first quarter of 2005. Among the other findings of the report is that more than 75 new threats on public IM and peer-to-peer computing networks were discovered in the first three months of this year. Since the popularity of Instant Messaging has increased over the past year, hackers have found it to be another port into your computer. There are a lot of programs to protect against virus and spyware attacks, but not many solutions available to protect your computer from attacks through any of the popular IM services like AOL, MSN, Windows, and Yahoo Messenger. Unfortunately, many users are leaving their IM sessions open when not using their computers. Until the potential security issues are resolved, it would be a good idea to close down your IM program when it isn’t being used.

Be Careful when Typing in “Google.com”

Computer security experts have uncovered a potential threat to users that mistype the web address of the popular search engine. Unsuspecting web surfers may be bombarded with various types of Trojan horse threats, spyware and backdoors. Google appears to have made moves to protect its users against mistyping errors. If a person puts an extra "o" in Google's URL, they are simply redirected to the company's homepage. On the other hand, if someone mistakenly adds a fourth "o" to Google, they are directed to USseek.com, a Web portal that offers pop-up advertising for an online casino. In any case, if a pop-up window ever appears in your browser, don’t use their “close window” or any other button to escape from the advertising. Use the “ALT+F4” combination or click on the upper right-hand “X” to close the window.

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.

 "Free" Software Downloads

There are many “free” programs that legitimate companies are offering in an attempt to get you to purchase or upgrade to their more robust version. However, most music download, casino, poker, coupon, and porn site software includes spyware that can track your Internet usage, install additional software, generate pop-up ads, and even “hi-jack” your web browser to make it go to where “they” want it to go. Please read the license agreement very carefully. Many of the “free’ downloads are intended for personal use, not corporate or business. When you download any software, perform a virus scan before installing it, install the program, restart your computer, and do a complete spyware scan.

RealAlternative (RealPlayer Replacement)

Real Network’s “RealPlayer” program borders on the line of software and spyware, installing lots of extras on your system and sending usage information. Unfortunately, most other media players can’t play Real Video or Real Audio files. RealAlternative integrates into Windows Media Player and allows you to play video and audio files without the fear of sharing information over the Internet. The download is available through the Major Geeks web site at:
( http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4094.html )

For links to other free software downloads, go to: ( http://www.1on1cc.com/downloads.htm ).

Tips & Tricks

Turn Off your Wireless Network

Most of the latest laptop computers have built-in wireless network cards and most have a switch to shut off the device. Why should you shut it off? Security really isn’t the issue. The problem can be the various applications that you might have installed which try to access their particular web site checking for updates. Many anti-virus, anti-spyware, finance, web browsers, and operating systems will automatically check for updates, if they “sense” a possible connection to the Internet. If you don’t plan on connecting to the Internet through your wireless card, then shutting it off will decrease the time it takes for your laptop to boot.

Windows XP Hacks to Increase Performance

Tech Republic (free registration required) offers a variety of “hacks” that you can make to your Windows XP operating system to speed up and increase performance of the operating system. As always, be very careful when making any changes to the system registry settings. Try the three links below:

( http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-6288-5634805.html?tag=nl.e415-3 )

( http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-6249-5659526.html?tag=nl.e415-3 )

( http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-10586-729266.html?tag=nl.e415-3 )

Google Maps

This is one of the fastest map programs on the Internet with a nice, clean look. Just type in an address, location, get directions, and even see a satellite view by clicking the upper right-hand link. Go to:
( http://maps.google.com/ )

For more computer Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
( http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )