Intel Working on Chip Level Protection
One of a number of future technologies shown off on the final day of the Intel Developer Conference was Automatic Network Outbreak Containment (formerly code-named Circuit Breaker). The software examines anomalies in packet traffic and, if a problem occurs, takes the workstation off the network. In 8,000 hours of tests, the technology has detected every known virus thrown at it, as well as the synthetic worms concocted in the lab. Proactive, or autonomic, computing has become one of the dominant themes for Intel's labs in the past five years. The goal is to develop machines that will detect problems--an open window, an overheating server, an overstuffed e-mail in-box that will take several hours to go through--and then fix them without human intervention.
Wind-up Computers?
Nicholas Negroponte, the co-founder of the Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, detailed specifications for a $100 windup-powered laptop targeted at children in developing nations. MIT and his nonprofit group, called “One Laptop Per Child”, is in discussions with five countries--Brazil, China, Thailand, Egypt and South Africa--to distribute up to 15 million test systems to children. In addition, Massachusetts is working with MIT on a plan to distribute the laptops to schoolchildren, Negroponte said. For more information, go to: http://www.index2005.dk/Members/tunysynu/workObject
Virus/Spyware Warning & Updates
eAnthology (Stop Sign Anti-Virus)
Recently, I’ve seen TV commercials for a “free’ download of eAnthology’s Stop Sign Anti-Virus software. Don’t be fooled, this is nothing but an attempt to load your computer with “spyware”. Not only will this program fill your computer with unwanted programs, it will help generate pop-up ads in whatever Internet Browser you are using.
Computer Associates is still offering a free download of their EZ Anti-Virus software with a renewable one year subscription. I have this software loaded on my laptop in place of Symantec’s Norton Anti-Virus product. EZ Anti-Virus takes up less memory and performs the same functions as other anti-virus software. You must register will a valid email address and will receive email offers from CA until you decide to “opt out”. For more information, go to: ( http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/Default.aspx )
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
XPepius
XPepius is a free
tools suite for tweaking, optimizing and tuning of Windows XP. It helps
you increase performance and manage your system using various tweaks and
utilities. In addition to the tweaks, the program also offers several
tools (Utilities) that include a Start-Up Manager, Uninstaller, Cleanup
Center (includes registry cleaner and track cleaner), Disk Cleanup, and
Designer XP.
Go to: (
http://www.geocities.com/xpepius/ )
Free Downloads for Windows Users
Although it was
originally listed as free add-ons for the Windows XP operating system,
you’ll find many products that work on other Windows operating systems.
Microsoft has put together this web site with links to free software
downloads in categories like Games, Music, Security, and etc. There are
over 30 sub-categories to choose from.
Go to: (
http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctid=119 )
Compu-Rx Software Suite
Vicki Garcia has put
together an application package of some very useful software that you’ve
seen here in past issues of the eNewsletter. She has put them together
in a convenient package to help you easily protect your PC, manage PC
maintenance, and Backup your valuable data.
Go to: (
http://www.compu-rx.com/computer-maintenance-package.htm ).
Caution: Downloaded software has the potential to install “spyware” software on your computer which can compromise your system security and decrease system performance. Always restart your computer and run an updated spyware removal program to check your system after installing any downloaded software.
For links to other free software downloads, go to: ( http://www.1on1cc.com/downloads.htm ).
80+ Key Board Shortcuts for MS Outlook
This handy,
three-page table lists more than 80 keyboard shortcuts and their
corresponding functions for Microsoft Outlook. Download and print this
time-saving document and post it near your keyboard for at-a-glance help
when you need to quickly send messages, schedule meetings, organize your
calendar, manage your contacts, and more.
Go to: (
http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-10877-5786466.html?tag=nl.e415
).
Ever Wonder What a Program Does?
Every one of us has received error messages related to some program running on our computer. Or, we’ve just wondered what a certain program does on our system. I found a web site that will give you that information. It can be helpful in determining if a program is performing a legitimate function or if it could be spyware or virus related. Go to: http://www.processlibrary.com/
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )