I’ve added a new Computers-Basics category that will be a catchall for all sorts of “what is a” articles and hopefully very simple how-to’s (the kind of things that will have some viewers rushing for the exits, or the search boxes…) One of the things I like trying to do is explaining tech stuff in less than tech terms, or at least in an approachable way. On this site, so far, I’ve dealt with pretty technical issues and the kind of stuff that has a new user searching for an exit (probably the x in the upper right hand corner, or the back button), or maybe a translator. I hope that this series will not need extra referencing to understand. I’ll probably post to this category in spurts….
Tag: computer
-
The press covering the WMF bug
It’s always a strange mix between comedy and frustration to see the main media outlets cover a tech news item. I usually wince and brace myself when I see any tv news outlet take on a computer issue and likewise when I read newspapers and non-tech publications take on anything of the sort. It’s kind of like movies that use extremely fake computers. Sometimes I think it’s because they’re trying to simplify things for the average viewer, but I usually find that approach somewhat condescending because I don’t think grown adults should be treated like little kids. Anyway, I digress… the coverage of this WMF exploit has been, well, interesting. There was…
-
Busy week
Well last week was technically my “vacation” from computer work…. it didn’t quite turn out that way, but I did enjoy what I got to do, although I would much rather the WMF exploit had not come about. The week is shaping up to be quite busy with regards to appointments, so I doubt you should expect as high a rate of posting as there was last week. I’ll do my best to continue to hit the highlights. Thanks for visiting.
-
WMF exploit testing on Windows 98
I had hoped to get in another test of Windows 98 with yet another WMF viewer (tried Kodak imaging, and irfanview). So far I haven’t seen a way that the WMF exploits can work on Windows 98 SE. I’m running out of time before I have to run to some computer service appointments and maybe will be able to pick up again this afternoon/evening. Larry Seltzer had a post this morning that earlier versions of Windows might not be as vulnerable because they had no default WMF viewer, but with a default WMF viewer they may be susceptible. I’m still looking for a WMF viewer that makes the exploit possible on Windows 98 SE.
-
Network Security guide for the home or small business network – intermission…
At this point I’ve exhausted all the topics on network and computer security that I was eager to cover. As things change/ ideas strike I may well add to this series. One direction I see it going is talking in detail about several network utilities and more advanced topics like looking into web site ownership, email header analysis, good topical books/etc.
-
Network Security guide for the home or small business network – Part 16 – Learn about the enemy
I remember I had a geography teacher once that was a former Marine and he said when he was growing up it was the height of the cold war and geography was interesting to him from a “know your enemy” point of view. That’s a good concept to apply to computer security and network security. This doesn’t mean you have to visit a bunch of blackhat sites (although I’ve known those that do) to monitor their activities.
-
Network Security guide for the home or small business network – Part 13 – Your own worst enemy
Once upon a time I did an article about the biggest computer security vulnerability ever. I’ve also passed along the old “the most dangerous part of a car is the nut behind the wheel” joke. If you haven’t got it yet, the computer user can be the “weakest link”. Let’s face it, you’ve got antivirus, a firewall, all the current windows updates, antispyware and a website pops up. The website looks like Windows security center and says you have a virus and need to get official antivirus software.
-
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
For those that read this I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have several posts scheduled to come out each day through the 1st of the New Year, but will likely not be adding to that unless something big happens. I’ll also be taking the week away from scheduled computer appointments. I’m one of those people that has a hard time setting tasks aside, but this time of year is usually the best opportunity for me to have a week away from the typical routine of chasing computer problems.
I hope that everyone will have an opportunity during this Holiday season to reflect on those things that are truly important which aren’t necessarily those same things that we spend everyday working with.
-
Disinfecting a PC… part 11
All in all, what I’ve documented was a bit over three hours worth of attention to the machine (much more for the full scans, but I didn’t have to stand and watch them.) I didn’t document a sidetrip to a second antivirus scanner. It’s nice to see a system cleaned up that had been so thoroughly infected. There are a couple other notes I should pass along though. When a system has been trojaned the BEST advice is to wipe the disc and reinstall from scratch. (Erase/reformate/install from scratch.)
-
Network Security guide for the home or small business network – Part 11 – Why?
Alright, so you’re still reading this series and you’re thinking. Look, I’m not protecting national security secrets. All I’m doing is (running a business|emailing my grandkids|using the web for research).
True, good point. You’re not at the defense department. OK. Let’s say you just use your computer for email and web browsing. That’s low priority stuff right? No sensitive information on your PC? Do you ever do banking online? Yes – then you should be concerned… No? You should still be concerned… here’s why…