New Computer Technologies and General Information

Windows VISTA Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Yeah, that’s right! Microsoft has finally admitted that it plans to release a test version (beta) of the first Service Pack for the new operating system. Due to be released in mid-September, the update will include performance tweaks lessening the amount of time to copy files, shut down and resume Vista, support for Secure Digital (SD) Advanced Direct Memory Access (DMA), improvements to battery on certain laptop computers, improvements to Internet Explorer 7 performance and speeding JavaScript parsing, and more. For an unofficial list of the updates, got to: ( http://www.vistasp1.net/ ).

Windows VISTA and McAfee (Bad Mix)

Consumers have reported problems with Microsoft’s new operating system and the “free” download of McAfee security software from cable providers like Comcast. The McAfee “splash” screen will appear every 4 minutes and 10 seconds and place an icon on the lower right task bar. You can manually close the icons, but soon the task bar will fill with the icons again, and the user won’t be able to see the other application icons. Evidently, McAfee is working on a solution, but the average home user might be happier with AVG Free edition anti-virus software.

Virus/Spyware/Spam Warning & Updates

Phishing Scam – Government Agencies

Identity thieves are no longer content to masquerade as banks and credit card companies. Now, they are sending out email messages claiming to be the Federal Trade Commission, the IRS and the Justice Department. These phishing websites often include attachments that install spyware that can capture personal information and send it to third parties over the Internet. According to the Treasury Department, the number of phishing Web sites jumped to 37,438 in May. To be on the safe side, never open any attachment until your updated anti-virus/spyware program has scanned it, and NEVER click on a link in an email message. Always copy the link and “paste” it into your browser.

Wi-Fi Hijacking

With the growing popularity of Wi-Fi Hot Spots, comes some potential security nightmares. At a recent seminar, a computer geek demonstrated how he could “hijack” a wireless signal, retrieve “cookies” and session IDs, and tap into a GMail (Google mail) account. This can happen with any Web 2.0 email application. The easiest way to protect against this possibility is to enable “Server to Client encryption”. You simply check a simple option to enable SSL and type a different port number for your POP3 (inbound) and SMTP (outbound) Mail Server settings. Many of the Internet Service Providers (ISP) offer the SSL option to customers. Instead of using the normal POP Port 110 and SMTP Port 25, they offer SSL security using POP Port 995 and SMTP Port 465 (AT&T DSL Settings). Check with your ISP for availability if you frequently use a wireless connection for your email.

For “free” on-line security scanning of your computer go to the bottom of the 1on1cc.com home page and select from a variety of providers.
Go to: ( www.1on1cc.com )

"Free" Software Downloads

CCleaner

This fast and powerful utility will effectively remove unused files from your system and free hard drive space. It will remove your Web Browser history and Temporary Internet files, Recycle Bin, Obsolete Registry entries, and third-party temp files. This is a very thorough cleaning tool, so make sure to create a System Restore Point or Backup your System Registry before using this program. I’ve haven’t experienced any problems with it, but it’s a good idea before using any “cleanup” utility.
Go to: ( http://www.ccleaner.com/ ).

AutoRuns for Windows v8.73

This utility will shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and the order in which Windows processes them. It works with all versions of Windows and you’ll be surprised at how many files are launched automatically. For more information and to download the utility, go to: ( http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/AutoRuns.mspx ).

Tips & Tricks

How to Tell if your Hard Disk is Failing

Over 60% of hard drive failures are mechanically related, with most caused by power issues. S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) enabled hard drives can report read/write retry attempts due to defective areas on the disk, head failure, or drive temperature problems. Many S.M.A.R.T. enabled drives can also report the number of times they have been turned on/off and even the number of hours the drive has been on. S.M.A.R.T. must be enabled through your motherboard BIOS, so make sure that it is turned on.

Noisy hard drives are a warning of problems, usually indicating a bearing defect. If your system “locks up” when trying to run system utilities like Disk Defragment, Scandisk, CHKDSK, or Disk Cleanup, then there could be hard drive issues. Many of the newer computer systems come with their own hard drive monitoring software, but you can also download “DiskCheckUp” from PassMark Software (Free for Personal Use).
Go to: ( http://www.passmark.com/products/diskcheckup.htm ).

Desktop Computers – Always On?

I have clients that ask about leaving their desktop computers on all the time. Well, it depends! Newer computers with newer hard drives include a hibernation feature that will slow down and even stop a hard drive from spinning after a certain amount of time. The biggest threat is a loss of power. If you’re not using a “Battery Backup” unit, sometimes referred to as an “Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)”, then you are taking chances with your data. A power outage can “crash” your hard disk drive and prevent easy access to your data files. Other than that, leaving your computer running is like leaving a 300 watt light bulb turned on. By the way, I have a “Battery Backup” and I still shut down my computer.

Be sure to visit the ( One on One Computer Web Site ) for more computer related information and valuable links to other web sites.